Jacket / Rec BCs/BCDs

Full-jacket or vest buoyancy control devices (BCDs), have the bladder wrapping around the sides of the diver. This is the type of BCD used by the majority of recreational divers. Many new divers, and divers familiar with full-jacket BCDs, prefer the feel of the bladder inflating and pushing against them.

We prefer Rear Inflation BCDs, which we think provide a better solution, especially for those who regularly do both recreational and technical diving. The rear/back bladder of rear inflation BCDs make them a crossover between a full-jacket style BCD and the harness and wing style BCD most often used by technical divers. With rear inflation jacket BCDs, divers used to a recreational jacket style BCD can get closer to the added benefits of better trim and stability a rear inflation harness and wing BCD provides.

For information about BCD features please read our advice on choosing the right BCD for you in our Trusted Advice section.