I love my scubapro hydros pro bcd. I bought it in 2020 for my trip to Key Largo. Since then, I used for every trip and every dive I went on. Most comfortable Bcd I have ever owned.
Once again, Scubapro show their commitment to development & prove their position as leaders in the field. I can fully validate the Hydros Pro as the best BCD I've had the pleasure of using. For the first time, a manufacturer has designed equipment solely with the Diver & environment in mind. If any component of the Hydros is damaged, it can be replaced. Should you require D-rings in a different configuration, give them a call, they don't bite.
I own the hydros pro w/air 2, I dive a dry suit in the Pacific Northwest puget sound area. It was my first bcd, and I love it. I got it before my OW COURSE, and I am now doing my DIVEMASTER. I have added an octopus to my regulator set as the air 2 can get confusing to new students, more for self saving due to length anyway.
If I was only doing fun diving I'd go with the Hydros Pro, but as an Instructor Trainer and the amount of time I spend on the surface teaching and in discussion with students and candidates I prefer the AquaLung Axiom Hybrid... Different tools for different jobs ! Thanks for your note..
Hi Bob, had my HydroPro almost 5 years now only problem was the straps snapped Scubapro said it was a fault and sent me 2 new one immediately since then and a lot of dives in various locations of the world it’s never let me down 🇬🇧
Greetings from the U.K. Thanks for the great overview. One of the most comprehensive I’ve seen on the Hydros pro. I think this is going to be my next purchase. - Seen some of your other vids and have just subbed. 👍
I have this BCD for quite some time, as a female I love it because it’s adjustable, I dive in the Mediterranean so the waters are pretty calm. However as described perfectly on the video with a 3mm wetsuit sometimes I feel a bit of pain in the back. Overall I like this BCD, it’s comfortable underwater. Thank you for making this Video, I still keep watching in case I missed something and I can improve my BCD.
Thank you very much for your comment Mononoke. The Hydros is super popular and like you said, "has lots of adjustability and connection points". Mind me asking where you are in the Med ? While in the Navy I dove many areas. Plus being stationed in Sardinia had many great dives there too. Regards Bob C
I got this bcd and used it 3 days ago for the first time. I have to say great stability, nice fit (little hard material whit only a swimming short) ofcourse their are a lot cheaper BCD’s available. But in my opinion it is an amazing bcd, a lot of extra features for attaching extra pockets, knives or lights. Every attachment does come with a price but my opinion. TOP OF THE LINE!!
Yes, must say that the backplate can be kinda hard especially when not wearing a wetsuit. Able to accessorize with ease or not.. Love the extras it has right out of the box.
Great video ... I change from Buddy Commando after many years the difference in comfort is first class as to flying cattle class ... I can honestly say yes it’s expensive and so are the extras but it’s wonderful to dive with it on ... as for weight I’m down from 12kg to 5kg which is unbelievable for me ... not tried with my dry suit yet or without side pockets will keep you informed ... great video Bob keep up the good work.
Love the shoulder straps on the Hydros pro. I like the way they sort of swing out so you get a more conforming fit and makes it much more comfortable. Why dont they use this design on stab jackets?
Thanks Gee for your comment. There have been a few BCDs that have begun to incorporate the outward curve to the lower part of the should strap design. Scubapro's Bella and Glide, AquaLung's Soul, Pro HD and Axiom but to a slightly lesser degree of curve. Plus a few others.
@@DiversSupplyYT thanks Bob for an informative response. If I may ask, could you do a review on the Scuba Pro glide for me. I'd like to know a litte more about it.
Can you do a direct compare video of the Scubapro Hydros pro vs the Apeks Exotec? I still cannot decide between these two. Thanks for all your great videos.
Scubapro just doesn't get it yet, why dont they put full size tech Drings in a standard DIR configuration, I would have bought one, instead I went with HOG hogatharian. Scubapro is definitely better quality but still remain behind the curve. For that kind of money it should be using nothing but the best hardware which it fails to do.
Great question, I should have been more clear on that. I pulled out the back pad so you could see the inside details. If you zoom in on the BC in some of the shots you can see it. Thanks very much for your comment, I’m sure others will wonder also. Regards Bob C
Great product from an amazing manufacturer. Wouldn’t love to see you do a video with regards to diving sidemount and a review of a sidemount BCD. Keep up the great videos!
I'm a new trainee, only been in the pool so far. But, I bought this bcd because, well, I don't like buying things twice. Anyway, I'm having trouble with it wanting to put my face in the water if I relax at the surface. I've played with the weights a bit, but I can only keep my face out of the water if I keep my feet moving. Is this normal or am I doing something wrong?
Steve, What you're experiencing is about right for many new divers first using a Back-Inflate BCD... Using the trim pockets will help and diving with a steel tank will also give you better up right balance while at the surface. Not be to be flippant but keep in mind wearing a BC at the surface is a short term aspect of diving where the Back-Inflate really shines is underwater.
The norm for SP men’s to women’s BCDs is a slightly small back-plate, the torso allowance from top of weight pocket bolsters to the top of the shoulder straps is less due to most women having shorter torso size. Lift is 36.
Hi bob, I never liked back inflated BC’s because they tend to push wearers face down, this might be a problem in an emergency situations on the surface. How this BC different then older back inflated ones? Is there any changes in the design to eliminate this problem?
Hi Arman, ua-cam.com/video/oltYloR7uxc/v-deo.html Exactly why I own this BCD. There's really no change with this BC with the issue you speak of, a BI is great underwater but owners just have to get used to "on the surface" lay back.
@@fridericogatti1213 FYI: I'm 5'11 and 208 with 36" waist... I just tried on the Lrg and it's just on the too small side for me. With a wetsuit I'd have to go with the XL. Thanks for the question. Bob C
Hi Mark, Excellent question and hopefully something that EVERY Scuba Instructor is teaching their students. So if you are not checking air and make a Controlled Emergency Swimming Ascent to the surface... As your head breaks the surface, you remove your reg, take a breath and KICK-KICK-KICK.. left hand move the inflator/deflator to your mouth, and blow into the Oral Inflator opening. Kick and Blow, Kick and Blow til you're inflated enough to stay afloat on the surface. I certainly hope your instructor taught you how to do this during your pool training. This works on any BCD today. Regards Bob C
@@DiversSupplyYT with the Air 2 integrated octo/inflator V gen while the mouth piece is in your mouth you have to push the gray deflate button while blowing into your bcd to orally inflate it. Otherwise the air is just exhausted out of the regulator.
@@DiversSupplyYT did the air2 catch on do you think , or is the standard octo still the preferred method ?? we are getting bcd and regs at the same time.. thanks
@@JoelSc14 Hey Joel, This is a very valid question that many don't stop to think about before jumping on the AIR2 bandwagon. 1st, if I were only considering the profit from selling an Air2 (also known as an Octo-Flator) vs a basic Octo Alternate Air Source or Safe 2nd... the Air2 generates more profit. 2nd, The mass majority, above 75%, of new divers (not just based on one shop or agency) are trained to use a Yellow Hosed Octo/Alternate Air source/Safe 2nd... Octos for short. 3rd, The majority of Student/Rental Reg sets are equipped with OCTOs. 4th There's a reason the majority of OCTO's are sold on long hoses, most sellers pushers of let's call them all Air2's never think of extending or replacing the primary 2nd hose with the longer hose. And no I'm not including those that try to push the 6' Alt hose that stems from certain types of Tech use. 5th, Trying to say divers are better off getting rid of the, "extra hose" is ignoring the above 1-2-3-4th above. As I said in the Video, Air Sharing is pretty much the least practiced skill in SCUBA diving... except maybe ESA/CESA. The use of Redundant Air Sources is a whole other discussion... "Pony Bottles", are they trying to feed baby horses. OK nuff said or too much said... Bob C
Just my .02 but No and looking at why I say this is a long answer. Yes, it's got lots of uniquely styled features/ materials and that's cool but the best ???
@@patryka11 Sorry but I just would not buy a Back-Inflate unit when the Hybrids ( AL Axiom & TUSA Conquest) are available.... even if the BI was given to me... now if you said there were no Hybrids then I'd go with the AL Dimension. Then take the extra $$ and buy a better/easier to see Peregrine or put the money towards a Teric. And this is another subject matter to talk about. Regards Bob C
I have this BC for a few years now. I had a few issues with its design. First I find it creates a legs up head down position very easily(some web trolls 🧌 suggested I’m making excuses 😮). When I made a video of my buddy having the same issue with his I decided to Halcyon BP. This issue is caused I think because of several issues(my thin body and upper body distribution) with the BC design. Single tank belt adapter. Trim pockets located too high. Too small back plate skeleton. Another issue I had with this BC is the placement of a single air release valve on the left, on the inside of the lift bladder. Makes it frequently hard to locate. The D rings in the shoulder straps are located too high and are too small. Pocket attachment and accessories attachment to the weight insert housing is useless. Overall this BC is good don’t get me wrong but it does need a refreshed design I think to make it great.
This has been the best explained video I have found that breaks down the BCD thank you! I bought this and used it a few times and didn't realize some of the features you mentioned and now I know! ❤️🩹🤙
I love my scubapro hydros pro bcd. I bought it in 2020 for my trip to Key Largo. Since then, I used for every trip and every dive I went on. Most comfortable Bcd I have ever owned.
Thanks for your watching and thanks for taking time to post your comments ! Regards Bob C
My favorite quote "Right shoulder dump to me, is absolutely gold."
I love this guy!
Thanks Ben, Interesting how many people I meet at the scuba shows comment about my statement about Right-Shoulder Dumps... Regards Bob C
Once again, Scubapro show their commitment to development & prove their position as leaders in the field. I can fully validate the Hydros Pro as the best BCD I've had the pleasure of using. For the first time, a manufacturer has designed equipment solely with the Diver & environment in mind. If any component of the Hydros is damaged, it can be replaced. Should you require D-rings in a different configuration, give them a call, they don't bite.
Allec, thank you for your comments...
I own the hydros pro w/air 2, I dive a dry suit in the Pacific Northwest puget sound area. It was my first bcd, and I love it. I got it before my OW COURSE, and I am now doing my DIVEMASTER. I have added an octopus to my regulator set as the air 2 can get confusing to new students, more for self saving due to length anyway.
If I was only doing fun diving I'd go with the Hydros Pro, but as an Instructor Trainer and the amount of time I spend on the surface teaching and in discussion with students and candidates I prefer the AquaLung Axiom Hybrid...
Different tools for different jobs ! Thanks for your note..
Hi Bob, had my HydroPro almost 5 years now only problem was the straps snapped Scubapro said it was a fault and sent me 2 new one immediately since then and a lot of dives in various locations of the world it’s never let me down 🇬🇧
Hey Albert, The Hydros is a really nice BCD, I've dove one many times. The older straps were an issue on some units. Thanks for your comment. Bob C
Greetings from the U.K. Thanks for the great overview. One of the most comprehensive I’ve seen on the Hydros pro. I think this is going to be my next purchase. - Seen some of your other vids and have just subbed. 👍
I've got one and really like it
I got one they are awesome, very comfortable, robust and reliable.
Very well built ! Congrats Peter…
I have this BCD for quite some time, as a female I love it because it’s adjustable, I dive in the Mediterranean so the waters are pretty calm. However as described perfectly on the video with a 3mm wetsuit sometimes I feel a bit of pain in the back. Overall I like this BCD, it’s comfortable underwater.
Thank you for making this Video, I still keep watching in case I missed something and I can improve my BCD.
Thank you very much for your comment Mononoke. The Hydros is super popular and like you said, "has lots of adjustability and connection points".
Mind me asking where you are in the Med ? While in the Navy I dove many areas.
Plus being stationed in Sardinia had many great dives there too. Regards Bob C
I got this bcd and used it 3 days ago for the first time. I have to say great stability, nice fit (little hard material whit only a swimming short) ofcourse their are a lot cheaper BCD’s available. But in my opinion it is an amazing bcd, a lot of extra features for attaching extra pockets, knives or lights. Every attachment does come with a price but my opinion. TOP OF THE LINE!!
Yes, must say that the backplate can be kinda hard especially when not wearing a wetsuit. Able to accessorize with ease or not.. Love the extras it has right out of the box.
I’m buying this BCD with Air 2 soon, can’t wait !! Safe diving
It's a very impressive BC with cool design features and materials. Enjoy !
What’s air 2?
@@peterk814 your inflator hose also acts as an octopus
Thank you, interesting and modern BCD.
You bet! Thanks for taking time to send a note Adam... Bob C
I have the hydros pro with air 2 and I love it.
Thanks Tess, That is an excellent BCD choice ! Regards Bob C
I took a discovery course in Hawaii and I got to use this thing and now I have unrealistic standard for my BCD’s
Wow ! being able to do a Scuba Discovery with a Hydros.. very cool and easy to understand your new high standards..
Loved the review... Thanks bro,. Just bought this and this was a great intro!
Thanks much Christos and have great and safe diving out there !
I think im going to buy this one...my 1st class is tonight :-)
Great choice RV !
Very nice. Love youre presentation
Thank you so much 😊 Regards Bob C
Thanks Bob really helpful
Very welcome Scander ! Regards Bob C
Great video ... I change from Buddy Commando after many years the difference in comfort is first class as to flying cattle class ... I can honestly say yes it’s expensive and so are the extras but it’s wonderful to dive with it on ... as for weight I’m down from 12kg to 5kg which is unbelievable for me ... not tried with my dry suit yet or without side pockets will keep you informed ... great video Bob keep up the good work.
thank you 😊😊😊
Great Presentation 🏆🏆🏆🥇🥇🥇👍🏽
Appreciated the comment Jhare ! Bob C
Love the shoulder straps on the Hydros pro. I like the way they sort of swing out so you get a more conforming fit and makes it much more comfortable. Why dont they use this design on stab jackets?
Thanks Gee for your comment. There have been a few BCDs that have begun to incorporate the outward curve to the lower part of the should strap design.
Scubapro's Bella and Glide, AquaLung's Soul, Pro HD and Axiom but to a slightly lesser degree of curve. Plus a few others.
@@DiversSupplyYT thanks Bob for an informative response. If I may ask, could you do a review on the Scuba Pro glide for me. I'd like to know a litte more about it.
@@gee4526 See what I can do.. the Glide is NICE !
Nice Video. Best regards from Germany
Vielen Dank, dass Sie Teil des Kanals sind. Von 1974 bis 1976 lebte ich in Deutschland in der Nähe von Fulda. Beste Grüße Bob C
Can you do a direct compare video of the Scubapro Hydros pro vs the Apeks Exotec? I still cannot decide between these two. Thanks for all your great videos.
Very Good suggestion Thad ! Thanks Bob C
Nice videos, just be sure to set playback speed to 1.5x
Thanks Reef hound for the tip, and should I slow yours to .75x... sooooorrrrrryyyy ccccooouulldddnnn'''tttt resist.
Scubapro just doesn't get it yet, why dont they put full size tech Drings in a standard DIR configuration, I would have bought one, instead I went with HOG hogatharian. Scubapro is definitely better quality but still remain behind the curve. For that kind of money it should be using nothing but the best hardware which it fails to do.
Thank you for the nice video! I want to buy this one. But one question, the backpack comes with the bcd or you have to buy it separately?
Great question, I should have been more clear on that.
I pulled out the back pad so you could see the inside details. If you zoom in on the BC in some of the shots you can see it.
Thanks very much for your comment, I’m sure others will wonder also. Regards Bob C
@@DiversSupplyYT This is clear enough. Thank you so much Bob!
Great product from an amazing manufacturer. Wouldn’t love to see you do a video with regards to diving sidemount and a review of a sidemount BCD. Keep up the great videos!
Thanks HobbyMan, I'll see what I can schedule for a Sidemount BCD .... maybe DiveRite or one by another Mfg.
DiversSupply XDeep and Apeks would be awesome
I'm a new trainee, only been in the pool so far. But, I bought this bcd because, well, I don't like buying things twice. Anyway, I'm having trouble with it wanting to put my face in the water if I relax at the surface. I've played with the weights a bit, but I can only keep my face out of the water if I keep my feet moving. Is this normal or am I doing something wrong?
Steve,
What you're experiencing is about right for many new divers first using a Back-Inflate BCD...
Using the trim pockets will help and diving with a steel tank will also give you better up right balance while at the surface.
Not be to be flippant but keep in mind wearing a BC at the surface is a short term aspect of diving where the Back-Inflate really shines is underwater.
Since they sell a men's and women's what are the difference?
The norm for SP men’s to women’s BCDs is a slightly small back-plate, the torso allowance from top of weight pocket bolsters to the top of the shoulder straps is less due to most women having shorter torso size. Lift is 36.
Asking because I just tried one on tonight. Where should it sit on my hips?
Hi bob, I never liked back inflated BC’s because they tend to push wearers face down, this might be a problem in an emergency situations on the surface. How this BC different then older back inflated ones? Is there any changes in the design to eliminate this problem?
Hi Arman, ua-cam.com/video/oltYloR7uxc/v-deo.html Exactly why I own this BCD.
There's really no change with this BC with the issue you speak of, a BI is great underwater but owners just have to get used to "on the surface" lay back.
@@DiversSupplyYT I am talking about unconscious diver on the surface scenarios, not conscious.
@Arman Gazeryan Same as any other Back Inflate BC... BOOM Face Down..
Any updates for for this BCD in 2025 Bob?
None that we've seen for 2025.. Thanks Bob C
Can you dive double tank with this BCD?
No sorry, no doubles with the Hydros....
DiversSupply Thank you.
Hello can i kindly ask you if fit true to size? This bcd is almost impossible to find in store so i am planning to buy only.
Could I ask what size T-Shirt do you wear ? Do you wear it tight or loose ? This will help me give you a better answer based on your size. Bob C
@@DiversSupplyYT Thank you Bob. I wear a loose XL size. L incan wear tight.
@@fridericogatti1213 FYI: I'm 5'11 and 208 with 36" waist... I just tried on the Lrg and it's just on the too small side for me.
With a wetsuit I'd have to go with the XL.
Thanks for the question. Bob C
Very good video.
Thanks for the kind words Richard.. I try hard to give good product info..
If I were to run out of air, How do I manually inflate the BCD?
Hi Mark, Excellent question and hopefully something that EVERY Scuba Instructor is teaching their students.
So if you are not checking air and make a Controlled Emergency Swimming Ascent to the surface... As your head breaks the surface, you remove your reg, take a breath and KICK-KICK-KICK.. left hand move the inflator/deflator to your mouth, and blow into the Oral Inflator opening.
Kick and Blow, Kick and Blow til you're inflated enough to stay afloat on the surface.
I certainly hope your instructor taught you how to do this during your pool training.
This works on any BCD today. Regards Bob C
@@DiversSupplyYT with the Air 2 integrated octo/inflator V gen while the mouth piece is in your mouth you have to push the gray deflate button while blowing into your bcd to orally inflate it. Otherwise the air is just exhausted out of the regulator.
@@MarkAllen-xc5zp Your method description is correct Mark, FYI we only see about 15% of Hydros are sold with the Octo-Flator.
@@DiversSupplyYT did the air2 catch on do you think , or is the standard octo still the preferred method ?? we are getting bcd and regs at the same time.. thanks
@@JoelSc14 Hey Joel, This is a very valid question that many don't stop to think about before jumping on the AIR2 bandwagon.
1st, if I were only considering the profit from selling an Air2 (also known as an Octo-Flator) vs a basic Octo Alternate Air Source or Safe 2nd... the Air2 generates more profit.
2nd, The mass majority, above 75%, of new divers (not just based on one shop or agency) are trained to use a Yellow Hosed Octo/Alternate Air source/Safe 2nd... Octos for short.
3rd, The majority of Student/Rental Reg sets are equipped with OCTOs.
4th There's a reason the majority of OCTO's are sold on long hoses, most sellers pushers of let's call them all Air2's never think of extending or replacing the primary 2nd hose with the longer hose. And no I'm not including those that try to push the 6' Alt hose that stems from certain types of Tech use.
5th, Trying to say divers are better off getting rid of the, "extra hose" is ignoring the above 1-2-3-4th above.
As I said in the Video, Air Sharing is pretty much the least practiced skill in SCUBA diving... except maybe ESA/CESA.
The use of Redundant Air Sources is a whole other discussion... "Pony Bottles", are they trying to feed baby horses.
OK nuff said or too much said... Bob C
Do you think this is the best Back inflate BCD on the market now?
Just my .02 but No and looking at why I say this is a long answer. Yes, it's got lots of uniquely styled features/ materials and that's cool but the best ???
@@DiversSupplyYT If money is not the most important issue what back inflate BCD would you chose then? Only your very personal preference. Thank you.
@@patryka11 Sorry but I just would not buy a Back-Inflate unit when the Hybrids ( AL Axiom & TUSA Conquest) are available.... even if the BI was given to me... now if you said there were no Hybrids then I'd go with the AL Dimension.
Then take the extra $$ and buy a better/easier to see Peregrine or put the money towards a Teric. And this is another subject matter to talk about. Regards Bob C
@@DiversSupplyYT thank you very much indeed 😊
Bob, would you recommend the air 2 system or a separate octo?
Scuba Pro Hydros "RECALL". Please advise?
None that we are aware of...
why is your nose so red?
I love Strawberries !
I have this BC for a few years now. I had a few issues with its design. First I find it creates a legs up head down position very easily(some web trolls 🧌 suggested I’m making excuses 😮). When I made a video of my buddy having the same issue with his I decided to Halcyon BP. This issue is caused I think because of several issues(my thin body and upper body distribution) with the BC design. Single tank belt adapter. Trim pockets located too high. Too small back plate skeleton. Another issue I had with this BC is the placement of a single air release valve on the left, on the inside of the lift bladder. Makes it frequently hard to locate. The D rings in the shoulder straps are located too high and are too small. Pocket attachment and accessories attachment to the weight insert housing is useless. Overall this BC is good don’t get me wrong but it does need a refreshed design I think to make it great.
This has been the best explained video I have found that breaks down the BCD thank you! I bought this and used it a few times and didn't realize some of the features you mentioned and now I know! ❤️🩹🤙
You are so welcome ! Thank you for watching and taking time to comment. Regards Bob C