Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to put the Aqualung Pro HD Compact to the test. I was genuinely excited about testing it out since it’s among the top-selling travel BCDs in both the US and Europe. I was quite curious to uncover the reasons behind its popularity. For my evaluation, I tried out the medium/medium large version, which happened to fit me quite comfortably.
Overall, I have done 4 fun dives with the Aqualung Pro HD Compact, two morning and two evening dives, all dives took place in warm freshwater conditions. Note thet the Aqualung Pro HD Compact should not be confused with the Aqualung Pro HD vestion.
The Aqualung Pro HD Compact is certainly one of the best travel BCDs. It is a comfortable back inflation BCD that can be used both for traveling and for regular diving. Its ultra-thin back plate (rather a backpack) makes it super easy to fold and carry it with you in your carry-on luggage.
The Aqualung Pro HD Compact BCD sophisticated manufacturing and construction stands out despite its competitive pricing. From the very moment I grabbed this BCD in my hands I had the impression I was dealing with a highly sophisticated buoyancy compensator, rugged and able to compete with some of the top tier travel BCs such as the Scubapro Hydros Pro (travel version). Let’s take a look at the first impression at the surface.
Aqualung Pro HD Compact: First Impressions at the Surface
Upper Parts of the BCD
From the very moment you take the Aqualung Pro HD Compact in your hands you will realize it is a perfect match for a travel BCD. Its low weight will ensure that excess baggage fees won’t be an issue on your next scuba trip.
Two other features that immediately stand out are the adjustable chest strap and two large plastic D-rings at the front of the shoulder straps. The adjustable chest strap (can be moved along a rail system) is a feature I particularly love as a scuba instructor as I often see students or relatively new divers having issues with normal chest straps while performing scuba skills. The Aqualung Pro HD Compact adjustable chest strap system instead allows you to calibrate the height of the strap to the height of your chest, avoiding uncomfortable situations in which the chest strap ends up on your neck. This single feature makes the Aqualung Pro HD Compact a perfect BCD for some scuba diving courses such as the rescue course.
When it comes to the D-rings, I have to note that they are made of plastic. They still look rugged and capable of holding enough weight despite plastic can never be as resistant as stainless steel. However, given the efforts Aqualung has made to make this one of the lightest BCs on the market, optimization and use of lightweight materials is fully understandable.
Looking closer at the adjustable shoulder straps, several other features stand out. Both straps are sculpted, ensuring they stay firmly in place on your shoulder during a dive. They are also padded, so that in case you are diving with heavy equipment you will feel less pressure on your shoulders. Both straps have patented swivel shoulder buckles (not visible at first sight) ensuring an adequate level of flexibility while lifting or wearing the BCD. From the right strap you can access the right shoulder pull dump to easily dump some air out of your Aqualung Pro HD compact while ascending. The dump valve’s handle is not particularly oversized resulting in possible difficulty in locating it in case you are diving with thick gloves or dry gloves.
The left shoulder strap features Aqualung’s powerline inflator mechanism, which I find relatively compact yet comfortable in case you are diving with thick gloves..
Backpack and Integrated Weights
Looking at the BCD from the front you will notice that there are no signs of a backplate. The Aqualung Pro HD Compact has in fact a really thin yet sturdy and padded backpack functioning as backplate. Towards the bottom of the BC you will also notice a light-grey triangular lumbar support pad for greater comfort (it counterbalances the negative pressure your scuba tank exercises on your lower back).
When it comes to the weight system, the Aqualung Pro HD Compact has two very light and slim integrated weight pockets mounted on the waiststrap (the BC has no cummerbund). The Pro HD Compact features Aqualung’s single-pull weight release, which is an easy-to-use mechanical weight release system: weights are released with a single pull of the release handle. For increased trimming capabilities or in case you need extra weight, you can purchase separately one or two optional non-ditch weight pockets that mount on the tank band.
The left hand waistband also features two additional D-rings and a couple of grommets that function as cutting device or knife attachment points. If you are planning to buy a dive knife for the Pro HD Compact, I suggest Aqualung’s Small Squeeze Lock Knife with Sheeps Foot. The right hand waist band features a D-ring and a medium sized pocket where you can comfortably fit a small spool or reel and DSMB.
Tank Bands
When it comes to travel BCs, I always like to take a closer look at tank bands. To optimize weight, many brands tend to overlook the importance of tank bands and simply remove one of them overlooking their importance for a diver’s overall trim and buoyancy.
The Aqualung Pro HD Compact features a main lightweight lower tank band with a plastic cam buckle. It is placed right above the BCD’s lower rear dump valve. If the BCD is fitted properly, the main tank band should be sitting right above your hips. The BCD also features a quick release valve strap placed right below the the right hand shoulder damp valve and the left hand inflator valve.
The combination of a lower tank band and upper valve strap will keep your scuba tank firm in place. This innovative tank support system ensures that no hard pack or backplate is needed insofar as the tank will function as a hard pack. Note that this system is only effective if the both upper valve strap and lower tank band are tight enough for your scuba tank to remain firm in place during a dive.
For example, if your tank strap is not tight enough the top of the cylinder will move parallel to your back, and even small movements might result in discomfort.
All in all, the Aqualung Pro HD Compact looks is quite an interesting travel BCD at the surface. Let’s take a look at its performance underwater.
Aqualung Pro HD Compact: Performance Underwater
Testing Conditions
I have done 4 dives in total with the Aqualung Pro HD Compact. All of them were done in fresh water, wearing a a 5mm wetsuit with thick gloves. I dove in a single tank setup with a stainless steel 12 Liters cylinder, alternating it with a 10 Liters stainless steel cylinder.
Given the environmental conditions and the exposure protection I have used, I had to carry along 13 Lbs or 6 Kilos, and have therefore not tested the full capacity of the Sure-Lock II Mechanical Weight Release System which is 20 Lbs or 9 Kg.
Adjustment and Trimming of the Aqualung Pro HD Compact BCD
Before entering the water I have spent some time adjusting the Aqualung Pro HD Compact BCD to the size of my wetsuit and it has been quite easy. I like to have my chest straps rather slightly below my sternum and moving the Pro HD Compact chest straps along the BCD’s rail system was quite easy.
Inserting the weights in the removable pockets was rather easy as well and I licked the sturdy feel of both pockets once I had put them back in place. I was carrying along a small spool and DSMB and have to admit that the right waist band feels a bit bulky once the easy-access pocket is filled in and the weight pocket is full.
As I was gearing up and had put my gloves on, the D-rings felt immediately a bit small for the size of my gloves. But this is a matter of habit and 4 dives are definitely not sufficient to get used to a new BCD.
Water entry and descent
For all dives I have entered the lake jumping from a floating platform, simulating a giant stride entry as this is one of the most common entries particularly when boat diving in exotic locations. This was a perfect way to test the effectiveness of the tank strap and band, and as expected my scuba tank remained firm in place. I could not detect any major signs of horizontal rolling or vertical motion.
Given that the Aqualung Pro HD Compact is a back-inflation BCD, while at the surface, it tends to push your head towards the water. As for most similar BCDs you can easily avoid this by slightly deflating it until you feel you have reached a stable center of gravity and a stable central position. While at the surface, I have tested deflating my BCD both with the inflator hose and with the right shoulder damp valves. Both functioned pretty smoothly as expected.
During my descent I have tested the inflator hose and both damp valves, and all worked smoothly. The BCD I was testing was new, the deflator button was therefore a bit hard to calibrate with my thick gloves. On the other hand, I have found both the right shoulder and lower right pull dump valves’ handles pretty easy to reach, this was pretty much unexpected with thick gloves.
Buoyancy and trim
Achieving and maintaining good buoyancy control was really easy. Given the lack of a backplate, I was initially skeptical on my trim skills as I was scared the whole BCD would tend to lay either on the right or left side of my back, but this was not the case. To ensure that you also won’t experience trim issues, I highly recommend paying special attention while you tighten the BC’s tank band and tank valve strap. Don’t forget that your tank will function as backplate while diving with the Aqualung Pro HD Compact.
In my first dive I noticed my whole body was tilted towards the right, and this was most likely due to the fact that I was carrying my spool and DSMB in my right pocket. For subsequent dives, I have simply recalibrated the weights to compensate for this.
Performing scuba diving skills
As a scuba instructor, there are two diving skills I always like to perform while testing new BCDs. They are hovering and BCD removal and replacement. I particularly like them as they allow me to compare performance and buoyancy characteristics of BCDs, while also checking if a BCD is a good fit for student divers.
I have tried hovering both in a horizontal and vertical (i.e. Buddah) position. Horizontal hovering is a no-brainer with the Aqualung Pro HD Compact, and due to its back inflate design, the wing really helps maintain a still horizontal position.
When it comes to vertical or seated hovering, however, the design of the BCD does not help a lot, and I had to compensate a forward motion by extending my legs slightly. This is perfectly normal with most back inflated BCs where the lack of inflatable waist parts does not help maintain a seated hovering position.
When it comes to the removal and replacement of the Aqualung Pro HD Compact, I found no particular difficulties. The lack of a cummerbund makes it somewhat easier as I always find the cummerbund to be a bit annoying while performing this skill. Typically it ends behind your back while you are trying to put the BC back on or the velcro gets attached to your wetsuit.
In addition to these two skills I would have loved to test the integrated weight system’s mechanical lock and how easy it is to put the weights back on underwater once you have dumped them, but I could not risk losing the BC’s weight pockets in a muddy lake.
Ascent and swimming at the surface
I started my ascent from a depth of 50 Ft or 15 meters and tried to dump a bit of air from my Aqualung Pro HD Compact by using the inlator hose, the damp valve located on the right shoulder, as well as the dump valve located on the left shoulder. As for the descent, I have encountered no difficulties.
When it comes to swimming at the surface, like with most back inflate BCDs, I found it somewhat difficult to swim with my head out of the water as the air in my BCD would slightly push me down on a flat position. In this case, unlike in a vertical, still position, my best advice is to use your snorkel and swim with the face underwater. This will also avoid useless strain on your neck muscles.
Once back on the diving platform, I have left my BCD out in the sun for less than 20 minutes and it was almost entirely dry. After removing the tank and integrated weight pockets, it’s really amazing how compact this BCD can become (similar to the size of a beach towel when folded), making it a perfect fit for dive travel.
Aqualung Pro HD Compact: Features and Specs
Let’s take a quick look at some of the most important features and specs of the Aqualung Pro HD Compact. As mentioned earlier, this should not be confused with the Aqualung Pro HD Men’s BCD, nor with the Aqualung Pro HD for Women as they all have different specs.
Aqualung Pro HD Compact Features
- Pro HD Compact BCD: Ultra-Light, Weight-Integrated, Back-Inflation BCD, with possibility to add extra weight with the Aqualung optional fixed non-releasable weight pockets.
- ML/LG size: Weighs Less than 4.75 lbs (2.2kg) including Airway & Weight Pockets. Ideal choice for travelers: can be packed flat or rolled.
- Innovative Tank Support System: Eliminates the need for a backplate. Valve strap positioned in such a way that it pulls the top of your tank in-towards your center of gravity.
- Wrapture Harness System: The BC hugs contours of Body, providing superior comfort & stability while preventing ride-ups at the surface.
- Sure-Lock II Mechanical Weight Release System: Easy to load the integrated weight pockets align themselves. Releasable Weight: 20 lbs (9kg) Capacity and Non-Releasable Weight: 10 lbs (4.54kg) Capacity.
- Dump Valves: 2 Proprietary flat valves reducing the risk of entanglement. The BC has two large pull bobs that are easy to locate and provide superior grip.
- Aqualungs Power Line Inflator: provides one of the highest air flows In-the industry and has an environmentally sealed unit, requiring less maintenance. The BC comes with a 3/8″ threaded low pressure quick-disconnect hose.
- Attachment & Storage of Accessories: The Aqualung Pro HD compact features 6 Plastic D-Rings a knife attachment point and one fold-down pocket.
- Lift Capacity Range: 22 to 34 lbs (10 to 15.42kg) depending on the BC’s size. XXS/XS & S/M: 22 lbs (10kg) and ML/L, XL/XXL: 34 lbs (15.42kg).
Aqualung Pro HD Compact Specs
BC Body: Back inflated BCD. Buoyancy Bag: XXS/XS & S/M: 22 lbs (10kg) and ML/L, XL/XXL: 34 lbs (15.42kg).Valves: 3-Dump/Over-Pressure Relief Valves.Pockets: one fold down pocket.
Stainless Steel Rings: the Aqualung Pro HD Compact has 6 plastic D-rings. Waist Strap: Adjustable w/Squeeze-Style Side-Release Buckle.Chest Buckle: Adjustable w/G Hook Buckle.Oral Inflator: Aqualung Power Inflator.
Aqualung Pro HD Compact Available Sizes
The Aqualung Pro HD Compact comes in four different sizes (unisex): 2XS-XS, SM, MLL, and XL-2XL. Given the different types of available sizes, it is highly customizable and fits a diverse range of body types.
Overall Performance and Evaluation
The Aqualung Pro HD Compact is definitely one of the best travel BCDs available in the market. Despite the use of lightweight materials (the BCD is actually the lightest you will ever find) it is rugged and perfectly able to accomodate diffeernt types of divers’ profiles.
From what I have seen, its ease of adjustment and donning make it particularly useful is you are switching often from wetsuit to drysuit. Needless to say, it is also a very comfortable bcd. I would however be cautious if you are purchasing for regular use with heavy scuba equipment. The Aqualung Pro HD Compact is primarily designed for traveling and an extended heavy use could require more frequent maintenance.
I recommend the Aqualung Pro HD Compact to all divers that are mostly diving on holidays in exotic warm water locations and that occasionally want to use it in some local, cold water dives. Thanks to its competitive pricing, you will be able to amortize its cost with relatively few dives, making it a safer option as compared to renting a BCD.
If you are interested in checking out how the Aqualung Pro HD Compact compares vs. other travel BCDs, check out my Ultimate List of Travel BCDs.
Aqualung Pro HD Compact BCD FAQs
What is the difference between the Aqualung Pro HD Compact and the Aqualung Pro HD?
The Aqualung Pro HD Compact is designed for traveling and is therefore built with lightweight materials and in a lighter fashion than the Aqualung Pro HD. For example whereas the Aqualung Pro HD Compact has plastic D-rings, the Aqualung Pro HD compact has stainless steel D-rings. Additionally the Aqualung Pro HD Compact comes in a single unisex version, whereas the Aqualung Pro HD comes both in a man and woman version.
Is the Aqualung Pro HD Compact a good BCD for traveling?
The Aqualung Pro HD Compact is the ideal choice for travelers. It is the lightest travel BCD on the market and can be either folded like a beach towel or rolled.
Is the Aqualung Pro HD Compact a good BCD for beginner divers?
The Aqualung Pro HD Compact is the perfect choice for beginner divers, particularly if you plan to dive mostly in warm water locations. It is simple, easy to adjust, and extremely comfortable.
How often should the Aqualung Pro HD Compact be serviced?
THe Aqualung users manual recommends that it is important to obtain prescribed dealer service for your BC at least once annually,from an Authorized Aqua Lung Dealer or Distributor, your personal safety and the mechanicalintegrity of your BC depends on it.
Can you mount a double cylinder set on the Aqualung Pro HD Compact BCD?
No, you cannot mount a dual tank setup with this BCD. The BCD comes with a single tank band system as a standard. Do not attempt to mount a double cylinder on the Aqualung Pro HD compact as this might severely affect your personal safety while diving.
Have you experienced any problems with the Aqualung Pro HD Compact?
I have not experienced any problem while diving with the Aqualung Pro HD Compact. However, in your first dives, I recommend you invest some time in setting up properly the chest strap and perform several bupoyancy checks at the beginning and end of each dive. Given the wide range of positions if your chest strap is not properly set up, it may exert unwanted pressure on your sternum area.
