The Cressi Start Pro 2.0 is a great jacket-style entry-level BCD that is designed for fairly basic recreational diving needs. It is low-cost and very affordable, yet it still features a high level of durability, comfort, and adjustability you would expect for a top of the line BCD.
In this review, you are going to find out why this BCD would be a great choice as your first BCD, as well as what we liked and didn’t like.
Manufacture: Cressi.com
Our Score:
Summary:
Cressi designed this entry-level jacket-style scuba BCD with the rental market in mind. The result is an affordable, rugged, and simple to use BCD that any beginner divers can appreciate. Seasoned divers looking for a budget-friendly option will also enjoy the stability of a jacket style BC and the convenience of the weight integration system.
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Cressi Start Pro 2.0 BCD Review Video
Key Features and Benefits :
Durable Construction
The Cressi Start Pro 2.0 is designed for the rental market and tough as nails. It’s made with 1000 denier Cordura® on the outside and 500 deniers on the insider layer. This dual-layer of nylon Cordura® is extremely resistant to erosion, abrasion, and general wear and tear. However, it is susceptible to fading from UV light and chemicals.
3 Exaust Valves
The Cressi Start Pro 2.0 BCD features three separate exhaust valves, so air can be expelled in various directions for quick and effective release. It’s great for multi-positional buoyancy adjustments, plus there are two pull cords so all of them can be dumped at a moment’s notice.
Comfortable Secure Fit
The Cressi Start Pro 2.0 BCD features lightly padded and lightweight shoulder, chest, and waist straps, so you can wear this unit in comfort, while also being able to adjust all of the straps to get a tight and secure fit.
Weight Integrated
What’s also worth mentioning is that the Cressi Start Pro 2.0 BCD also comes complete with weight pouches designed to hold up to 20 pounds of weights.
Specs
BCD Type | Jacket-Style |
Lift Capacity | 33.7lbs/15.29kg Size:MD |
Weight Integrated | Yes |
Weight Capacity | 20lbs/9kg |
Valves | 3 |
Number of Pockets | 2 |
Pocket type | Zipper Closure |
Number of D Ring | 4 (Plastic) |
Trim Pocket | No |
How Does It Stack Up?
Durability
It’s an overall durable BCD, but it doesn’t do great with a lot of sunlight or harsh chemicals.
Functionality
Except for the fact that it doesn’t perform too well for cold water diving, it’s a functional and easy to use BCD.
Comfort
The Cressi Start Pro 2.0 BCD is lightweight and highly adjustable, about as comfortable as it gets.
Price
The Cressi Start Pro 2.0 is perfect for beginners looking for an affordable system. Great value for the money
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What We Like
We like the fact that the Cressi Start Pro 2.0 BCD is an overall high-quality, functional, and durable unit, yet it doesn’t cost a fortune. It’s a nice starter BCD, ideal for beginners and recreational divers who need a comfortable and user-friendly BCD. It’s nothing overly special, but it gets the job done just fine, and that’s exactly what we like about it.
What We Don’t Like
Something that isn’t appreciated about this unit is that it is susceptible to damage from chemicals and UV light. Moreover, it doesn’t really have any special bells and whistles, which is great for beginners, but not so much for anybody who needs a professional BCD.
Also, it’s not the best choice to go with for deep water diving, especially not in cooler waters.
Who Is The Cressi Start 2.0 BCD Designed For?
The Cressi Start Pro 2.0 BCD is designed for anybody who wants to do some regular scuba diving, nothing too intense, just for a bit of fun. It’s a reliable and durable unit, as well as adjustable, comfortable, and quite versatile. It’s designed for people who need a good BCD, but cannot afford to spend thousands of dollars on one, nor require such an expensive unit.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Cressi Start Pro 2.0 BCD weigh?
How much weight can the Cressi Start Pro 2.0 BCD hold?
Where on the unit are the weight pockets located?
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is, while it’s not the fanciest or most expensive BCD out there, it’s a fine option for beginners, as well as anybody with a limited budget. Considering the low price, it’s a great deal.
We use ours in the cold water of the Pacific North West (British Columbia) we added two Cressi weight pockets in the back and that give us 30 pounds of weight. The bcd perform well at 30 metres and below 10°C