Dive Rite Hydro Lite: The Divers Ready Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ก.พ. 2020
- Dive Rite Hydro Lite: The Divers Ready Review
A lightweight backplate and wing inspired travel BCD, the HydroLite from Dive Rite is a rugged but travel friendly BCD.
Join us in Bonaire if you want to try out the Hydro Lite AND have a world-class Dive Vacation!
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Dive Rite have done it again! A first class recreational BCD from a company with a major technical diving pedigree.
Where most Travel BCDs compromise on durability to make a lighter product, Dive Rite have weaved some magic to make a new BCD for the 2020 dive gear market that is both light (6.2lbs/2.8kgs) and strong.
I've been using this BCD as my go-to recreational dive BCD for three weeks now. In this video, I'm sharing my honest user experience.
Thanks for watching!
James
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Dive Rite Hydro Lite: The Divers Ready Review
Though we are based in Florida, Hawaii, California, and Michigan have 100 ft and 300 ft ocean and lake underwater coral reef, shipwreck, cave diving, freediving, scuba diving, and rebreather trips. To learn full face mask, beginner scuba diver, advanced scuba diver, tech scuba diver, cave diver you can reach out to a professional scuba diver. Everyone should get scuba diving insurance with Divers Alert Network.
We support all types of diving products, like a full face mask, fins, BCD, dive computer, regulators, closed circuit rebreather, underwater scooter, from many companies like Simply Scuba, Mares, Dive Rite, Cressi, Zeagle, Huish, Hollis, Scubapro, Shearwater, Garmin. - กีฬา
Thanks for the review. I wish you did it a month ago as I just brought the SCUBAPRO Litehawk BC, which I'm extremely happy with. It's a great looking travel BCD, I'm enjoying your channel keep up the great work.
Just took my new Hydro Lite for a test drive at the Blue Grotto. Love it. It will be my constant companion. Thanks James for the recommendation
I grew up in Ireland, got my open water and nitrox, did 19/20 dives and moved to the US. Haven’t dived since 2013. Came across your channel and now I’m pretty sure I’m going to get back into it. Thank you for your awesome content and inspiring me to get back in the water. Hope to maybe dive with you guys some time in the future. I owe you a beer!
I just started diving Dive Rite gear and I really like it. Purchased their Frameless Ultraclear mask and instantly fell in love with it. Best mask I've ever used. Also started diving their sidemount LS BC and XT regs. Haven't dived it enough to really say for sure but so far I really like them. Very smooth regs and the BC is super comfortable.
It's really great to see that you take time to review the products, dive them thoroughly and record parts of the video over a longer period of time, providing a genuine review. Thanks!
Glad to help! Be safe.
Hi James, I have about 20 dives on my new Hydro Lite.....WOW!WOW!WOW! AND WOW!!! The many cautions I received regarding a backplate style were totally wrong! I can now finally do the things i've watched other divers do. Thank You!
I appreciate your honest reviews of equipment. Cute kitty 😊
Thank you! 😊Yes, Thumps is a handsome man. And he knows it. Thanks for watching!
James
Cute comment
i switched over to diverite several years ago and have never looked back. and i have just got a back plate, harness setup cant wait to try it.
Awesome! Thanks for watching! James
James I just wanted to say thanks. Me and the wife are fairly new divers and just getting our first BC. Since we discovered your channel we have been watching the videos 1 after another. After your review of this BC we just ordered 2 of them. Keep up the great work and the humor. Sometimes better than others ;)
Hey Joe, go figure … Im watching this review after seeing the Hydro lite on your back down in the Blue Hole!
Great video James! I just purchased a BP/Wing setup and opted not to go for a combined travel unit like this but this is a stellar review
Really appreciate your efforts! Thank you!
Glad to help! Dive safe.
Now we only want to see the see saw footage 😂😂😂 Great review, great editing, great energy. Currently using the Zeagle express tech. Been looking at the dive rite model for some time now. Thank you kindly.
Great no BS review. Not a common thing theses days. Love your channel.
I like the idea of the Dive Rite Hydro Lite, but I'm partial to my OMS IQ Lite Backpack with a wing (extremely similar to the Dive Rite Transpac XT/Travel EXP Package). Mainly due to the flexibility of being able to change out wings or add a plate if desired. I'm glad that you have tested it and love diving with it though.
Diving the Oms iq lite, so close and I love it. Big difference is the waist buckle. This style is wonderful to dive
Sea Experience is an awesome dive operation!
Another great video James! This came up as I am looking for a new BCD, I have been wavering between the Hydo Lite and the Aqualung Rogue for travel, and just enjoy that you give a genuine review rather than an explanation and regurgitation of the specs...not to mention I trust your thoughts. Thank you!!
I'm considering both of the same BCD's too. What did you end up going for?
@@rodolfoap3621 I haven’t been able to travel or do much diving recently, even as a DM, it has been pretty slow here. I have a week on week off work schedule, and most of the lake dives are occurring on my week of work so I miss out. So I am still just waiting to win one (hint, hint) or until I have a good adventure planned to buy one and dive it a few times before I go.
@@douglasbrown8113 that's a shame. Hopefully things change and you can get yourself back out in the water sooner rather than later!
I had to go online and read the manual to understand if it had my favorite feature on a bc.... top dump valve! If tech people are happy to lose a top dump valve I'm happy for them, but I feel as a dive instructor that it is essential..
this looks good as my partners is looking for a good lightweight comfortable BCD, looks like I may be selling her Zen, Uk based and so the link will not help as not paying import costs but thanks for the review. NICE, Enjoy the trip to Bonaire and dive the Salt Pier, you will love it.
Go for it! Thanks Ashanti!
Can you do a video about tidal range? I have a large range for my body type/size, and would love to get your thoughts on how to best adjust for it.
The quick blip about trim pockets hinted at how you deal with it, but I'd love to see one of your lengthier technical videos about the subject.
Great suggestion! I will add it to the list! Thanks Alex.
James
Great review James! I have a Zeagle stiletto that I love. Built like a tank and great features. However it is a pound heavier and takes up more space in my suitcase. Dive exclusively in Mexico so luggage is a big issue. Looking at the Hollis LTS and this. My next purchase will probably this
Thanks for sharing!
Great info, thanks
Glad it was helpful!
I just like watching you dive. Call me crazy.
Love the channel and appreciate the review. Your no nonsense, must try it in real conditions, and wry humor is refreshing and appreciated.
I got m OW certification three years ago and have a jacket style BCD. I recently dove with Scubapro Hydros Pro and loved it. While I don't have a desire to get into tech diving I would like to get a wing style BC, but there are so many brands/styles out there it's confusing. My first thought was the Hydros Pro, because I've tried, but the pricetag is steep and I don't know if the value is there.
Do you still recommend the Hydro Lite? Are the others that you would recommend I take a look at?
Thanks!
This is a great review as always. My only concern is that there do not appear to be any pockets for any small items such as gloves or tucking in gauges. (Personal preference for streamlining)
I checked out this BCD through the link to Amazon just to see the price---$589---no thanks. I'll stick with my Scubapro LiteHawk that weighs less, comes with trim pockets and cost me half as much as the Dive Rite. But it does look like an amazing BC and thanks for the review as always.
Hi James, please post the "see-saw" footage! It is rare for divers to post their not-so-pretty-trim, but that's how we can learn! Without those teachable moments it's much more difficult to become a better diver.
Sure wish you would compare this to the Transplate. (and include a purchase link for the transplate)
Hi Bill, Thats definitely a video I can make in the future! We'll be making more videos with Dive Rite soon, I feel!
To honest, I had bypassed this video, as I was not interested in a "Travel" BCD due to many things you mentioned. But mainly durability. After listening to the most recent end of year giveaway video, I was intrigued.
When you said you had this in your rental fleet, I had to see what was up.
Thank you as always for your comprehensive, forthright evaluation of this BCD.
One question... Have you put a longer hose on the wing? As a guy with wide shoulders and thick chest, I am thinking I would have the same issue with the inflator location.
The xdeep ghost is in its class and to be honest I think it would be a much better buy. Lighter more modular and durable. Just my .02
Great video im new on dive and im looking for my first bcd, pls do a video on travel style bcd, can u do one with jacket style travel bcd? Oh I don’t have lots of budget so this bcd will be my only and main one till I grow out my skill or save more money for a 2nd set after I got all the needed equipment..
Hi Carlo, then the HydroLite is a great option for you. Its a lightweight travel BCD, but it's tough enough to be your main BCD as well. I'm using mine as my main recreational BCD now. I also reviewed the Cressi TravelLight: th-cam.com/video/1BmxnwO2G-I/w-d-xo.html
Nice straight up no nonsense review. Is there any difference between the older Dive Rite Travelpac and this Hydro Lite? Looks like a Travelpac with new colours and name.
James: Great video! I note you're in FL. How well has it held up since the video? I need a new rig to teach in, and my shop in Davie sells DR, but I don't have one and haven't used it. Most of us use the DR TransPac to teach. So I'm wondering about using it to teach in South Fl? Will it hold up to rigorous banging about as an instructor throws it in and out of vehicles, constant usage, etc. Additionally, how does it compare to the TransPac?
Great video. I am in search of light weight bcd. One question. You absolutely do not think a single tank adapter plate is necessary with this bc? I have heard that soft back plate / travel type bcds dont not hold the tank firmly enough so that you can feel the tank shifts / moves around while diving. That is my major concern before buying a soft backplate / light weight bcd. Thank you.
101 Like!! Great Review James!! Cheers!
Was that the Batman diver? 😆😆😎😎
Yes it was!
Awesome as always! at 6:30 what's the GoPro mount?
Great honest review. just went and checked out the affiliate link on Amazon to learn more about this BCD. As nice as this BCD looks, it's so close to the retail price of a good wing backplate system that is completely adjustable and modular which can be adjusted to fit any size person. It looks to me that dive right is selling this BCD in a wide range of sizes, which would mean as an instructor you would have to invest in four to five times as many BCDs just to fit an entire class. Am I correct or are they just selling the BCDs adjusted to that size?
Hi Clint, thanks for watching. I normally only teach 1:1 or 1:2, so for the student/rental HydroLites, I bought 1 x Large and 1 x Small. They can be sized up or down one size from there, so it covers a good range (i.e. I could make 2 x Mediums, or 1 x XS and 1 x XL.) I have the XL myself. Hope that helps.
James
thank you so much for your complete info how can I get that ?
James can you do a review of the CRESSI COMMANDER EVOLUTION vest and the OCEANIC EXCURSION?
Incredible reviews! Clicking the like button on every one. How do you feel about Xdeep Zen or Ghost? As a brand and BCD’s?? Ever thought of reviewing them? Would love to hear your thoughts!
Review couldn’t have come at a better time. Normally running a oceanic biolite (~300 dives on it) but wanted to step it up a little. Only question I have is can it be adapted like other diverite gear to support occasional side mount ? Thanks so much for your videos. W
Hi Wade, Thanks for watching. This isn't a sidemount BCD, so no, but if you're just talking about slinging a pony bottle with a backmounted single tank, I don't see why not. Hope that helps. James
Great review !! Can you do a review of the Scubapro Hyrdos Pro ?
I kind of did in this video... hehehe! It seems to have some basic design flaws. Very much style-over-substance and I'm going to decline from doing a formal review on it. They do seem to sell a lot though!
Divers Ready gotcha, I should have watched the video through first. I tried one on and it’s the comfiest BCD I’ve worn yet. A few of the dive masters at Jupiter Dive center swear by then for Rec diving.
@@eamonshields2754 i have the scubapro hydros. I love it. Its one of the most comfortable bcd.
My diving school uses them and I've borrowed one for the last month! I think they are awesome BCDs but for what they do they are maybe a bit overpriced. I'm not a big fan of the straps but they still look good after months of abuse by our students so they seem more durable than expected but they won't be replaceable easily
@@kil5906 i have had mine for 7 months. I am diving every single day and i can say the hydros is really good. The price is abit high but i hope i dont have to replace to another bcd in a very very long time. 😊
Hey James, I am a recreational diver and have been watching your videos. I saw your video mentioning to get a Tech BCD rather than jacket if you are going to be doing that in the future. I saw this video and and wanted to get your opinion of Dive-rite Hydro Lite vs ScrubaPro X-Tek Form Harness. Thanks for everything and the videos. Keep up the good work and how is your ear doing?
Sold!
after watching this review and others I decided to buy this BCD. When I received it I too found that the inflator hose set very high on my shoulder and I found it very uncomfortable to use the inflator/deflator buttons and returned it. After I returned it I talked to the retailer I bought it from and they said I could have purchased it with a longer inflator hose--it comes with a 16 inch hose. They do have a 22 inch hose for it which I wish I had known before I bought then returned it.
That is good to know. I'm looking at buying this now as a new diver and that was my main concern. First thing i noticed that I didn't like in the OW class was the inflator hose so having one a little longer is a must.
That's strange. I don't see any retailers offering the option of a longer inflator hose. Dive Rite sells inflator hoses of various lengths, but you can't buy anything directly from them. Could it be a matter of proper sizing? Did you have any impression that a larger (or smaller) size in the same model could have sat higher on your back, allowing the hose to fall further forward? Their sizing seems to have some overlap -- they say any of their sizes can be adjusted one size up or down, but I wonder about that. I ordered both a medium and a large and am going to return the one that isn't the ideal fit. Hopefully I won't have to return them both.
What are your thoughts on using this in cold water (42 degrees) with dry suit? Weight is a concern. Half of my dives are local cold water and half travel warm water.
Can you check 2020 diverite xt fins.
Wondering if this would be a good BC for colder water. Not sure if has enough lift for how much weight I need in a 5 or7 mm. Thoughts?
nice review, but I can compare it with the DGX BP/W which is also made by DiveRite and I used it for about a year and ~120dives in Indonesia, Thailand,, Egypt and Philippines. The DGX is only 3.1kg with an aluminium backplate compared to 2.8kg and about 200$ cheaper, so I think the Hydro Lite is quite overpriced without adding a lot of value apart from cushioning.
DGX has switched the design of their wing, now it is a slimmer wing based on the Oxycheq design. Also I don't think that the wing was made by Dive Rite, but made by the same OEM. Just like that the new DGX wing isn't made by Oxycheq but is nearly identical that it is likely made by the same OEM.
Have you ever dived the Zeagle Covert XT? If so, are they comparable? I really like the D rings on this. The Zeagle has plastic, unfortunately.
i'm looking for my first bcd (for single tank and recreatinal diving), and i was considering between scubapro hydros pro and xdeep zen, what you were saying about the hydros pro doesn't look good for the price of that bcd. would you recommend this one over a back plate design (like the xdeep zen) if i'm not really interested in progressing to a double backmount configuration?
If you're really not interested in going Tec, then I believe this is an excellent BCD that will last you for a very long time. I'm very happy with this BCD (already put 40+ dives on it since the end of January!) James
@@DiversReady thank you very much for your response James. I would like to skip the backmount set and try sidemount, after that with lots of savings rebreather, but first i want to add more dives into my logbook and most of the times i dive in conditions similar to those in the south of florida using a full 3mm wetsuit so now i'm really considering this bcd
The reviews on Amazon of your affiliate link were not very flattering, James. Have you seen any issues with durability, fraying of the wing etc. Are you still diving and using the Hydro Lite? This looks like exactly what I need…I live in Cayman and purchased a $1,100 dollar Apeks Exotec BC in the States before moving here permanently. BIG MISTAKE. Oh, it’s pretty (aluminum-anodized orange) but I really dislike this bc. Too big and bulky for warm water diving. That air cell is MASSIVE. Thanks to my local lds for recommending this bc, “knowing” I was moving to a warm water diving location. Oh, by the way, I just got back from Cayman Brac (f-in awesome- I want to move there!) I had to abort my 2nd dive because the damn air got trapped on one side, was rolling me and had to surface-ugh. Not the first time this has happened Apeks. Yeah, might be fine for a dry suit (with its mega-lift capacity) but the Exotec is overkill for warm water diving! Live n learn
Being a first time certed rec diver, the overwhelming suggestions and recommendations about bcds, gear, and additional crap to carry around underwater, is annoying. For me, simple is better. So, I appreciate the reviews you produce and the time/research you put into gear for you and us. At some point, I’d like to get into tech diving, so here’s my simple question. Dive rite Hydro Lite or Dive Rite Transpac XT? Thank you kindly. Oz
Is there a way to add a pocket for the lamp and surface buoy?
Hey James. Can you confirm if the built in weight pockets only hold a single 3lb weight?
@divers ready have you used the (discontinued) travelpac? it seems like a slightly higher quality hydro lite with a bit more adjustability and maybe a little less lift. any opinions?
We haven’t had the pleasure.
Divers ready could you do a video explaining fin types?
Penguin Gaming! Absolutely. I have that one in the works. For now, check out this video we made for Scuba Diver Magazine's channel... th-cam.com/video/QBFDsBYlT98/w-d-xo.html
Do this BCDD accommodate a stage bottle? Looks to me as if there is no place to mount one.
Would you mind sharing longe term review of this BCD. I have seen mixed reviews just like anyother equipment.
Have you dove a XDeep backplate and wing like zen or ghost
Does anybody know how the Hydro Lite compares to its predecessor: Dive Rite TravelPac BCD? Looks like they replaced the lower steel cam band with a cheaper velcro band; added weight pockets; changed the color.
where did get that gopro strap mount
Does it do vertical position well?
I have been diving my Zeagle Stilleto for over 10 years now. I think I'm going to try a new BCD. Is this still your recommendation for Rec BCD w/PW?
I just saw the Dive Rite Transpac XT video so I think I have the answer. Correct me if not. Thx
James- is there a non-LITE version and what does that mean?
What do you Think about hollis ? Like Their technical gear
Hi Bjerke, Honestly, I haven't tried much Hollis gear. That may be something I should look at in the future. Thanks for watching! James
i noticed in one of your videos on smbs you showed a pouch for the smb and spool that you can pack and attach to your bcd. can you send me a link for the pouch. i have my smb attached to the spool with a bungie and every 5th dive it comes apart when i do the giant stride.
Question if a buckle or strap needs replacing can this be done with the hydro lite?
Yes, absolutely. Contact Dive Rite directly and they will take care of you.
Is that a DSMB attached to the back of the crotch strap? If so, how did you attach that?
hmmm 6.2lbs/ 2.8kg Dive Rite hydro lite vs 4.9lbs/ 2.2kg Xdeep NX ghost alu or 6.6lbs/ 3kg Xdeep NX zen Alu
The Ghost doesn't include weight pockets in the weight, by the time that they add those you are probably going to be about the same weight.
Do you think this bcd would be good for dwarf (160cm) guy such i am?
They come in many sizes. It always worth trying it out for yourself to decide if its the right fit.
you cant imagine how bad i want to pet this cat
I don't really understand the point of "recreational" wing style BCDs. There are lots of preconfigured backplate/wing setups that are lightweight and travel friendly. eg. Mares XR, XDeep Zen, etc. Why not just always use those even as a recreational diver? A lot of them aren't even more expensive (at least not by much).
WE WANT TO SEE THE FOOTAGE OF YOU SEESAWING!!! DOIT
What took you so long to try out DiveRite ??
Hi Michael, I've been diving a whole bunch of Dive Rite stuff for a while. I'm a big Dive rite fan. This BCD was only released in Jan 2020.
Why are you not diving with steel tanks ? Get rid of all that added weight .
Hi James, thank you for making video. Would like to ask back inflatable suitable for new diver? I plan to going advance with back inflatable. Is it good?
Yes, absolutely
It is kind of dum that they put integrated weights on a travel bcd, any place will give you a weight belt, pockets would be better to put your lamp and reel.
I'm a dive instructor and bought this on your recommendation. It's been a big disappointment. I feel like I've been duped since you deleted my experience with this piece of equipment from the comments. Since you don't allow an actual conversation about this BC, it seems that your relationship with them may be more than disclosed.
Hi Michael, I have never deleted any comments from anyone ever. If your comment does not appear on the video link, it may be because TH-cam filtered it out. What I can do is help you find resolution for the issue/s you’re experiencing. Please send me an email to james@diversready.com with your points and I will make sure they get to the appropriate person at the manufacturer. Just to clarify, at the time of recording and releasing the review of the HydroLite, we had absolutely no sponsorship deal with Dive Rite. That came much later.