All you need to know about the Aqualung Pearl BCD: Standout Features
The Aqualung Pearl stands out for its fit, comfort, and design tailored to women divers. It blends performance features with practical details that make it easy to use in different diving conditions.
Hybrid Jacket and Back Inflation
The Pearl combines the best of both worlds. At the surface, it gives you solid floatation like a jacket-style BCD. Underwater, the back inflation keeps you streamlined, helping reduce drag while you move through the water.
SureLock II Weight Integration
Weights slide into the locking system with a reassuring click. One quick pull releases them if you need to ditch in an emergency. This system is intuitive and adds confidence for divers at any level.
Women’s-Specific Fit
The shoulder straps curve naturally and the waistband sits higher than on unisex BCDs. This design avoids squeezing at the hips or chest and creates a more natural fit for women. It feels secure without being restrictive.
Durable Materials
The outer shell uses 500D Armor Cordura, while the inner bladder is made from urethane-coated 420D nylon. These materials resist wear and hold up well to repeated use in saltwater.
Multiple Adjustment Points
With torso adjustment straps, a sliding waistband, and padded backpack support, the Pearl adapts to different body shapes and diving setups. It’s easy to dial in a snug, comfortable fit that stays consistent throughout the dive.
Aqualung Pearl: Manufacturer's Specification
BCD Type: | Hybrid |
Lift Capacity (Size Medium): | Approx. 30 lbs (13.6 kg) |
Weight Integrated: | Yes |
Weight Capacity (Size Medium): | 20 lbs (9 kg) + 10 lbs (4.5 kg) trim pockets |
Trim Pockets: |
|
Dump Valves: | 3 (upper and lower pull-dumps plus inflator hose dump) |
Materials: | Outer shell 500D Armor Cordura, inner bladder 420D urethane-coated nylon |
Number of Pockets: | 2 large zippered utility pockets |
Number Of D-rings: | 4 stainless steel D-rings |
Activity: | Recreational |
Our Rating: Aqualung Pearl Review
Overall Score
4.1/5
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4.5
Fit and Comfort
The Pearl is built with women divers in mind. The curved shoulder straps and adjustable waistband give a snug fit without pinching. Padding along the back adds comfort, especially on long dive days. Divers often mention how natural it feels compared to standard unisex BCDs.
4.0
Buoyancy & Performance
The hybrid inflation system balances surface floatation with underwater streamlining. It holds you upright on the surface and keeps you stable at depth. Trim pockets let you fine-tune weight distribution, helping with better balance underwater.
4.0
Build Quality & Durability
The use of 500D Armor Cordura and 420D urethane-coated nylon makes it strong enough for repeated use in saltwater. Stitching and hardware feel solid, and with proper care it handles years of regular diving.
4.0
Storage & Features
Two large zippered utility pockets hold accessories, while stainless steel D-rings give solid clipping points for gear. The SureLock II weight integration system is reliable and easy to use. Trim pockets at the back are a nice bonus for divers who like balanced weighting.
4.0
Value for Money
The Pearl sits in the mid-price range. For divers who want a BCD designed specifically for women, the fit and comfort justify the cost. It’s a strong choice for recreational divers who dive regularly and want something durable and easy to use.
What We Like:
✅ Women’s-Specific Fit
The Pearl is designed for female divers, with curved shoulder straps and a waistband positioned higher than standard BCDs. This design reduces pressure points and creates a more natural, secure fit that stays comfortable throughout the dive.✅ Reliable Weight Integration
The SureLock II weight system is one of the most secure and intuitive weight-release systems. Weights slide in easily and lock with a click. In an emergency, a single pull releases them quickly. This adds confidence and makes setup simple.✅ Balanced Hybrid Design
The hybrid inflation combines jacket and back inflation benefits. At the surface, you stay upright and stable. Underwater, the back inflation keeps you streamlined and improves trim control. It’s a versatile setup for different dive conditions.✅ Durable Construction
With a 500D Armor Cordura outer shell and a 420D urethane-coated inner bladder, the Pearl is built for long-term use. The rugged materials stand up well to saltwater and repeated diving. Divers who care for their gear can expect many seasons of reliable performance.What We Don't Like:
❌ Mid-Range Lift Capacity
The lift capacity for the medium size is about 30 lbs. This is adequate for most recreational diving, but divers who use heavy gear, thick wetsuits, or cold-water setups may find it limiting compared to higher-capacity BCDs.❌ Moderate Travel Bulk
Although not the heaviest BCD, the Pearl isn’t as compact as some travel-specific models. Divers who travel often may find it a bit bulky to pack compared to ultra-light BCDs designed for portability.The Verdict
The Aqualung Pearl delivers comfort and stability in a package designed specifically for women divers. Its hybrid design offers the security of a jacket with the streamlined feel of back inflation, making it versatile in different dive conditions.
The SureLock II weight system is reliable and easy to use, while the durable materials stand up well to repeated use. Storage and lift capacity are adequate for most recreational divers, though not as generous as some alternatives.
This BCD is best suited for women who want a secure, tailored fit and a balance of comfort and performance. It’s a solid choice for recreational diving and travel, especially for those who value fit and ease of use over maximum storage or lift.
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Aqualung Pearl: FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it can be used for travel, but it’s not as compact as dedicated travel BCDs. If you travel often and want to save space, you may prefer a lighter model.
The Pearl is ideal for recreational diving. Its hybrid design offers good stability for warm and moderate water conditions, making it versatile for most everyday dive environments
It can handle moderate cold-water setups, but its mid-range lift capacity may not be enough for heavy gear or drysuit diving. Divers in those conditions may need a higher-capacity BCD.
Have you tried the Aqualung PearlBCD? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below! Happy diving!
Aqualung Pearl BCD
Discover the Aqualung Pearl BCD, designed for women divers. See its features, specs, pros, and performance in this 2025 review.
Product Brand: Aqualung
4.1
Pros
- Women’s-specific fit
- Reliable SureLock II weight system
- Balanced hybrid design
- Durable construction
Cons
- Mid-range lift capacity
- Moderate travel bulk