Scubapro has broken through long-standing barriers in BC design and manufacturing with an innovative process for building BC harnesses with the launch of the Hydros Pro.

Traditional BC harnesses are manufactured using a CMT (Cut, Make, Trim) process, in which multiple layers of fabric, foam and backing are cut to shape, stitched together and then finished with edging tape and detailing. Scubapro’s exclusive new Fluid-Form 3D Gel System replaces the CMT process by injection-molding harness components in soft, highly-resilient Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) and then assembling them in a modular, mechanical process.

This patented Injection Molded Monprene® Gel Harness is loaded with features that improve comfort, stability, maneuverability and buoyancy control to enrich the overall diving experience. To begin with, because the gel conforms to the body, divers end up with an extremely ergonomic fit with efficient load distribution free of pressure points, particularly over the shoulders. Secondly, the Monprene® harness retains virtually no water so it weighs less post-dive and dries quickly. This allows the BC to be packed away hours earlier than what’s usually possible. Finally, the fabric-free construction provides excellent resistance to UV and chemicals, and because it is modular it offers divers a “BC-4-Life” that’s customizable and easy to repair.

FIRST IN THE FLUID-FORM FAMILY

The Hydros Pro is the first Scubapro BC to feature the Fluid-Form 3D Gel System. It is a premium, back inflation, weight-integrated BC with Scubapro’s all-new iQ Air Cell. The backbone of the system is the revolutionary semi-rigid back plate constructed of lightweight, highly-resilient technopolymer for support, over-molded with super-soft TPE gel for comfort. This back plate includes a Torso Flex Zone that follows the curvature of a diver’s upper back and auto-adjusts for different torso lengths. Lower down on the back plate there’s a built-in spine groove to prevent pressure from being placed on the vertebrae by the weight of the tank.

The molded Monprene® harness includes soft TPE straps that cushion the shoulders and provide a platform for the adjustable webbing system. Dual-articulated shoulder straps use swivel buckles at the top and a second swivel point at the bottom. This allows the webbing straps to find the most natural angle for each diver’s body shape, boosting comfort and increasing freedom of movement by allowing the entire harness to flex as the diver moves. A multi-position sternum strap rides on a rail system to fine-tune the overall fit, and, if desired, there’s also a mount for adding a crotch strap.

THE HYDROS PRO IN ACTION

Rigging the Hydros Pro for diving is simple. A gel-padded carry handle is provided for easy lifting and mounting on a tank. A tank positioning cord, which is easier to adjust than the industry-standard strap, makes easy work of maintaining proper tank height. The support of the semi-rigid back plate enables a single strap to lock the tank down solid where many competitors’ products require two tank straps. Using one strap is quicker, easier and allows for greater flexibility in tank height when mounting it on the BC. The X-Grip tank retention system provides additional security and stability by supporting the tank at five key contact points.

The pivoting shoulder straps employ Scubapro’s exclusive Kit-Up Assist feature that holds the straps open while you insert your arms. The new Buckle Weight System allows one-hand securing and quick releasing of ballast weights without sacrificing security.

During the dive, the Tri-Bungee System keeps the unique iQ Air Cell streamlined when partially deflated, plus allows for better air distribution in the bladder. This effectively provides two-stage wing inflation: for normal recreational diving the air cell behaves like a much smaller wing. If more lift is needed, the bungees allow the wing to open up to provide additional buoyant lift. These marine-grade bungees are extremely durable but nevertheless can be easily replaced without stitching.

As an alternative to pockets that can be difficult to access on a dive, the Hydros Pro offers four metal D-rings and lots of eyelets on the lumbar and dorsal plates for attaching accessories. In addition, there are Multi-Mount Points on both sides of the rig for attaching lights, knives, SMBs and hoses when using the optional Mini-D-Rings and Bungee Lanyards.

THE HYDROS PRO AT-A-GLANCE

• Monprene® harness means less water retention, lower post-dive weight and ultra-fast drying, and provides excellent UV, chemical and abrasion resistance for long life.
• Completely modular BC-4-Life design makes the BC highly customizable and simplifies repairs. Virtually every component, including buckles, can be replaced without requiring stitching.
• TPE gel conforms to the shape of a diver’s body, creating a 3D fit for maximum comfort.
• Near-Zero inherent buoyancy means less ballast lead is required, resulting in better buoyancy control and a more enjoyable dive.
• Over-molded backplate features soft TPE gel on a rigid technopolymer plate, so only a single tank strap is required.
• Torso Flex Zone follows the curvature of the back and auto-adjusts for different torso lengths.
• Soft, comfortable TPE straps cushion a webbing back-up system featuring swivel buckles that allow web straps to assume the most natural angle for each diver’s body shape.
• Sternum strap rides on a sliding rail system and can be adjusted to suit each diver’s torso length.
• Crotch strap mount accepts either single 2in/50mm webbing or dual 1in/25m webbing for divers who prefer that extra bit of security.
• iQ Air Cell’s two-stage wing inflation delivers exactly the amount of buoyant lift required.
• Tri-Bungee System keeps the iQ Air Cell streamlined when partially deflated, plus allows for better air distribution. This bungee is easily replaceable with no stitching required.
• Air cell’s low-cut, low-profile neck area is set well away from the diver’s neck to prevent chaffing or discomfort when inflated.
• X-Grip system provides five grip pads to ensure tank security and stability.
• Cross-Flow Channel design lets air flow across the backpack, reducing air trapping and improving maneuverability under water.
• Accessory eyelets on the lumbar and dorsal plates, as well as Multi-Mount Points on the harness, provide lots of attachment points for clipping on extra gear.
• Shoulder swivel buckles have built-in D-rings to attach octos and gauge consoles in the ‘Golden Triangle’ area for easy access.
• After the dive, the BC dries instantly and can be folded compactly for storage or traveling.
• The Hydros Pro is offered in two versions: one specifically designed for men, and one specifically designed for women to provide the optimum fit for the unique female shape.
• Available in a choice of colours: Colour kits are available for all versions to match Seawing Nova fins.

SUMMARY

Built with the Fluid-Form 3D Gel System, the Hydros Pro is unlike any BC currently on the dive market. Its BC-4-Life modular design makes it easy to customize and even easier to repair. Its body-molding back plate and harness system deliver maximum comfort and stability at depth. Because it has near-zero inherent buoyancy, Hydros Pro divers can shave ballast from their weight pouches, and because the material dries fast and packs into a compact bundle, Hydros Pro divers can travel with ease. Built to last, the Hydros Pro is the ultimate back inflation BC for all seasons and all reasons, from the warm waters of the tropics to temperate and cold waters the world over.

The Hydros Pro is available at authorised Scubapro dealers.

• Men’s: black, blue, yellow                    Sizes Men: S, M, L, XL-XXL
• Women’s: white, pink, black                 Sizes Women: XS-S, M, L

Colour kits are available for all versions. Additional accessories available.

• MSRP: 570,00 GBP

Find your nearest authorised Scubapro dealer at www.scubapro.com