The 5 Oceans is without a doubt the do-it-all BC for back-buoyancy aficionados. Light and compact for travel with sufficient lift and weight capacity for local submersions, it's our favorite BC in this use category, and in fact, our favorite BC of 2009.

No BC captures the essence of a Dual Purpose BC better than the 5 Oceans. It fit over our bulky dry suits to tackle a winter's day of diving off the California coast, then snugged down to offer a clutter-free fit on a 3mm shorty for a dip in our warm water test pool. The BC is light and packs flat yet still offers over 40 pounds of buoyant lift and 30 pounds of ballast weight capacity. The Bioflex bladder eliminates any "winging" of the air cell. In fact, you feel like it's not even there. With the contoured shoulders and first-rate adjustable waist and sternum straps, few BCs fit as snug or feel as stable at depth. The QLR weight system is one of the easiest to load and ditch, especially now that Aeris got rid of the Velcro backup patch, which was well-intended but just got in the way. The singular drop-down cargo pocket stays out of sight until you need it, then provides a large easy-access place to stow your treasures.

• QLR Integrated Weight System that can accommodate up to 30 lbs.

• Rugged design and high lift capacity for local diving plus packs flat for travel and weighs just 7.5 lbs.

• Patented BioFlex® air cell stretches when inflated to provide more than 40 lbs. of lift

• Durable, fadeless Cordura® construction

• Equipped with dual cylinder band trim pockets

• Versatile power inflation/deflation with lower pull-dump control

• Easy to use drop-down pocket

• Strategically placed stainless steel grommets for your accessories
  

• Dual-adjust sternum strap for stability and comfort