Jacket & Back-Inflate

What to look for in a jacket or back-inflate BCD

Frequently asked questions

Which BCD style is best for a new diver?

For most new divers, a jacket-style BCD is the recommended starting point. The bladder distributes air around your sides and back, which keeps you comfortably upright at the surface with your head naturally clear of the water — important when you are learning to manage your gear at the surface. The jacket style is also the most familiar from dive courses and rental gear, so there is very little adjustment period. As you develop your buoyancy skills and body position underwater, you may find a back-inflate or wing and backplate system suits you better — but the jacket style is the most forgiving while you are learning. When purchasing your own BCD, we recommend renting a few different styles so that you can figure out what you like and don't like.

What is the difference between a men's and women's BCD?

Women's BCDs are designed around the proportions of a female body — shorter torso length, narrower shoulders, and contouring around the chest and hips. On a standard unisex BCD, female divers often find the shoulder straps sit too wide, the torso is too long, and the waist cummerbund does not wrap at the right point on the body. A women's-specific BCD addresses all of these fit points, resulting in a more secure and comfortable experience. It is not simply a smaller version of the men's model — it is a different cut entirely.

How do I know what size BCD to buy?

BCD sizing is primarily based on chest circumference measured under the armpits around the fullest part of the chest. Measure in centimetres or inches and compare to the manufacturer's size chart on each product page — sizing varies between brands and models. A BCD that is too large will move around on your back and make surface management difficult. One that is too small will restrict your breathing when the bladder is fully inflated. If you are between sizes, try both if possible — we offer in-store sizing at our Edmonton location.

Can I add more weight pockets or D-rings to my BCD?

Some BCDs — particularly modular designs like the Scubapro Hydros Pro — are designed with an accessory ecosystem of add-on pockets, D-ring plates, thigh pockets, and bungee attachment points that mount directly to the BCD. Standard jacket BCDs have less flexibility for add-ons, though aftermarket weight pouches can be attached to tank cam bands or harness webbing. If you anticipate wanting to expand your configuration over time, a BCD with a modular accessory system is worth the investment. We carry a full range of BCD parts and accessories.