The best buoyancy compensators for 2020

The buoyancy control system is a must-have item for scuba divers and divers. It regulates the buoyancy that changes as you descend to depth and ascend to the surface. For comfortable and safe diving, it is important to understand how to choose the right device. The editorial staff of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" offers you an overview of the best buoyancy compensators for 2020.

Design features

The product includes the following components:

• air chamber;
• an inflator is a buoyancy control unit, its components are a control panel and a corrugated connecting hose;
• safety valve, the purpose of which is emergency air release;
• cylinder fastening system;
• half rings and carabiners for additional equipment (video camera, photo camera, flashlight, various sensors);
• belts for attaching the expansion joint to the scuba diver's body.

What are the buoyancy compensators

Before deciding which expansion joint is better to buy, you need to understand the product classification. There are the following types of underwater equipment:

• Breastplate. This is a classic type of equipment characterized by simplicity and reliability. Unlike models with a scuba attachment function, such a device does not experience heavy loads. The design is suitable for resting on the surface, but for scuba diving this option is inconvenient due to limited head mobility and a narrowing of the diver's field of view.
• Vest. This is the most common model fitted with adjustable or inflatable shoulder straps. The equipment fits the body tightly, does not constrain movements and almost does not shift the diver's center of buoyancy. In products with inflatable belts, air moves freely inside the device, keeping the swimmer on the water surface. Adjustable straps make it easy to put on, don, and customize your gear. The only drawback of this design is that when choosing, it is necessary to take into account the physiological characteristics of the diver, for example, it will not work for a person with a large belly or large chest.
• "Wing". In these models, the air chamber is located on the back and has a large volume, which provides the diver with the greatest possible buoyancy. The equipment is widely used for long and deep dives, but it is not suitable for rest on the surface, as it tilts the human body forward.

Selection recommendations

The modern market offers a wide range of products for water sports: popular models and new items, expensive and budget samples. The average price of equipment is quite high, so you need to choose it wisely.Many divers, especially beginners, do not know what to look for and are guided solely by the price and appearance of the product. Of course, the question of how much the equipment costs is important, however, in order to avoid mistakes when choosing, it is necessary to take into account many parameters and characteristics of the compensator. There are the following main selection criteria:

• Chamber material. Most of the models are made of high-strength nylon with a density of 250 to 1000 DEN with an inner polyurethane coating. For beginner divers, equipment made of thin material is quite suitable, it is lightweight and easy to use. Technical diving requires dense and heavy equipment that can withstand significant loads.
• Lifting force. This characteristic depends on the capacity of the air chamber of the product. For diving in warm water, a thin wetsuit (3-5 mm) is usually used, in such cases a model with a small volume (12-15 liters) is suitable. For diving to great depths, diving in cold water and lifting heavy objects from the bottom, you will need equipment with a volumetric chamber (from 18 liters and above). The larger the equipment capacity, the easier it is to control buoyancy.
• Availability of accessories. Comfort and ease of use depend on the number of additional devices. D-rings and pockets allow the diver to carry a knife, video camera, flashlight and other useful items. Adjustable shoulder straps and quick-release locks make it easy to customize your gear to fit your body.
• Quality, convenience and safety. To make sure that there are no defects, you need to inflate and try on the equipment before buying: it should not squeeze the body and make breathing difficult. It is worth paying attention to the location and quality of the fasteners. An important point - the buttons of the inflator should be easily accessible. You should also assess the maintainability of the product: ergonomics of the design, ease of removal of individual elements, the ability to replace some parts with others.

Tips for use, care and storage

• Read the instructions and precautions before using the compensator.
• The product needs regular service. Its most vulnerable parts are the inflator and air relief valves.
• Before each dive, it is necessary to check the equipment: buttons of the inflator, fasteners, the integrity of the chamber. All elements must be in good working order and work like clockwork. It is best to cross check with a dive partner. If the compensator does not function properly, it is prohibited to use it.
• After diving in dirty, salt or chlorinated water, thoroughly rinse the product, especially the inside of the valves and the chamber.
• It is necessary to dry and store the equipment in a slightly inflated state. Do not allow direct sunlight to hit it and dry it on a heater.

Top manufacturers

Before making a purchase, you need to figure out which products of which company have proven themselves better than others in the consumer environment. Here are some reliable manufacturers whose products have a high rating and the best reviews.

• Aqua Lung is a French company founded back in 1943 by Jacques-Yves Cousteau and Jean Delorme. It is currently the world's leading manufacturer of diving equipment with several brands: Aqua Lung, Apeks, OmerSub, Technisub, Sea Quest, Aqua Sphere, Apeks, Whites, Deep Sea and OmerSub. The brand's products are consistently included in any rating for quality diving products.
• SCUBAPRO is an American brand that has existed since 1963. According to many buyers, the company's products are cult, the popularity of SCUBAPRO models is due not only to excellent quality, but also to high-class service. The firm gives a lifetime warranty for some of its products. The company currently operates in 17 countries on 4 continents, and most of its employees are fond of diving themselves.
• TUSA is a Japanese company founded in 1952. It manufactures sporting goods, including diving equipment and parts. The company has enterprises all over the world: in Germany, USA, Australia, the Netherlands.TUSA products are designed and manufactured in accordance with ISO 9001 international quality standards, using the latest technologies and materials, and undergo rigorous testing.
• MARES is an Italian manufacturer of diving and spearfishing equipment that has existed since 1949 and has offices in more than 50 countries. The company pays significant attention to innovative technologies and developments. The product range is varied, including both inexpensive and premium items. Connoisseurs of the brand are both professional divers and beginners.

The best buoyancy compensators for 2020

For the gun

Pelengas for air guns with 30-32mm receiver

This attachment is not only suitable for a gun, but also for attaching a flashlight. The product has a cellular structure, it is resistant to moisture, ultraviolet rays and temperature extremes.

Cost: 450 rubles.

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SCORPENA for pneumatic 50-55 cm

The product is made of 7mm neoprene covered with black nylon on the outside. It not only significantly increases the buoyancy of the gun, but also performs a protective function, protecting the barrel from scratches when dropped. This is especially true when hunting on rocky shores in strong waves.

Cost: 477 rubles.

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Sargan Thor for RD2.0 airguns neoprene 7 mm, 26 cm

The model is ideal for a spear gun of 50 - 60 cm in size. After firing, the weapon gains positive buoyancy, which makes it easier to find.

Cost: 548 rubles.

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With an integrated cargo system

This type of equipment is a design with pockets for weights that can be quickly dropped if needed. The obvious advantages of these models are a high level of safety and improved weight distribution.

BCD Go SCUBAPRO

The vest with an integrated weight system is great for diving divers. When folded, it takes up no more space than an ordinary towel. The model is equipped with large D-rings, mesh pockets, knife compartment and lightweight shoulder straps. Material: Nylon 210 DEN. Weight in size L: 1.9 kg. Lifting force: 15.3 kg. Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL. Warranty: 1 year.

Cost: 37,060 rubles.

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BCD Pro HD AQUA LUNG (Black / Blue)

Vest made of CORDURA 500 DEN nylon. The model has 5 steel D-rings, 2 spacious zipped pockets, a comfortable handle and an octopus pocket. Equipped with Sure Lock 2's proprietary cargo system. Ideal for water recreation, suitable for both beginners and professionals. Weight: about 2.7 kg. Lifting force: 20 kg. Sizes: XS, S, M, ML, L, XL. Warranty: 1 year.

Cost: 40,500 rubles.

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Compensator TUSA CONQUEST II

Brand product made in Japan with an improved weight pocket system. The model has 4 bleed valves, 8 D-rings (4 plastic and 4 steel), 2 zippered pockets, a whistle, a knife holder. Material: Nylon 840 / 420DEN. Weight: 5.17 kg. Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL.

Cost: 46,500 rubles.

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Women's buoyancy compensator vest Aqua Lung Soul

A classic model for women with a traditional inflator, combining the advantages of a wing and a vest. The equipment is equipped with an integrated cargo system Sure Lock 2, has a pocket for an octopus, a holder for a knife, 4 D-rings (3 steel and 1 plastic), a hole for a console. The design allows the high pressure hose to be routed inside the product, which minimizes the risk of it catching on underwater objects. Material: Cordura 500 DEN. Lifting force: 14 kg. Sizes: XS / S, M, ML.

Price: 46800 rubles

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For use with twin

A spark is two identical balloons with a breathing mixture fastened together. Such equipment is used for long and deep dives, as well as for exploring caves.

Wing Apeks Wtx-d60

Attachment for use with twin, additional installation of the band is possible. Material: Cordura 1000 DEN with polyurethane coating (0.2 mm). Weight: 2.1 kg. Lifting force: 27 kg.

Cost: 36360 rubles.

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Buoyancy control system Seahawk SCUBAPRO

Wing-shaped model, suitable for advanced divers and instructors, can be used with a twin. The equipment is made of dense nylon (inner wall - 420 DEN, outer - 1000 DEN). The product has 6 D-rings, 2 side and 2 back pockets, a slot for attaching a knife. Weight: 3.72 kg. Lifting force: 24.4 kg. Sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL.

Cost: 49260 rubles.

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Apeks Black Ice Wing

The model is available in only three sizes, but the wide range of strap length adjustment allows it to fit almost any shape: size M can be converted to S, L to ML, XL to XXL. The product has 5 steel D-rings, additional balancing pockets, elastic bandage, knife holder, improved Grip Lock balloon strap. Chamber material: 840 DEN nylon. Weight: 4.3 kg. Lifting force: 24 kg.

Cost: 70,200 rubles.

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BC Hydros Pro, male SCUBAPRO

This is a fundamentally new model made of monoprene, which does not absorb water. The design is highly adjustable and can be easily adjusted to fit any shape. It has a balanced inflator and a reliable cylinder locking system. The equipment is delivered in a backpack, in which, in addition to the compensator, you can also put a 3 mm wetsuit and Scubapro Travel Go fins. Weight in size L: 5.43 kg. Lifting force: 18.1 kg. Sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL.

Cost: 79,930 rubles.

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With bandage

The bandage system makes it easier to deflate the equipment and makes it more compact when inflated. This is especially true for models with a large chamber volume.

BCD-wing Apeks Wtx-d30

Compact and lightweight single-cylinder model made of 1000 DEN Cordura. The equipment is suitable for technical diving and spearfishing. The inner band kit is optional. Weight: 1.873 kg. Lifting force in size M: 14 kg.

Cost: 34,200 rubles.

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BCD Litehawk SCUBAPRO

This model is the best compensator according to the readers of the Scubalab diving magazine. The equipment is ideal for travel due to its lightness and compactness. The vest has 3 air release valves to control buoyancy in any position. Buckles on cargo pockets allow you to quickly remove cargo from them. In addition, they can be turned over, resulting in a dumpable cargo system. Material: 420 DEN nylon. Weight in size L: 2.67 kg. Lifting force: 13.2 kg. Sizes: M, L, XS, S, XL, XXL.

Cost: 37380 rubles.

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Buoyancy control system Hydros Pro, female SCUBAPRO

Wing-shaped model for women, taking into account the anatomical features of the figure. It is made of durable and lightweight Monpren material that does not absorb moisture and remains virtually dry after getting out of the water. The design allows you to easily and quickly remove or add elements: additional pockets, strap, weight system. Weight in size L: 5.43 kg. Lifting force: 15.9 kg. Sizes: XS, S, M, L. Warranty - 1 year.

Cost: 79,930 rubles.

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The buoyancy compensator is the main element of a diver's outfit and should be taken seriously. It is important not only to choose your gear, but also to decide where to buy it. Nowadays, any product can be ordered online without any problems. Buying in an online store gives you the opportunity to study the description and photos of goods, as well as read consumer reviews. If you have experience in using the expansion joints presented in the review, or other models, tell us about it in the comments.