Scubapro

Scubapro Hydros Pro BCD w/5th Gen. Air2, Men's

The Hydros Pro men's BCD fitted with Scubapro's 5th-generation Air2 integrated alternate-air inflator instead of a standard power inflator.

Travel-friendly

Lighter and more packable than a standard BCD of the same lift capacity, aimed at divers who fly to their diving.

Scubapro Hydros Pro BCD w/5th Gen. Air2, Men's
3.8Comparison Score
$1349
Buy on AmazonBuy on Scuba.com
Released2016
Styleback inflation
Weight-integratedYes
Lift capacity40.5 lbs
Backplatenone
D-rings4
Trim pocketsYes
MaterialInjection-molded Monprene gel harness
Travel-friendlyYes
Dry weight5216g
Fitmens
SizesS–XL/2XL

"Lift capacity" is the manufacturer-rated buoyancy the wing/bladder can provide at the surface. Match it to your exposure suit, tank, and weighting, not the biggest number available.

Pros
  • Air2 combines a backup second stage and BC power inflator into one unit, reducing hose clutter on the diver's chest
  • Retains the same Monprene modular harness, D-ring layout, and packable Smart-Pack design as the standard Hydros Pro
  • One less regulator hose and second stage to service and route compared to a separate octopus
Cons
  • Costs roughly $160 more than the equivalent balanced-power-inflator (BPI) version
  • An Air2-equipped buddy needs to be closer during an out-of-air share since the backup is fixed to the inflator hose rather than on a long hose
Diver community sentiment
Mixed opinions

On Scubaboard, recreational divers generally describe the Hydros Pro's monoprene harness as comfortable, stable, and highly adjustable, and appreciate its packability. Recurring complaints include the air bladder filling unevenly and causing a roll to one side, trim-pocket fabric fraying at the clip attachments after moderate use (with Scubapro reportedly refusing warranty coverage in at least one case), and oversized weight pockets letting lead shift in the water. Opinion on the integrated Air2 alternate-air/inflator is split by diver type: recreational divers value its low maintenance and reduced hose clutter, while technical/doubles divers dislike that the donor must surrender their primary regulator during a share.

Scubaboard: Hydros Pro comfort/fit threadScubaboard: trim-pocket fraying complaintsScubaboard: Air2 pros and cons discussion

Summarized from public forum discussion (Scubaboard, Reddit, and similar), not a survey we ran ourselves. See the linked threads for the original conversations.

This variant is the same men’s Hydros Pro BCD, but built with Scubapro’s 5th-generation Air2 in place of a standard balanced power inflator. Air2 folds a backup regulator second stage and the BC’s power inflator into a single unit, so the diver carries one fewer hose and second stage. It suits divers who already prefer an integrated alternate-air setup and want it paired with the Hydros Pro’s modular harness.