Scubapro Go BCD Review

Traveling divers who prefer jacket-style BCDs will find the Scubapro Go compelling. I’ve watched this BCD become popular with vacation divers and traveling instructors who appreciate the combination of genuine packability and Scubapro’s proven build quality. This is a well-executed travel BCD that delivers reliable performance in a lightweight package, making it particularly suitable for divers who want the familiar feel of a jacket BCD without the bulk of traditional designs.

What’s Included

The Go weighs 2.4-2.7 kg depending on size. Medium size weighs 2.5 kg. The BCD provides 10.2 kg of lift for extra small up to 19.4 kg for extra large sizes. Price sits around $700-800 depending on configuration and retailer.

It comes in five sizes from extra small through extra large. The bladder is constructed from 210-denier nylon with polyurethane coating and radio frequency soldering. The wraparound bladder design provides the jacket feel. Available with either Scubapro’s Balanced Power Inflator or the AIR2 5th Generation integrated inflator-regulator.

The BCD features the Quick Cinch tank buckle system. Two large quick-draining cargo pockets provide storage. Integrated front weight pockets use quick-release buckles. Five aluminum D-rings including two large pre-bent shoulder D-rings offer attachment points. Optional trim weight pockets are available. The Airnet ergonomic backpack is soft and water-draining. A travel bag is included.

Performance Review

Travel Design

The Go folds into its included travel bag compactly. Common feedback from divemasters is that the lightweight construction and foldable design make it genuinely practical for airline travel. The 210-denier material is the lightest fabric typically used in BCD construction. Scubapro compensates with the polyurethane coating for abrasion resistance.

Many pros report that the Go packs well but feels slightly less durable than Scubapro’s heavier BCDs. DIVE Magazine’s review noted concerns about the plasticky feel of the material and hesitation about using it around sharp objects. That said, the radio frequency soldering creates strong seams, and Scubapro’s build quality standards apply even to their lightweight models.

Quick Cinch Tank System

The Quick Cinch tank buckle system is genuinely user-friendly. I’ve heard dive instructors mention that it adjusts to different tank sizes easily, which is valuable when diving at multiple locations with varying tank configurations. The double tank bands hold the cylinder securely. The innovative design requires minimal effort to tighten and provides maximum stability underwater.

Comfort and Fit

The Airnet backpack provides cushioning without significant weight. The padding is minimal but sufficient for warm water diving. The rotating quick-release shoulder buckles allow optimization of shoulder strap routing. An adjustable sternum strap and cummerbund with double-pull over-strap help dial in fit.

Common feedback that I got is that the wraparound bladder comfortably hugs the body without squeeze. However, some divers noted they would prefer wider shoulder straps with more padding material. The swiveling shoulder clips work well for some divers while others find them unnecessary.

Weight System and Storage

The integrated weight pouches hold up to 4.5 kg each. The quick-release mechanism uses low-profile squeeze buckles. Loading and ditching work reliably. The two large zippered pockets provide good cargo capacity. One pocket includes stainless steel grommets for knife attachment. Two octopus pockets secure alternate air source and console hoses.

Inflator Placement

One critique from DIVE Magazine’s review concerned the inflator button placement next to the deflator on the same side of the mechanism. This proximity could potentially lead to confusion during rapid buoyancy adjustments, though most divers adapt to their specific inflator design with practice.

Comparison Analysis

The Scubapro Go at $700-800 sits at the higher end of travel BCD pricing. The Cressi Travelight at around $400 offers a jacket design with similar packability but heavier weight at 2.5 kg and less refined features. The Oceanic Biolite at around $600 provides a back-inflation design at 2.5 kg with the unique BioFlex bladder.

The Mares Magellan at $400-500 weighs less at 2.1 kg but uses a back-inflation design. For divers specifically wanting a lightweight jacket-style BCD, the Go is one of the best options, though the price reflects Scubapro’s premium positioning.

The Go’s main value proposition is combining Scubapro’s reputation for quality with genuine travel-friendly weight and packability in a familiar jacket configuration.

Our Take

The Quick Cinch tank system works exceptionally well. Scubapro build quality and reputation provide confidence. The jacket-style design appeals to divers who prefer traditional wraparound buoyancy. Good cargo capacity with two large pockets. The travel bag inclusion is a nice touch.

The 210-denier material, while lightweight, raises durability concerns for rough use. The premium pricing puts it at the higher end of travel BCDs. The inflator button placement next to the deflator could cause confusion. Minimal padding on shoulder straps compared to full-featured BCDs.

Final Recommendation

Buy the Scubapro Go if you’re a traveling diver who prefers jacket-style BCDs and values brand reputation. It’s ideal for vacation divers who dive warm water destinations regularly and want reliable Scubapro quality in a packable design. The jacket configuration makes it suitable for divers who feel more comfortable with wraparound buoyancy than back-inflation designs.

This BCD works well for recreational divers who want a primary travel BCD from a trusted manufacturer. The Quick Cinch system makes it particularly valuable when diving at multiple locations with different tank configurations.

Skip this BCD if you’re budget-conscious and can find similar features for less money. Divers who need maximum durability for rough diving conditions should consider heavier-duty construction. If you prefer back-inflation designs, lighter and less expensive options exist. Advanced divers who need extensive attachment points might find the feature set limiting.