The Scubapro Equator BCD should definalty be on your shortlist if you’re a seasoned diver looking for a great all-around BCD that’s lightweight and perfect for traveling.
You will still be able to enjoy all the characteristics you would expect for a full-features BCD, including excellent lift and weight capacity, plenty of D-rings, and comfort, but with an easy-to-fold small backpack for lightweight travel.
In this review, you will find some of the key features and benefits of this BCD, why it offers great value for the money, as well as what we like and didn’t like.
Manufacture: Scubapro.com
Our Score:
Summary:
The Scubapro Equator BCD was designed primarily for the traveling diver that needs a lighter BCD that is easy to pack. The 420 denier nylon and short backplate means that the Equator is certainly lighter than most standard BCDs but can fold up a lot smaller. However, it still a great all-around BCD that’s durable and rugged enough to be dived around wrecks.
Scubapro Equator BCD Review Video
The video below is a great overview of the BCD done by the guys over at SimplyScuba.com. In the video, you can get a closer look at some of the great features of the Scubapro Equator.
Key Features and Benefits :
Easy Acessible Dump Valves
Keep in mind that the Scubapro Equator BCD also comes with 3 valves, which include 2 over pressure and relief dump valves, as well as 1 cable-activated pull dump valve.
In other words, adjusting the level of inflation with the Scubapro Equator BCD is extremely easy, and all components are situated to make them very easy to reach at a moment’s notice.
Adequate Lift Capacity
In terms of overall lift, the Scubapro Equator BCD can provide you with up to 38.2 pounds, which should be enough for most people, and certainly enough for warm and temperate water diving. No, it doesn’t have the most lift out of all BCDs, but still up there
Weight Integrated
On that same note, the Scubapro Equator BCD can hold up to 44 pounds of releasable weights, spread out over 4 pockets.
In terms of the weight and design, it’s a fairly sleek and streamlined model which allows for fast and easy swimming, plus it’s also fairly lightweight.
Durable 420-D Nylon Construction
The 420-D nylon fabric used in the construction is surprisingly lightweight, but also quite durable; it may not be the most durable in the world, but still enough to be resistant toward a good deal of punishment.
Well- padded for Comfortable Fit
Finally, the Scubapro Equator BCD is also quite a comfortable fit. This is not only due to the lightweight design but also due to how it is constructed. It comes with a well-padded and fully adjustable waist, chest, and shoulder straps.
Mares Smart Specs
BCD Type | Jacket |
BCD Style | Travel |
Lift Capacity | 22.5lbs/10.2Kg |
Weight Integrated | Yes |
Weight Capacity | 7.35lbs/3.33kg Each-Pocket |
Valves | 3 |
Number of Pockets | 2 |
Pocket type | Zipper Closure |
Number of D Ring | 6 |
Trim Pocket | No |
How Does It Stack Up?
Durability
Considering that the price is so low, yes, the Scubapro Equator BCD can be considered durable, but there are tougher customers out there.
Functionality
Everything about the Scubapro Equator BCD is designed to be functional. It has great lift and weighting capabilities, reliable components, and a user-friendly design.
Comfort
The Scubapro Equator BCD is lightweight, ergonomically design, and highly adjustable for a snug fit, all factors that make it very comfy.
Price
Based on everything said today, the Scubapro Equator BCD comes in at a great price.
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What We Like
What we really like about the Scubapro Equator BCD is the fact that it’s affordable. Usually, diving gear with this level of quality would cost two or three times as much. The fact of the matter is that this model is made for comfort, functionality, and ultimate user-friendliness. It’s ideal for pros and beginners alike, and that really stands out.
What We Don’t Like
What we don’t particularly love about the Scubapro Equator BCD is that it does not come with built-in trim pockets. Moreover, although we would consider it to be durable for the price, overall, it has fairly limited durability when compared to other BCDs.
Who Is The Scubapro Equator Designed for?
The Scubapro Equator BCD is designed for divers who need a mid- to high-end unit for a low-end price. The Scubapro Equator BCD is made with fairly high-quality features and a great level of functionality which makes it ideal for most diving needs.
It’s got more than enough lift for warm and temperate water diving, and more than enough weight-bearing capabilities to bring you down deep. If you are constrained by a fairly tight budget, the affordable Scubapro Equator BCD might be right for you.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this model have a full back plate?
Is there a low pressure hose included?
Is the Scubapro Equator BCD ideal for cold water?
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is the Scubapro Equator is a bullet-proof lightweight BCD that shouldn’t be confined to just to travel. It is the ideal all-around BCD that offers great value for the money and comes complete with everything you need for a great diving experience.