The Best BCD for Beginners: Our Top Picks in 2025

If you’re hunting for the best BCD for beginners to level up your diving experience, you’ve landed in the right spot.

BCDs are one of the most essential pieces of equipment and picking the right one can make or break your entire dive.

Whether you’re a vacation diver or an aspiring future instructor, we’ve got the details on our top picks that you can check out today.

So, let’s not waste anymore time and get into it!

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Quick Comparison

Before we get into the depths, here’s a quick look at how our top picks stack up. Peek at the table below to see if any catch your attention, then dive into the full reviews for all the spicy details. Click those links if you see something you like!

BCD	Body Design	Lift Capacity	Weight Integration	Pockets	Material
Cressi Start	Jacket Style	29.2 – 50.6 lbs	None	(2) Hook & Loop Closures	1000 & 500 Denier Cordura
TUSA Liberator Sigma II	Jacket Style	18 – 40.5 lbs	A.W.L.S.	(2) Zippered	500-Cordura Nylon
Mares Prestige SLS	Jacket Style	24 – 38 lbs	SLS	(2) 3-D Zippered Self-Draining	Cordura 420
Zeagle Scout	Back Inflation	24 lbs	Rear Mount Weight System	(2) Zippered Utility	1000 Denier Cordura
Aqualung Wave	Jacket Style	18 – 55 lbs	None	(2) Zippered Utility	ResisteK

Cressi Start

The Cressi Start was designed primarily as a rental BC for resorts and dive school. You know what that means? It was designed to handle a beating and you can be sure it’ll last you until you’re ready to upgrade (or probably forever).

Its bullet-proof construction consists of using 1000 Denier Cordura on the outside panel and 500 Denier on the inside. Cordura is more resistant to erosion caused by long-term friction and extends the duration of the weldings, as it is harder than Nylon.

The design is simple yet functional. The BCD streamlines by giving you just the necessities, which unfortunately means it doesn’t have an integrated weight system. Its waist strap is independent of the air bladder and cummerbund to prevent constriction while the jacket is inflated and it even includes a safety strap to anchor the jacket to the valve.

Our favorite feature, though, is probably the built-in gauge and octopus holders. We all know how important trim is when diving and having these hoses out of the way will ensure you have drag equivalent to a race car.

Size	Buoyancy (lbs)	Buoyancy (kg)
XS	29.2 lbs	13.3 kg
S	31.5 lbs	14.3 kg
M	42.7 lbs	19.4 kg
L	50.6 lbs	22.9 kg
XL	50.6 lbs	22.9 kg

Click the link to see what all the hype is about!

TUSA Liberator Sigma II

The TUSA Liberator Sigma II is a heavy-duty, wrap-around jacket style BCD that utilizes TUSA’s Advanced Weight Loading System (A.W.L.S.) and Ultimate Stabilizing Harness (U.S.H.).

A.W.L.S. is a single-locking, integrated weight system that lets you to quickly and easily secure your weight pockets. You insert weights into the weight-cartridges and load them easily into the front of the BC jacket. The weight cartridges can hold 8 – 10 lbs each. There are also two rear trim pockets that can hold up to 4 lbs.

U.S.H. completely eliminates tank roll and delivers an amazing fit. It holds the air cylinder in place with optimally located rails and brings the tank closer to your body, increasing tank control while reducing weight. You’ll be securing the tank to the BCD using the RITETITE buckle, a two-position cam strap that lets you adjust quickly and easily.

Aside from all the fancy-named designs, TUSA has also included an adjustable sternum strap for maximum comfort and an adjustable shoulder harness system with the rear stabilizing plate and cummerbund to effectively unload the hips while giving you a snug fit.

Of course, we can’t forget that buoyancy is controlled using TUSA’s patented Over Pressure Exhaust Valve (O.P.E.V.) Quick Inflate/Deflate System, which immediately responds to your input.

Size	Buoyancy (lbs)	Buoyancy (kg)
XS	18.0 lbs	8.2 kg
S	20.2 lbs	9.2 kg
M	27.0 lbs	12.2 kg
L	33.7 lbs	15.3 kg
XL	40.5 lbs	18.4 kg

Click the link to learn more!

Mares Prestige SLS

The Mares Prestige SLS incorporates all of Mares’ experience and technology into one top-of-the-range product. It was designed to meet the needs of divers who don’t accept compromises.

The company perfected the fit with a specific analysis of the chest and shoulder areas. The result is a BCD with unprecedented ergonomic comfort, thanks mainly to the rotating buckles on the shoulder straps. This feature makes it easier to adjust the jacket to your body.

The BCD is made from 420 Denier Cordura, a very light material with excellent resistance to tears and abrasions. It’s also extremely low weight at just 8.6 lbs for the XL size. This makes it an ideal jacket to take with you on your overseas dive adventures.

The highlight of the BCD is definitely the integrated weight system. Mares calls this the Slide and Lock System (SLS). It features a more stable ballast retention, increased sealing surfaces, active mechanical locking system, quick release mechanism, guide tunnel for easier insertion, and visual feedback for correct insertion. XXS, XS, and S can hold 9 lbs of weights. M, L, and XL can hold 13 lbs weights.

Size	Buoyancy (lbs)	Buoyancy (kg)
XXS	24.0 lbs	10.8 kg
XS	27.0 lbs	12.2 kg
S	30.0 lbs	13.8 kg
M	35.0 lbs	16.0 kg
L	38.0 lbs	18.3 kg
XL	45.0 lbs	20.5 kg

Click the link to get yours!

Zeagle Scout

The Zeagle Scout mixes exceptional value with the company’s legendary quality. The BCD gives you sturdy, lightweight performance on every dive. With a low-profile single bladder, an elastic retractor, and an elastic waist closure, the BCD was built with a minimalist aesthetic in mind.

This is Zeagle’s lightest BCD on their roster, weighing in at just 6.7 lbs. Its the ideal basic travel system with minimal weight and bulk. Zeagle didn’t skimp on durability and manufactured this BCD with 1000-Denier Nylon. You’re sure to get years of use out of this thing.

The jacket uses a rear mount weight system that’s compatible with up to 16 lbs of weights. Important to note, these weights are not dumpable. We’d suggest wearing a weight belt instead.

One of the coolest things about Zeagle BCDs is their Bx Power Inflator System. This helps big time with rinsing out the bladder. Just unscrew the Bx coupler, attach a garden hose, turn on the water and you’re good to go.

Size	Buoyancy (lbs)	Buoyancy (kg)
XS	24.0 lbs	10.9 kg
S	24.0 lbs	10.9 kg
M	24.0 lbs	10.9 kg
L	24.0 lbs	10.9 kg
XL	24.0 lbs	10.9 kg

The table above wasn’t a typo. The Scout has the same lift capacity for all sizes.

Click the link below to check it out!

Aqualung Wave

The Aqualung Wave is an entry-level, wrap-around, jacket-style BCD that has a sweet new look. The company designed its new yellow color for better visibility underwater.

The BCD looks good and will stay that way, thanks to Aqualungs new, technologically advanced ResisteK material. This material is resistant to fading and abrasion in salt water and chlorine. Aqualung has also included two stainless steel D-rings.

The jacket features a built-in handle that makes it easy to carry, an adjustable sliding chest strap that can be raised or lowered on a rail system, and an adjustable waistband to accommodate a wide range of sizes. This BCD also comes in a huge range of sizes from 3XS to XL.

Last but not least, you know we’re a fan of octo pockets and this jacket has three of them. This gives you versatile, functional stowage that suits your preferences. Our personal favorite is the octo sleeve that’s on the right shoulder strap.

There is no integrated weight system on this BCD.

Size	Buoyancy (lbs)	Buoyancy (kg)
3XS	18.0 lbs	8.2 kg
2XS	18.0 lbs	8.2 kg
XS	24.0 lbs	10.9 kg
S	27.0 lbs	12.2 kg
M	29.0 lbs	13.2 kg
ML	33.0 lbs	15.0 kg
L	44.0 lbs	20.0 kg
XL	55.0 lbs	24.9 kg

Click the link to find your size!

Wrapping Up

There you have it. Five of the best BCD for beginners, each with its own perks.

Whether you’re fresh out of your PADI class, a seasoned diver, or just want something sleek for your setup, there’s something here for you.

• Cressi Start: The minimalist BCD for budget-conscious divers.
• TUSA Liberator Sigma II: The budget option with an integrated weight system.
• Mares Prestige SLS: The all-rounder that’s great for any diver.
• Zeagle Scout: The only back-inflated option on this list for those that specifically want it.
• Aqualung Wave: For divers that want a perfect fit.

So, what are you waiting for? Check out those links, snag your favorite, and get ready to dive in style!

Why Are These BCDs Good For Beginners?

Jacket-Style Design: Most of these BCDs are a traditional jacket-style. Jacket BCDs distribute air around your torso, which makes it easy to stay upright and stable on the surface. We also included a back-inflated option for those that are interested.

Integrated Weight Systems: Most of these BCDs have integrated weight pockets. This feature is a significant convenience for beginners, as it streamlines the diver and makes it easier to manage weights. We’ve also included a couple non-integrated BCDs for those that prefer to dive with weight belts.

Durability: Many of these BCDs are built like “rental fleet” gear, rugged and durable. This means they can take a beating and last for years, which is a great value for a first piece of equipment.

Simplicity: These BCDs have a straightforward design with easy-to-reach dump valves and intuitive inflator mechanisms. This reduces the learning curve and allows you to focus on your diving skills rather than the gear.

Comfort and Fit: A comfortable fit is paramount for a beginner. These BCDs feature padded shoulders, adjustable straps, and wide cummerbunds to ensure a snug and secure fit that prevents shifting and chafing underwater.

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