@@BlackMantaPhotography Honestly not used it yet but off to Sharm on the 28th to give it a proper shake down. Not used a wing type before but if feels amazing “dry”. Just need to get a few bolt snaps for the “stuff” and then get it wet. Cheers Jase 👌
Thanks for a great review Richard! My wife just purchased this for me and I plan on doing a dive next month. I can confirm everything that you stated about this BC as far as its above water feel and usage. The cylinder loading is such a nice upgrade that you really never think about until you do this and realize how secure it is as well as how convenient it is as a time saver. Along with that, the integrated weights are amazing. I can't wait for the rest of your reviews!
Douglas Benton thank you very much - what a great comment! Also, wow - what a fantastic present from the wife!! Totally in love with this BCD - yes it’s heavy, but it just speaks quality! You just don’t realise until you actually hold it in your hands!! Enjoy - look forward to hearing how you get on!
I just purchased a BC2. The quality is unmatched. It is heavy like you say but it is built for use. I purchased it new in the box with warranty cards for $1100. The deals are out there so the cost is not so painful. Can't wait to take it diving. Thanks for your video.
Ah, awesome stuff Richard - brilliant to hear to got a good deal too! So glad you agreed - the BC2 is practically bullet proof!! Wait until you get it in the water - you just feel so secure in it - thing just ‘holds’ you. Definite sense of security while wearing it. Yeah it’s heavy, but the weight is only really an issue if you’re planning on taking it overseas and you’re worried about baggage limits. I’m based in the Uk and travelled to Mexico with it no problems and spent time diving in Cancun, Cozumel and Cenotes. Enjoy! 👍🏻
Thank you for the great review. I watched your video - however - I am wondering how was your personal experience while using it under water? How was the BCD after the dive at the surface? How was the trim etc.? How was the inflation process? While the material and design seems to be pretty good. How is the overall underwater performance compared to similar BCDs? Last but not least: what is the size for transportation? What are the lightweight competitors for this BC2? THX
Hi Elise - some great questions. I'll do my best to answer as best I can. Personally, it is a great BCD - no doubt about it. It's remarkably comfortable, hugs you underwater, the quality is second to none, and I love the tank strap mechanism. Underwater I had no issues at all - it made me feel secure, trim during the dive was fine, and the surface inflation is how you would expect any high end BCD to perform. My only 'but'... just the weight. In the water it's fine, but when kitting up or getting out the water you really notice you are wearing something so heavy. Also, if you travel overseas for diving a lot then bear in mind it will take up a lot of baggage allowance, and doesn't fold down that well. Example - my regular go to BCD is my Hollis LTS. It's an extremely lightweight travel system that weighs half of what the Atomic BC2 does. Hope that helps to answer your question :)
@@eliseweber6973 Well, if you are looking for a good BCD that is lightweight and acts as a great travel unit, then there are 2 that come to mind that I would recommend. 1. The Hollis LTS as I mentioned before. It's my go to unit personally and great for UK and overseas as it offers 30kg of lift. A really great BCD. 2. The Aqualung Outlaw BCD. This is an incredible unit as breaks down completely so utterly perfect for packing / travelling with. Both of these have been reviewed over the past couple of years, so will pop links to these below if they are of use to you.
thank you for your informations that's really convince me to buy it. Then, I agree with you BC2 is the best BCD I ever used and and it deserves every dollar that I paid. Once you choose the right diving equipment you will be a great diver full of skills .... It's the only BCD that help you to fly underwater and I think I will call it "FERRARI OF THE SEA" best thanks to Atomic for the best BCD I ever used. Also, perfect materials and so luxurious.
For this price you can also compare this system to a custom backplate - wing system. And I would even say that a custom backplate wing system may needs more research from the customer to pick the best parts but it will be more vaule for the money. This system seems to me as a premium system for someone who just wants to buy something from the shelf but I don't think it'S a good system for many divers because there are so many options which can outperform this jacket on price or quality...
Jylakir and that’s exactly it - a premium off the shelf BCD. Yes you will find great systems for much less money, but the build quality is phenomenal..!
Thanks for another amazing review. I suppose I'll do what I always do. Wait for a higher model to come out and buy this when its price goes down ;) Oh God look at all those comments. People seem to have loved it!... Talk about temptation.... But there seems to be some naysayers too. What would be your suggestions for a more affordable but still high quality, hydrodynamic, weight integrated BCD for personal, recreational use?
Strange - I remember replying to this when you posted, but the comment isn't there?? Don't get me wrong, the BC2 is amazing in every way, but it is very heavy, especially for travelling internationally with restricted luggage capacity, but if purchased it should last you forever! If you want something lightweight, but good quality, then check out the Hollis LTS. That's what I use personally, and have owned it for a couple of years. I did a review of it on this channel whilst in the Maldives a couple of years back after I bought it. Let me know what you think!
mike valdez I didn’t even think you were - I was actually agreeing with you. I’ve never owned a dive rite, but know quite a few people that speak really highly of them..! 👍🏻
@@BlackMantaPhotography then allow me to speak highly of dive rite, it's an awesome upgrade, especially if you get the back plate, easy to clean. My 1st 18 years of diving was a simple, jacket style bcd, aqua lung maverick. Quite the workhorse, but I was dying for a much needed upgraded. I got my dive rite with rec wing and the bladder shell has an abrasion resistant shell made of kevlar. Performed flawlessly
@@BlackMantaPhotography Yes.. i love this .. but i have to save up.. Maby 2021 - - I would like to have one that can take D2x10 L tanks... But this realy looks like a stealtr wing..
@@Makdiver I did purchase a med/lg last week. It came with the two accessory pockets. what a fantastic build quality. I got it from a dive shop on the internet for $1000. Well worth it. Still need to get open water certified. Can't wait to use it. Thanks for your comprehensive review.
Nope. Not convinced. Pure Marketing BS. My Friend, a Pro diver in a harsh tropical environment gets about 3 years/ 2100 dives out of her Black ice before she has to replace. I very much doubt if this Atomic BCD would last 12 years/9000 dives - which it would need to in order to break even. Don't get me wrong, I'm not averse to spending money on dive gear. The total value of mine and my wife's OC gear is similar to that of a Decent German Hot hatch. But no way would I see this standing up for the amount of time required. I live in the Middle East - it doesn't get harsher for heat and UV, I figure 5 years is max before a bladder breaks down. £1300 buys a few replacements of Dive Rite or Apex wings. I'm sure there's a market, like those who buy a Ti Reg thinking money buys you the best. I have a bridge I 'd like to sell, so if you know anyone wanting to buy this BCD, send them my way
I guess time will tell in 5 years if those buying now still have the same quality product they bought new. All of my own dive kit has various marks and scratches from only c100+ dives a year, so will be interesting to see how this holds up to sitting in the hull of a panga boat under 10 other sets of kit!
Really it's due to the quality of the materials used. The special outerlayer is double-laminated to give it the waterproof properties, and everything else is just the highest grade you can find on a BCD. No expense has been spared at all!
@@BlackMantaPhotography will do. Right now I’m working on trying to get titanium barbs for the LP hose connections to my T3 first stage. Will likely have to be custom machined. Something just really bothers my about screwing brass into Ti. Maybe not justified, but whatever. Haha
@@RB-xv4si I mean, some might call it overkill, but if it gives you that piece of mind during a dive then why the hell not!!! Sounds like a great set up!
Recommending adding an SS1 power inflator in lieu of a regular octopus seriously mars the credibility of this review. This seems more like a sales pitch then a review. I'm sure the build quality is excellent, pretty much all Atomic Aquatics gear is, but they are also a manufacturer that charges a premium so people can show off their wealth for a product that is suitable only for recreational tropical water diving. I'm far more impressed with a diver who has the Atomic Aquatics M1 than with one who has the T25. The M1 diver has put thought and research into their gear. The T25 diver just bought the most expensive thing they could find. The BC2 sounds like a BCD for someone with more money than sense.
Thansk for the detailed comment - appreciate any form of interaction. I'm not linked to, work for, paid by or received any form of payment from Atomic or Mikes Dive Store for making the video. I was presented with the opportunity to dive with it, so I took it with open arms. It was returned after the diving. Great bit of kit as you say, but enourmously expensive!
“Chemical resistent ”, “UV resistent”, “Punch resistent”. Sorry, this are marketing nonsense. Why a recreational diver need this? Yes, they are situation when a professional diver need to dive into contaminated water but they use in combination with a special dry suit, usually completely isolated from environment. But a professional diver not buy his equipment from a “normal” dive shop. I don’t contest the quality and I don’t intend to say is not deserved the price just not justified for a recreational diver.
That's a very fair judgment. A good marketing ploy? Maybe? I can only comment on the first-hand experience of using it. It certainly feels very luxurious, and the build quality is exceptional.
![[UNCUT]"ทนายตั้ม" แฉยับ! ความลับสวรรค์ ใครคือ "บิ๊กเทวดา" ของบอสพอล l คนดังนั่งเคลียร์ l 15 ต.ค. 67](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ru9fpSaUwdA/mqdefault.jpg)
Great review, just taken the plunge and ordered me one. Thanks 🙏And got it from Mikes Dive Store as well 👍
Awesome to hear Jason! How are you getting on with it? The guys at @Mikesdivestorelondon will be very pleased to hear that!! :)
@@BlackMantaPhotography
Honestly not used it yet but off to Sharm on the 28th to give it a proper shake down. Not used a wing type before but if feels amazing “dry”. Just need to get a few bolt snaps for the “stuff” and then get it wet. Cheers Jase 👌
Thanks for a great review Richard! My wife just purchased this for me and I plan on doing a dive next month. I can confirm everything that you stated about this BC as far as its above water feel and usage. The cylinder loading is such a nice upgrade that you really never think about until you do this and realize how secure it is as well as how convenient it is as a time saver. Along with that, the integrated weights are amazing. I can't wait for the rest of your reviews!
Douglas Benton thank you very much - what a great comment! Also, wow - what a fantastic present from the wife!! Totally in love with this BCD - yes it’s heavy, but it just speaks quality! You just don’t realise until you actually hold it in your hands!! Enjoy - look forward to hearing how you get on!
I just purchased a BC2. The quality is unmatched. It is heavy like you say but it is built for use. I purchased it new in the box with warranty cards for $1100. The deals are out there so the cost is not so painful. Can't wait to take it diving. Thanks for your video.
Ah, awesome stuff Richard - brilliant to hear to got a good deal too!
So glad you agreed - the BC2 is practically bullet proof!! Wait until you get it in the water - you just feel so secure in it - thing just ‘holds’ you. Definite sense of security while wearing it.
Yeah it’s heavy, but the weight is only really an issue if you’re planning on taking it overseas and you’re worried about baggage limits.
I’m based in the Uk and travelled to Mexico with it no problems and spent time diving in Cancun, Cozumel and Cenotes.
Enjoy! 👍🏻
Hey Richard, may I ask where did you get it for $1100? Online or in store?
Where did you buy yours from at that price? I’m interested. 😊
Thank you for the great review. I watched your video - however - I am wondering how was your personal experience while using it under water? How was the BCD after the dive at the surface? How was the trim etc.? How was the inflation process? While the material and design seems to be pretty good. How is the overall underwater performance compared to similar BCDs? Last but not least: what is the size for transportation? What are the lightweight competitors for this BC2?
THX
Hi Elise - some great questions. I'll do my best to answer as best I can.
Personally, it is a great BCD - no doubt about it. It's remarkably comfortable, hugs you underwater, the quality is second to none, and I love the tank strap mechanism. Underwater I had no issues at all - it made me feel secure, trim during the dive was fine, and the surface inflation is how you would expect any high end BCD to perform.
My only 'but'... just the weight. In the water it's fine, but when kitting up or getting out the water you really notice you are wearing something so heavy. Also, if you travel overseas for diving a lot then bear in mind it will take up a lot of baggage allowance, and doesn't fold down that well.
Example - my regular go to BCD is my Hollis LTS. It's an extremely lightweight travel system that weighs half of what the Atomic BC2 does.
Hope that helps to answer your question :)
@@BlackMantaPhotography THANK you for that quick reply. Are there any competitor which probably are lighter?
@@eliseweber6973 Well, if you are looking for a good BCD that is lightweight and acts as a great travel unit, then there are 2 that come to mind that I would recommend.
1. The Hollis LTS as I mentioned before. It's my go to unit personally and great for UK and overseas as it offers 30kg of lift. A really great BCD.
2. The Aqualung Outlaw BCD. This is an incredible unit as breaks down completely so utterly perfect for packing / travelling with.
Both of these have been reviewed over the past couple of years, so will pop links to these below if they are of use to you.
@@eliseweber6973 This is the review for the Holis LTS
th-cam.com/video/7k1yo5DTeT4/w-d-xo.html
@@eliseweber6973 This is the review for the Aqualung Outlaw BCD
th-cam.com/video/LGSWgSO8smk/w-d-xo.html
thank you for your informations that's really convince me to buy it. Then, I agree with you BC2 is the best BCD I ever used and and it deserves every dollar that I paid. Once you choose the right diving equipment you will be a great diver full of skills .... It's the only BCD that help you to fly underwater and I think I will call it "FERRARI OF THE SEA" best thanks to Atomic for the best BCD I ever used. Also, perfect materials and so luxurious.
Glad it was helpful!
Can you share some examples of why this BCD over other options from Hollis to Dive Rite
For this price you can also compare this system to a custom backplate - wing system. And I would even say that a custom backplate wing system may needs more research from the customer to pick the best parts but it will be more vaule for the money.
This system seems to me as a premium system for someone who just wants to buy something from the shelf but I don't think it'S a good system for many divers because there are so many options which can outperform this jacket on price or quality...
Jylakir and that’s exactly it - a premium off the shelf BCD. Yes you will find great systems for much less money, but the build quality is phenomenal..!
Would this be a good BCD for both warm water and cold water environments?
Thanks for another amazing review. I suppose I'll do what I always do. Wait for a higher model to come out and buy this when its price goes down ;)
Oh God look at all those comments. People seem to have loved it!... Talk about temptation....
But there seems to be some naysayers too.
What would be your suggestions for a more affordable but still high quality, hydrodynamic, weight integrated BCD for personal, recreational use?
Strange - I remember replying to this when you posted, but the comment isn't there??
Don't get me wrong, the BC2 is amazing in every way, but it is very heavy, especially for travelling internationally with restricted luggage capacity, but if purchased it should last you forever!
If you want something lightweight, but good quality, then check out the Hollis LTS. That's what I use personally, and have owned it for a couple of years. I did a review of it on this channel whilst in the Maldives a couple of years back after I bought it. Let me know what you think!
I'm happy with my dive rite, at least if i want to go double tank I have that option, and I can switch out bladders and carry stage bottles
mike valdez dive rite is a great product! 👍🏻
@@BlackMantaPhotography i wasn't trying to bad mouth this product, it might be great for new divers, or an upgrade if you don't want to go tec
mike valdez I didn’t even think you were - I was actually agreeing with you. I’ve never owned a dive rite, but know quite a few people that speak really highly of them..! 👍🏻
@@BlackMantaPhotography then allow me to speak highly of dive rite, it's an awesome upgrade, especially if you get the back plate, easy to clean. My 1st 18 years of diving was a simple, jacket style bcd, aqua lung maverick. Quite the workhorse, but I was dying for a much needed upgraded. I got my dive rite with rec wing and the bladder shell has an abrasion resistant shell made of kevlar. Performed flawlessly
mike valdez then I really must check one out a bit closer..!
Can you do a twin cylinder setup with this BC?
Richard Jurewicz It can be adapted to be used with a twin set but the back plate and cam band would need to be removed and a back plate fitted.
I just love the produkts from Atomic ,,
Makdiver1 And this one is an absolute beast!!
@@BlackMantaPhotography Yes.. i love this .. but i have to save up.. Maby 2021 - - I would like to have one that can take D2x10 L tanks... But this realy looks like a stealtr wing..
@@Makdiver I did purchase a med/lg last week. It came with the two accessory pockets. what a fantastic build quality. I got it from a dive shop on the internet for $1000. Well worth it. Still need to get open water certified. Can't wait to use it. Thanks for your comprehensive review.
Nope. Not convinced. Pure Marketing BS. My Friend, a Pro diver in a harsh tropical environment gets about 3 years/ 2100 dives out of her Black ice before she has to replace. I very much doubt if this Atomic BCD would last 12 years/9000 dives - which it would need to in order to break even.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not averse to spending money on dive gear. The total value of mine and my wife's OC gear is similar to that of a Decent German Hot hatch. But no way would I see this standing up for the amount of time required. I live in the Middle East - it doesn't get harsher for heat and UV, I figure 5 years is max before a bladder breaks down. £1300 buys a few replacements of Dive Rite or Apex wings.
I'm sure there's a market, like those who buy a Ti Reg thinking money buys you the best. I have a bridge I 'd like to sell, so if you know anyone wanting to buy this BCD, send them my way
I guess time will tell in 5 years if those buying now still have the same quality product they bought new. All of my own dive kit has various marks and scratches from only c100+ dives a year, so will be interesting to see how this holds up to sitting in the hull of a panga boat under 10 other sets of kit!
You’re a dumbass, Ti Regs are some of the best.
Compare to Scubapro`s Hydros Pro
Yes why so expensive?
Really it's due to the quality of the materials used. The special outerlayer is double-laminated to give it the waterproof properties, and everything else is just the highest grade you can find on a BCD. No expense has been spared at all!
I just did. And I added the $400 ss1 to it.
Awesome! Would love to hear how you get on with it..!!
@@BlackMantaPhotography will do. Right now I’m working on trying to get titanium barbs for the LP hose connections to my T3 first stage. Will likely have to be custom machined. Something just really bothers my about screwing brass into Ti. Maybe not justified, but whatever. Haha
@@RB-xv4si I mean, some might call it overkill, but if it gives you that piece of mind during a dive then why the hell not!!! Sounds like a great set up!
Only suited for warm water diving. Get a backplate wing combination and learn to dive properly.
Good bcd, but ripp off price. Plastic Tank strap also prone to cracking and breaking. Then strap not repairable or replaceable. AVOID
Recommending adding an SS1 power inflator in lieu of a regular octopus seriously mars the credibility of this review. This seems more like a sales pitch then a review.
I'm sure the build quality is excellent, pretty much all Atomic Aquatics gear is, but they are also a manufacturer that charges a premium so people can show off their wealth for a product that is suitable only for recreational tropical water diving.
I'm far more impressed with a diver who has the Atomic Aquatics M1 than with one who has the T25. The M1 diver has put thought and research into their gear. The T25 diver just bought the most expensive thing they could find. The BC2 sounds like a BCD for someone with more money than sense.
Thansk for the detailed comment - appreciate any form of interaction.
I'm not linked to, work for, paid by or received any form of payment from Atomic or Mikes Dive Store for making the video. I was presented with the opportunity to dive with it, so I took it with open arms. It was returned after the diving.
Great bit of kit as you say, but enourmously expensive!
i bought the bc2 before I even finish my written lesson for diving . lol. it looks good and feels good
kui Q wow!! Now there is an early serious commitment! 😂
“Chemical resistent ”, “UV resistent”, “Punch resistent”. Sorry, this are marketing nonsense. Why a recreational diver need this? Yes, they are situation when a professional diver need to dive into contaminated water but they use in combination with a special dry suit, usually completely isolated from environment. But a professional diver not buy his equipment from a “normal” dive shop. I don’t contest the quality and I don’t intend to say is not deserved the price just not justified for a recreational diver.
That's a very fair judgment. A good marketing ploy? Maybe?
I can only comment on the first-hand experience of using it. It certainly feels very luxurious, and the build quality is exceptional.
Atomic Aquatics = WAY OVER PRICED !!!!!!