Hydros Pro

[Gandalf-the-Diver]

I recently switched from a Zeagle Ranger to a Scuba Pro Hydros Pro. I must admit that I absolutely love it. I was just wondering if there are other Hydros users here and what your thoughts are on the BC after diving it for a while. So far I have zero complaints with only about 15 dives on it.

Fairly new diver here, 2.5yrs total. When I signed up for my OW, I was a gear nerd. My "chosen" LDS is a Scubapro dealer. I loved the look of the Hydros Pro right from the start, shop clerk had little selling to do, although, he did mention that the Hydros was the BCD that all the shop instructors used. Chatting with the shop owner, he offered to sell me his personal Hydros Pro, as a used BCD. I of course jumped on that opportunity; getting a top of the line, relatively new BCD, for half the price of full retail. It is the only BCD I have ever used, and I love it. I am 330 dives in now, and still love it. Thinking of adding another D-ring a little higher up on each shoulder strap, for slung bottles. (I have slung a pony since my 1st dive as an OW diver). I still use the integrated weight pockets. One of my reg dive buddies with one, has switched to the travel harness, and a weight harness, not a belt.
I purchased my Hydros, with the thought that it would be the only BCD I would ever buy. I was following the buy once, cry once, theory of gear purchasing. I am going to be 62 this yr; and hope to be over 400 dives by the time my birthday comes along. I am very happy with my Hydros, with no desire to switch to a BP/W. (Just as an aside, I purchased all of my gear, before I even did my confined water. The only gear change I have made in over 300 dives, I upgraded my pony from a 13cu to a 30cu. Buy once, cry once)
PS. Yes I have a Shearwater.

 

[Gandalf-the-Diver]

What regs?

 

[RobPNW]

I've seen prices in Europe that when shipped would be about $500 under retail in the states depending on the going Euro exchange rate.

 

[RobPNW]

Not advocating either way and I don't have a Hydros so this is another possible consideration...

Some people do only single tank diving both on travel and in colder water. And many of them, based on comments I have seen here, have a BP/W setup dedicated to each, warm water travel and cold water diving. That makes the cost analysis a little different. Seems the Hydros can be used for both since the basic harness and trim pockets could be used on travel and the weight pockets and lift would be sufficient for colder water single tank diving.

 

[Deezer-D]

My Hydros is splitting around the buckles on the trim pockets on both sides. Had it less than a year so hopefully it will be sorted under warranty.​

​

Pros​

​

• Easy to use and adjust cam band.
• Packs up relatively small.
• Trim is pretty good (for a beginner).
• Stable (with 12 and 15L steel tanks).
• Plenty of lift.
• Carry handle on back plate is handy.
• Dries quickly.

​

Cons ​

​

• Expensive (£700 +).
• Weak trim pocket buckles.
• Can be hard work to get into as it’s sticky.
• Sometimes (most times) the webbing twists when tightening down the shoulder straps and requires loosening and fixing before trying again.
• Creaks when walking with it on.
• Hard to load the weight pockets when wearing it and doesn’t feel strong enough to lift on (without the help of a buddy) if the weight pockets are already inserted. This is a pain when RIB diving as there’s limited space.
• Over branded (too many S’s).
• Not actually that lightweight.
• D rings are too small and hard to clip stuff to.

​

I still prefer it to a jacket BCD but have just ordered a BP&W.​

I’ll keep the Hydros for travel (if I don’t buy an aluminium BP).​

 

[RobPNW]

My Hydros is splitting around the buckles on the trim pockets on both sides. Had it less than a year so hopefully it will be sorted under warranty.​

​

Pros​

​

• Easy to use and adjust cam band.
• Packs up relatively small.
• Trim is pretty good (for a beginner).
• Stable (with 12 and 15L steel tanks).
• Plenty of lift.
• Carry handle on back plate is handy.
• Dries quickly.

​

Cons ​

​

• Expensive (£700 +).
• Weak trim pocket buckles.
• Can be hard work to get into as it’s sticky.
• Sometimes (most times) the webbing twists when tightening down the shoulder straps and requires loosening and fixing before trying again.
• Creaks when walking with it on.
• Hard to load the weight pockets when wearing it and doesn’t feel strong enough to lift on (without the help of a buddy) if the weight pockets are already inserted. This is a pain when RIB diving as there’s limited space.
• Over branded (too many S’s).
• Not actually that lightweight.
• D rings are too small and hard to clip stuff to.

​

I still prefer it to a jacket BCD but have just ordered a BP&W.​

I’ll keep the Hydros for travel (if I don’t buy an aluminium BP).​

Thanks for the details. How would you compare the trim pockets solution to let's say pockets on a cam band of a BP/W?

 

[BoundForElsewhere]

Thanks for the details. How would you compare the trim pockets solution to let's say pockets on a cam band of a BP/W?

A lot easier to deal with. Cam band weights get all wonky getting on the tank. Unless you get your buddy to do it once donned.

 

[RobPNW]

A lot easier to deal with. Cam band weights get all wonky getting on the tank. Unless you get your buddy to do it once donned.

I'm a little confused by this. When you're putting your kit on the tank, why would it matter who does the trim pockets. I must be missing something.

 

[Pressurehead]

My Hydros is splitting around the buckles on the trim pockets on both sides

How much weight are you placing in each trim pocket ?
I use 3lb in each when diving a 5mm, mine is being used a lot and I don't have the same issue, it is like new.
The rest of the weight [and I don't need much] is on the belt in the photo.
I do only use the 'simple harness', no weight pockets on my hips.
I use this, old habits die hard, just a new take on it, works for me as an old dude, I can pass it up and climb the suspect dive ladders some boats have here.

 

[BoltSnap]

My Hydros is splitting around the buckles on the trim pockets on both sides. Had it less than a year so hopefully it will be sorted under warranty.

I have had mine for over a year now without any issues and I dive with it a lot in rough conditions hunting and exploring over rough terrain. I use 3kg in each pocket when using my 5mm suit.

• Weak trim pocket buckles.
• Can be hard work to get into as it’s sticky.
• Sometimes (most times) the webbing twists when tightening down the shoulder straps and requires loosening and fixing before trying again.
• Creaks when walking with it on.
• Hard to load the weight pockets when wearing it and doesn’t feel strong enough to lift on (without the help of a buddy) if the weight pockets are already inserted. This is a pain when RIB diving as there’s limited space.
• Over branded (too many S’s).
• Not actually that lightweight.
• D rings are too small and hard to clip stuff to.

1. Hasn't been an issue for me at all. I have 1kg in each pocket and never an issue.

2. Didn't notice.

3. Never happened to me at all.

4. Never heard creaking at all and I have to walk with it from the gear assembly shack or car trunk to the water for over 30m.

5. I don't understand this point.

6. Not an issue for me, I don't spend too much time staring at it.

7. It is "medium" weight but not heavy weight. I travel with it no problem.

8. I clip my light and regulator hose to the should strap d-rings no issues. I also clip my DSMB and reel to one of the d'rings on the weight pockets no issue there.

I have BP/W and I moved from BP/W set up to Hydros Pro for single tank diving. I dive with the other BC's occasionally but predominantly the Hydros since I got it.