The Java Sidemount BCD is the first sidemount buoyancy system developed and manufactured in Indonesia for the international diving market. We first encountered the brand at the recent MIDE expo in Kuala Lumpur, where the company demonstrated both its sidemount and backmount configurations.
The Dive Rite Nomad Mini Sidemount System is a streamlined sidemount buoyancy compensator developed for divers seeking a compact configuration with reduced bulk. Designed around the requirements of warm-water diving and travel, the system is intended primarily for use with aluminium 80 cu ft cylinders and provides 25 lb (11.3 kg) of lift. Its low-profile wing is based on the Nomad platform but scaled down to minimise drag and improve packing efficiency.
The Oceanic Photon BC is a back-inflation buoyancy control device designed to provide a balance of streamlined underwater performance and practical surface handling. Its rear-mounted air cell promotes a horizontal trim position in the water, reducing drag and supporting efficient movement during the dive.
The Hydros Pro 2 is a back‑inflation buoyancy control device crafted to combine comfort, adaptability and travel‑friendly convenience for divers operating across a wide range of conditions. Its harness uses a mouldable Monprene gel construction that conforms to the diver’s body, reducing pressure points and offering a secure fit during prolonged dives or repetitive use. The harness material is resistant to UV, chemicals and abrasion, and dries quickly after the dive, reducing water retention and post‑dive weight.
The B.A.G. from Kiss Kargo is engineered as a composite travel pack and dive system in one. It operates both as a 24-litre-capacity backpack for dive gear and—as by unzipping the outer bag and securing the wing with harness attachments—as a fully functioning back‑mount buoyancy control device (BCD).
Engineered for divers who demand peak performance, the Hydros Pro 2 combines comfort, durability, and modular customization across dive conditions, from tropical shallows to cold-water depths.
What are the pros and cons of using a wing BCD system compared to a jacket-style BCD? Simon Pridmore and one of his readers share their views, experience and insights to help you decide which one is best for you.
I write frequently about the merits of harness and wing BCD systems, not because I want to persuade all divers to use them, but because most people learn to dive using jacket-style BCDs, and I want to let divers—especially new divers—know that there are other options, so they are fully informed before they choose what to buy.
Halcyon Dive Systems has launched two new buoyancy wings—the Era and Legend MK2—developed to meet the demands of modern divers. Both wings are designed to optimise trim, hose routing, and in-water performance, and are supported by updates to the company’s digital platform.
The Era is a single-tank wing that features a newly shaped bladder and shell, engineered to improve lift distribution and assist in achieving horizontal trim. The unit incorporates four internal Opti‑Weight zippered pockets, allowing divers to adjust trim weight directly within the wing structure. Dual pass-throughs support custom hose routing, while a low-profile inflator elbow sits close to the cylinder to reduce bulk.
Richmond, British Columbia – May 31, 2025 – Shearwater Research Inc., a global leader in dive computer technology, has announced its expansion into the development and manufacturing of specialized dive equipment. The company unveiled the Shearwater Jetpack for Avelo diving last night at an industry event in Long Beach, California.