The Scubapro Hydros is their high-end modular BCD. They designed it to be completely flexible, adaptable and interchangeable. Every part of the BCD can be replaced independently of the others. You now have the ability to personalise your BCD to just the way you want it.
I’ve spent several months diving in a Hydros, and I have to confess, I love it. I’m also aware of its failings, so I hope to give a balanced review of its performance.
Scubapro Hydros Construction
The backplate of the Scubapro Hydros is monprene. It’s a manmade rubber-like plastic that has a soft feel to it. It gives the BCD the ability to mould slightly to the person wearing it, which makes it comfortable.
The wing is a moulded material rather than stitched fabric, making it super lightweight, with no inherent buoyancy, and it dries instantly.
There is a choice of integrated weights or a simple harness – and you can change between them easily. It’s designed to have the integrated weights. The weights pockets are positioned towards your back which allows you to maintain a more upright position on the surface. The integrated weights and back inflate bladder give you a great diving position in the water.
There are trim pockets on the back which allow you to distribute weight higher up. This is great if you have heavy legs, or if you struggle to maintain a horizontal position.
Weighting and Buoyancy
Because the BCD has no inherent buoyancy, I found that I needed 2 pieces of weight less than with other BCDs. In Thailand this is 2 x 0.8 kg, but you might need to adjust that for your body type and the salinity of the water you are diving in. But you WILL need to drop some lead – which is a great thing. If you find that the BCD is uncomfortable, with air round the back of your neck – this is the problem, and the solution is simply to reduce the amount of lead.
I prefer not to have integrated weights for teaching – it’s just a personal preference, so I wear the harness. Because the weights are then not pulling the BCD down, I need to wear a crotch strap – which I’m comfortable with – to prevent it rising up around my ears. If you are not used to a crotch strap, then you may prefer to use the integrated weights as designed.
Hydros shoulder joint problems
There has been several modifications to the shoulder joints. The design is to hold the straps forward, so it’s easy to get on and off. However, there has been some strength issues, and Scubapro will replace any broken shoulder joints free of charge under warranty. Over the last 2 years I have replaced mine 4 times, without any bother, but if you don’t live close to a Scubapro dealer, then make sure that the Hydros you are buying has the latest joints which should be much more stable.
Scubapro Add-ons
The Scubapro Hydros has lots of add-ons – bungees, clips and pockets. My personal experience is that you can create your own bungee loops for a fraction of the cost, and attach everything that you need very easily. I do like the clip-on leg pocket and use that as my ‘self-reliant‘ gear pouch with spare computer, compass, cutting tool and slate. I attach it when I am teaching and diving self-reliant or diving with beginner students who are not able to assist me if there is a problem.
The hydros comes with its own backpack, and folds up super small for travelling.
I took mine to Borneo for my Course Director training, and it was small enough to go as hand luggage.
While the Scubapro Hydros is not without its faults, overall it’s a great BCD. It’s flexible, customisable, comfortable, lightweight and easily portable for travelling. Just as importantly, people who own it, love it!
I follow several Facebook scuba forums and when people ask for recommendations, there’s a large number of Hydros owners jumping in to recommend it.
Having used it for long enough to learn its faults as well as its good points – I love it too.
Thank you so much for posting your review of the Hydros! I’ve been looking at buying a BCD, and I’m torn between buying this and a BP/W. Your review is very helpful!