What You Need to Know about the Scubapro Litehawk:
Key Features and Benefits
The Litehawk’s design is centered around travel and streamlined diving. It strips away bulk without losing the essentials, giving you a lightweight system that performs well in warm-water conditions.
Lightweight Travel Design
At just under 5 pounds, the Litehawk is easy to pack and carry. The soft backplate folds flat, making it fit neatly into standard luggage. For divers flying to remote locations, this cuts down on baggage fees and stress.
Back-Inflation System
The rear air cell gives you a clean, open front. This design allows for a more natural swimming position and better horizontal trim. If you’re used to jacket-style BCDs, the freedom of movement here feels like a big upgrade.
Streamlined Profile
The bladder tucks in tight when deflated, reducing drag underwater. This makes a noticeable difference in currents and on drift dives. You don’t feel like you’re pushing extra material through the water.
Customizable Weight Options
The Litehawk comes with rear trim pockets and can be upgraded with optional quick-release weight pockets. This flexibility is useful if you prefer ditchable weights for added safety or want to keep everything integrated.
Durable Yet Minimalist Build
Made from 420-denier nylon, the Litehawk holds up against regular recreational diving while staying light. The hardware is kept simple—four aluminum D-rings for essential attachments, not an overload of clips and extras.
Reliable Dump System
Three dump valves, including a pull-dump on the left shoulder, give you solid control over buoyancy. You can vent air quickly in different positions, which is especially handy on safety stops or when ascending in current.
Scubapro Litehawk: Manufacturer's Specification
BCD Type: | Back-inflate |
Lift Capacity (Size Medium): | 29.2 lbs / 13.2 kg |
Weight Integrated: | Yes (Optional) |
Weight Capacity (Size Medium): | |
Trim Pockets: | 2 rear trim pockets, up to 5 lbs (2.3 kg) each |
Dump Valves: | 3 (left shoulder pull-dump, right shoulder overpressure valve, rear lower dump) |
Materials: | 420-denier nylon with soft backplate |
Number of Pockets: | 2 small accessory pockets |
Number Of D-rings: | 4 lightweight aluminum D-rings |
Activity: | Recreational, Travel |
Our Rating: Scubapro Litehawk Review
Overall Score
4.1/5
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4.0
Fit and Comfort
The Litehawk has a minimalist harness system with adjustable shoulder buckles, a sternum strap, and a waist belt. The padding is light but adequate for warm-water diving. On long dives, the lack of heavy padding makes it feel less bulky, though some divers may prefer more cushion for cold-water use.
4.5
Buoyancy & Performance
The back-inflation design provides stable trim and excellent horizontal balance. Air distribution stays consistent, and the bladder tucks in tightly to reduce drag. It’s especially effective in drift dives or when swimming into current. Vertical positioning on the surface can feel different if you’re used to jacket BCDs, but with practice it becomes manageable.
4.5
Build Quality & Durability
Made from 420-denier nylon, the Litehawk is durable enough for frequent recreational diving yet still light for travel. The seams and stitching hold up well, and the aluminum D-rings resist corrosion. It’s not built for rough technical use, but for its category it lasts.
3.5
Storage & Features
Storage is limited, with two small accessory pockets and four D-rings. Optional quick-release weight pockets can be added, and rear trim pouches are included. The dump system is reliable with three valves, giving good buoyancy control in any position.
4.5
Value for Money
The Litehawk is well-priced compared to other travel BCDs in its class. It offers a strong balance of lightweight travel design and performance. Best suited for warm-water divers who want a compact, simple BCD that does the job without extra bulk.
What We Like:
✅ Lightweight and Travel-Friendly
At around 5 pounds, the Litehawk is one of the lightest BCDs in its class. The soft backplate folds flat, making it easy to fit into standard luggage. For frequent flyers, this makes traveling with gear far less of a hassle.✅ Streamlined Back-Inflation Design
The rear air cell keeps your front clear and provides excellent trim control. You feel less drag in the water, and it’s easier to maintain a natural horizontal position during dives.✅ Reliable Buoyancy Control
Three dump valves give you options for venting in different positions. The left shoulder pull-dump is quick to access, while the rear lower dump is useful when inverted or adjusting at depth.✅ Flexible Weight System
Rear trim pockets come standard, and you can upgrade with optional quick-release weight pockets. This gives divers the choice between a lean travel setup or a more traditional integrated weight system.✅ Durable Build for Its Category
Despite being designed for travel, the 420-denier nylon holds up well against repeated recreational diving. The aluminum D-rings and reinforced stitching make it dependable for tropical dive trips.What We Don't Like:
❌ Limited Storage
The two accessory pockets are small and can only fit essentials like a slate, small torch, or SMB. If you carry more gear, you’ll need to rely on clipping items to the D-rings.❌ Minimal Padding
The lightweight design comes at the cost of comfort. Compared to bulkier jacket BCDs, there’s less cushioning around the back and shoulders, which may be noticeable during long surface intervals or colder-water dives.❌ Surface Positioning
As with many back-inflation BCDs, staying upright on the surface takes practice. New users might feel they’re being pushed forward until they adjust their weight distribution and positioning.❌ Not Ideal for Cold or Technical Diving
The Litehawk isn’t built for heavy gear, cold-water exposure suits, or technical configurations. It shines in warm-water recreational diving, but serious tech divers will find it limiting.The Verdict
The Scubapro Litehawk is a solid choice for divers who want a lightweight, streamlined BCD built for travel. It packs down small, performs well underwater, and delivers the essentials without unnecessary extras.
It’s best suited for recreational divers who primarily dive in warm-water locations and value easy packing and minimal drag. New divers will appreciate its simplicity, while experienced travelers will enjoy how little space it takes up in a gear bag.
If you’re looking for a compact BCD that balances performance and portability, the Litehawk is a dependable option. It isn’t designed for cold-water diving or heavy technical setups, but for what it’s built to do—tropical diving trips and streamlined recreational use—it delivers.
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Scubapro Litehawk: FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Its simple design, reliable buoyancy control, and lightweight build make it easy for new divers to handle. Beginners may need a little practice at the surface since it’s a back-inflation BCD, but it’s not difficult to get used to.
It’s not ideal for cold water. The minimal padding and limited lift capacity are better suited to warm-water recreational setups. Divers using thick wetsuits or drysuits will find more comfort and support in heavier-duty BCDs.
No. It includes rear trim pockets, but the quick-release weight system is an optional upgrade. Some divers prefer this flexibility, especially for travel where weight systems can add bulk.
Have you tried the Scubapro LitehawkBCD? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below! Happy diving!
Scubapro Litehawk BCD
Discover the Scubapro Litehawk BCD—lightweight, streamlined, and built for travel. Learn about features, specs, pros, cons, and real-world performance.
4.1
Pros
- Lightweight and compact for travel
- Streamlined back-inflation design
- Reliable buoyancy control with 3 dump valves
- Optional quick-release weight system
- Durable 420-denier nylon with aluminum D-rings
Cons
- Limited pocket storage
- Minimal padding for comfort
- Takes practice to stay upright on surface
- Not suitable for cold or technical diving