Cressi BCDs for Scuba Diving | Buoyancy Compensators

Built for How You Dive

How do I choose the right BCD for my diving style?

Choosing the right BCD for your diving style depends on how you want buoyancy control to feel underwater. Jacket-style BCDs like the Cressi Start Pro 2.0 wrap support around the torso, a familiar setup most new divers find comfortable. Back-inflation BCDs like the Travelight keep the chest area clear and pack down small for travel, while wing-style systems like the Aquawing Max offer a sleeker, more streamlined profile. Whichever type you choose, the right BCD is the one that matches how and where you actually dive.

How do I maintain a BCD?

Caring for a BCD starts after every dive. Rinse it inside and out with fresh water, including the bladder, by partially inflating it and running water through the inflator hose before draining and rinsing again. Let it dry fully, while inflated, out of direct sunlight to protect the fabric and seams. Check the inflator, dump valves, and D-rings periodically for wear, and have it serviced professionally if you notice sticking valves or slow leaks. Regular rinsing is the biggest factor in how long a BCD lasts.
How much lift capacity do I need in a BCD?

Lift capacity is how much buoyancy a BCD can provide, and the right amount depends on your gear, exposure suit, and dive environment. Generally, aim for a BCD that can lift the combined weight of your tank, weights, and any air trapped in a thick exposure suit, typically 25 to 40 pounds for warm-water single-tank diving, more for cold water or heavier gear. Cressi BCDs like the Commander Evo, built for higher lift, and the Travelight, sized for lighter travel loads, show how that range shifts by use.