Is That a Feather Pillow on Your Back?
I’m an Oceanic fan. I have been since my first day scuba diving. I mean, it’s what my instructors handed me and told me to get in the water with, but I digress. Even after my initial training I used Oceanic equipment. I trust it, and I used it exclusively until moving to the Southeast, where it just isn’t sold as much.
Before even trying on the Oceanic Biolite I knew it would be a tough, high-performance BCD, but I wasn’t expecting just how light it would be. Holding this BCD feels like holding a sack of feathers. It’s honestly the lightest BCD I’ve ever picked up.
My initial thought was that there was no way such a light BCD could be as durable as promised. That thought evaporated once I dove the Biolite. Even as light as it is, the Biolite can deliver 38 pounds of lift, making time on the surface just as comfortable as time underwater.
Another feature—outside of the extreme light weight—that I like about the Biolite is the BCD retention system, which helps pull the BCD close to the tank and inhibits twisting while diving at depth. I also like the way the chest strap is completely movable, either up or down depending on your preference. This is a small add-on, but it makes a difference.
Some of the things I didn’t like include the lack of D-rings. It’s a small thing, and you can of course add clips and hooks when and where you like. Leaving them off does make sense though, considering the goal was to get a BCD to the public with as little weight as possible.
One other thing I don’t like is the design of the integrated weight pockets. They’re not really integrated—they are just pockets on the hips of the Biolite where you put your weights and clip the pocket shut. There’s no pocket within a pocket like most integrated weight systems.
Overall, the Oceanic Biolite is a great choice for divers looking for ultra-light gear, divers with a small frame, or young divers. Being so light, the BCD does take a little getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, it is a comfortable, workhorse BCD. The best BCD is one that you trust, is safe, and one that is comfortable. Check out our rundown of all the best BCDs we’ve tested.
Spec Breakdowns & Features
The Oceanic Biolite is a back-inflation BCD that weighs 5.5 pounds, making it the smallest and lightest BCD we’ve tested, and one of the lightest BCDs on the market. Lightweight and able to pack small, the Biolite is great both for travelers and smaller divers.
But don’t let its size and weight fool you—the Biolite can hold its own, delivering 38 pounds of lift (in the large model)*—and it’s built with Oceanic’s trusted ruggedness.
Your tank won’t slide around thanks to the single tank band and height adjustment tank strap. The “Gripper,” a rubberized piece built into the back of the BCD, ensures your tank not only stays put, but won’t spin around either.
Able to hold up to 14 pounds of ditchable weights, and up to 10 pounds of non-ditchable, trim weights in all sizes, the Biolite can accommodate any of your weighting needs. Adjustable at the shoulders, waist, and chest, the Biolite can fit nearly any body size and shape.
While the Biolite doesn’t come with any D-rings, it does have a stainless steel carabiner, and D-rings are inexpensive and readily available at your local dive shop.
*Lift capacity: XS, SM, MD: 32 lbs.; LG, XL: 38 lbs.
Accessories
Oceanic manufactures all kinds of equipment for scuba divers from BCDs and regulators, to fins and masks. We definitely recommend checking out other Oceanic equipment, especially their high-performance regulators. We also really like their masks. Check out our highly rated Oceanic Viper 2 fins here.
Price/Quality Ratio
The Oceanic Biolite falls in our “mid-range” category, and you get what you pay for. The Biolite is a solid BCD that is perfect for traveling or everyday diving. While extremely lightweight, the Biolite is also tough and rugged. Having a lift capacity of 38 pounds (in the large model), means you can use whatever tank the operators have while on vacation.
What it lacks in D-rings and pockets shows in the price. These extras cost a few dollars at your local dive shop, and don’t really diminish the quality of the Biolite.
Do we recommend the Oceanic Biolite?
We do recommend the Oceanic Biolite BCD, especially for divers with travel on their minds. This is the lightest BCD we’ve tested, and one of the lightest on the market, making it perfect for hitting those far-flung dive locations.
Some divers might think ultra-light means weak and thin, but that’s not the case with the Biolite. With up to 38 pounds of lift, the Biolite delivers on strength, making your time on the surface just as enjoyable as your time underwater.
Specs & Features
| Inflation | Back inflation |
|---|---|
| Weight | 5.5 pounds |
| Lift capacity | 38 pounds (large) |
| Clips/D-rings | None, one carabiner |
| Adjustment points | Shoulders, waist, and chest |
| Tank attachment | Single tank band with height adjustment strap |
| Weight capacity | 14 pounds in ditchable weight and 10 pounds in non-ditchable weight |
