BCDs

A good BCD should feel comfortable, stable, and intuitive in the water. At Nanaimo Dive Outfitters, we carry a range of buoyancy control devices suited for everything from entry-level recreational diving to advanced technical and sidemount configurations. The right choice depends on how you dive now, and where you want your diving to go.

We work with trusted manufacturers including Oceanic, Hollis, OMS, XDEEP, and Halcyon, each offering proven designs with different strengths in fit, trim, and modularity.

If you’re unsure which BCD makes sense for your diving, our staff are always happy to walk you through the options. We also have select demo BCDs available so you can try different styles before committing.

Jacket-style BCDs

Jacket-style BCDs are what most divers learn on and remain a popular choice for recreational diving and training.

They offer:

• • A familiar, comfortable fit with air distributed around the torso
  • Simple operation and intuitive buoyancy control
  • Integrated weight systems on most models

These are commonly used in rental and instructional settings and are a solid option for new divers or those who prefer a traditional feel.

Back-inflate BCDs

Back-inflate BCDs move all buoyancy to the rear, eliminating squeeze around the sides while maintaining comfort and stability.

They’re well suited for:

• • Divers looking for better horizontal trim
  • Improved streamlining in the water
  • Recreational divers transitioning toward more advanced setups

Back-inflate designs often feel more balanced underwater while still being easy to use on the surface.

Backplate and Wing Systems

Backplate and wing systems take back-inflate concepts further with a fully modular, customizable approach.

These systems are ideal for:

• • Divers who want precise trim and stability
  • Cold-water diving with heavier exposure protection
  • Long-term flexibility as your diving evolves

Backplate and wing setups are commonly used by technical divers but are also an excellent choice for experienced recreational divers who want a clean, adaptable configuration.

Technical and Sidemount Options

For technical diving, we carry dedicated BCD solutions for:

• • Backmounted doubles
  • Sidemount diving
  • Stage and deco cylinder integration

These systems prioritize redundancy, durability, and precise control, and are best selected with guidance from experienced staff to match your training and dive goals.

If you’re planning future courses or upgrading your setup, we’re happy to help you choose a BCD that will grow with you rather than limit you later on.