Cressi Aquaride Pro BCD: A Versatile Jacket for Recreational Divers

I had the opportunity to test the Cressi Aquaride Pro BCD for a few weeks. I used it in the pool and for about 20 dives in warm water conditions.I was quite happy with the overall performance of the Aquaride overall, although I also had some points of critique.

What You’re Getting

The Aquaride Pro is a jacket-style BCD made from 420-denier nylon, which is tough enough for regular diving. It uses Cressi’s Lock Aid System for integrated weights, which can hold up to 12 kg. The shoulder straps are independent of the air cell and don’t inflate, which is a smart design choice.

It comes in five sizes from XS to XL and is available in black with blue accents. You’ll find it priced around $390-550 depending on size and where you shop. The BCD weighs between 3.2-3.8 kg depending on size. It includes two large zippered pockets, six stainless steel D-rings, and rear trim weight pockets that can hold 2 kg each.This is a mid-range BCD designed for recreational divers who want something versatile enough for both warm and cold water diving.

Real-World Performance

Buoyancy Control

I’ve used this BCD teaching students in the pool and on open water dives in tropical conditions. The buoyancy control is solid and predictable. The jacket-style air distribution keeps you upright at the surface, which beginners really appreciate.The Cressi Aquaride features ‘non-inflatable shoulder straps’, meaning the fit around the shoulder area does not change when you inflate or deflate the BCD.

The inflator works great, but deflation is very slow. That becomes annoying when going up and down in the pool a lot during training sessions. I started using the dump valves every time instead.The dump valves are positioned well and respond quickly when you need to release air fast.

Fit and Comfort

The fit is generally comfortable, with good padding on the backplate. The shoulder straps being independent of the air cell is a real advantage – they don’t squeeze when you inflate the BCD. However, when fully inflated, I felt pressure from the rigid backplate between my shoulder blades. It may be that the size was a bit too smal for me. Make sure you try the correct size, as going too small will make this worse. The waist strap stays comfortable even when the BCD is fully inflated.

Weight Integration

The Lock Aid System for integrated weights is good. They’re easy to load and remove, and I’ve heard from other instructors that they’re very secure – no accidental drops. I’m normally extremely sceptical about integrated weight systems because divers just loose them all the time.

What I really like is that when you remove the weight pockets, you don’t have bulky plastic clips sticking out. The rear trim pockets are helpful for fine-tuning your balance.

Pockets and Storage

The pockets are flat and sit close to your body. They are very big and expandable, which makes sure you can still use them when the BCD is inflated. The zippers feel sturdy. There are plent of D-rings: 2 on each shoulder strap, 2 above the pockets and 2 on the lower front side. The rings made from stainless steel and slightly bent to ease clipping on snaphooks.

Durability

The 420-denier nylon construction feels solid. The inflator has solid buttons that are easy to press and give a reliable impression. The inflator connection and dump valves are built heavy-duty, which is reassuring even if they’re a bit bulky.

How It Compares

In the $350-550 price range, you’re also looking at the Aqua Lung Pro HD and the Mares Mares Prestige BCD. The Aqua Lung Pro HD is in the same price range, offers excellent build quality and is popular with professionals. The Mares Prestige BCD is also comparable in price and features, with a similar jacket design.

The Aquaride’s main advantage is the non-inflating shoulder straps and the flat weight system. It’s also lighter than many competitors, making it more packable for travel. However the bulky inflator and dump valve attachments make it less easy to pack. If you want something specifically for travel, the Cressi Travelight or Scubapro Go would be better choices.

Our Take

The main strengths of the Cressi Aquaride Pro are its versatility and practical design. The non-inflating shoulder straps really do make a difference in comfort. The integrated weight system works well and sits flat against your body. The construction quality is solid – this BCD can handle regular diving and ‘abuse’ by diving professionals.

The limitations are the slow deflation through the main valve and the backplate pressure when fully inflated. The bulky inflator connections might bother some divers who prefer a more streamlined setup. It’s also not the lightest and most compact option if travel size is your priority.This BCD works well for recreational divers who want something reliable for both local diving and travel. It’s especially suitable for divers who do both warm and cold water diving and need a BCD that adapts to different conditions.

Final Recommendation – Who Should Buy the Cressi Aquaride Pro

Buy this BCD if you want a versatile jacket-style BCD that works in different diving environments. It’s a solid choice for recreational divers who dive regularly and want reliable gear that doesn’t break the bank. The comfort features like non-inflating shoulder straps and the flat weight integration system make it stand out from basic jacket BCDs.

This BCD is also great for dive professionals who need something durable for teaching and guiding. Divers who travel occasionally but don’t need the absolute smallest pack size, will also be happy with this BCD. The versatility means you can use it with just a wetsuit in warm water or add a drysuit for cold water diving.

Skip it if you need ultra-compact travel gear as your main priority – there are lighter, more packable options available. Also skip it if you prefer back-inflated or wing style BCD’s. Instructors who do a lot of pool work might find the slower main valve frustrating.