Aqualung Pro HD BCD

Aqualung Pro HD BCD – a durable jacket-style BCD

This has been my personal BCD for close to 7 years. I use it in the pool when teaching PADI IDC, and all kinds of courses and of course, in the sea. I have made thousands of dives with the Aqualung Pro HD, mainly in the Maldives, Thailand, and Indonesia. This review comes from my personal experience in using and abusing the Aqualung Pro HD in everything from resort training pools to strong currents off remote dive sites.

What You’re Getting

The Aqualung Pro HD is a jacket-style BCD with integrated weight pockets, typically priced around $499-549 depending on the retailer. It comes in six sizes from XS through XL. The color option is black with charcoal and blue accents. The BCD features the SureLock II weight release system and is made from ResisteK material, which is Aqualung’s proprietary abrasion-resistant fabric. Lift capacity is about 10 kg for most sizes. The package includes the Power Line inflator, integrated weight pockets, and a positioning strap. It weighs approximately 3-3.5 kg depending on size.

Real-World Performance

Diving use

The buoyancy control on the Pro HD has been reliable across all my dives. The Power Line inflator provides quick inflation and deflation, and the shoulder and lower dump valves are easy to locate. In my experience, the flat-profile dump valves work smoothly without sticking.

Comfort-wise, the Pro HD fits well once properly adjusted. The adjustable waistband accommodates different body types, and the positioning strap helps set the BCD at the right height. The hard backpack provides good tank stability. However, the hard backpack does add bulk and weight, making it less ideal as a travel BCD compared to more packable options.

Weight system

The SureLock II weight system is a point of critique, like it is on most BCD’s with integrated weights. I lost one of the weight pockets quite early. It’s difficult to feel if the pockets are ‘clicked’ into place correctly.

Almost all integrated weight systems from other brands have the same problem. Many of my dive instructor colleagues and customers have mentioned the same thing. Luckily, I also find weight pockets that other divers have lost, quite regularly.

The tank band weight pockets are useful for fine-tuning trim. Siply stick a weight in and close the clip. I have never lost a trim weight.

Pockets and storage

The pockets on either side are quite large and useful. I can fit a safety sausage, small reel, and slate without issues. I even stuff spare weights to give to customers, in my pockets. The two-way zippers are only confusing for me because I can never know for sure if a pocket is open or closed. And the worst part, one side broke only after a few months. Instead of following a straight line, the zippers are bend, creating a stress point on the corner.

Storage and attachment points are plentiful. The BCD has five stainless steel D-rings, knife attachment points on the left lobe, and an attachment loop inside the left pocket. This is an important detail. You can attach a torch or something to the loop inside the pocket and still close the zipper.

There’s also a dedicated octopus pocket on the right lobe, which can keep the alternate air source (bend the hose, and stick the hose in the lobe). This eliminates the need for an octopus holder or clip.

Durability

Apart from the zippers, the durability of the Aqualung Pro HD has been excellent. The ResisteK material lives up to its claims. After thousands of pool sessions with chlorine exposure and (I’m guessing) close to 2000 boat dives with saltwater, sun, and rough handling, my Pro HD still looks remarkably good. The fabric hasn’t faded significantly, and there’s no visible wear on high-stress points. Many dive centers use Aqualung BCDs in their rental fleets precisely because they hold up to heavy abuse.

For recreational diving with cameras, lights, or other accessories, there’s more than enough capacity.

How It Compares

In the “integrated weights, zippered pockets” segment, the Pro HD competes directly with the Scubapro Glide BCD, and the Cressi Aquaride. The Scubapro Glide offers similar features, but costs roughly $100 more. The Cressi Aquaride comes in at a similar price point and has more D-rings but very bulky dump valves and inflator attachements.

Within Aqualung’s own lineup, the Axiom sits above the Pro HD with the Wrapture harness system and generally better fit for the price difference of about $100. However, this a back inflated BCD.

Professional Opinion

The main strength of the Aqualung Pro HD is the durability of the material. The ResisteK material genuinely holds up to professional use. The large pockets and D-rings make it practical for divers who need to carry teaching tools and equipment.

The downsides are the integrated weight system (which I don’t like in most integrated weight BCD’s), and the zippers.

This BCD is great for dive professionals, local divers, and those who prioritize durability over packability.

Final Recommendation

Buy the Aqualung Pro HD if you’re a dive professional looking for a reliable workhorse BCD, a local diver who doesn’t need to travel with gear, or someone who values long-term durability and is willing to accept the extra bulk. The price-to-performance ratio is excellent for what you’re getting.

Skip it if you’re primarily a vacation diver who needs a packable BCD for travel, or if you prefer the trim characteristics of back-inflate or wing-style BCDs.