Hi SD fans, and welcome back to the channel. Backplate-and-wings are all en vogue right now,
but many people do not want to go down that route and still like the feel and
familiarity of more-traditional BCDs, and that is where back-inflate BCDs come in.
Back-inflate BCDs provide a combination of the better aspects of both jacket-style BCDs
and backplate-and-wing set-ups – if you aren’t planning on heading down the technical route in
the future (obviously backplate-and-wings are modular and can be adapted for twinsets, etc),
and want all the comfort and features of a jacket without the bulk, they are well worth considering,
and in this video, I’ll be taking a look at the brand-new Apeks Exotec.
The Apeks Exotec represents an evolution from the long-standing Apeks Black Ice back-inflate BCD,
but thanks to its eye-catching orange anodised
aluminium finishings and features – which seamlessly match with other Apeks products,
such as the torches, spools, reels, etc - combined with slick, hard-wearing Armoguard bladder,
it certainly looks ready for the modern era. Never fear, you can get it with more-subtle
grey anodised aluminium fittings if you are a bit of a shrinking violet.
While it has evolved from the venerable Black Ice, there is much that is brand new on the Exotec,
chiefly the BioReact articulation point behind the lumbar support. We are all used to BCDs
having rigid backplates, but with the Exotec, the upper part of the backplate can move independently
to the lower part, pivoting on the BioReact joint. What this means is an unparalleled ability to bend
and twist into all sorts of positions you would not normally contemplate while wearing dive kit.
Now we aren’t all going to be playing Twister when going diving, but in reality, what this
innovation offers is a high degree of comfort both topside and in the water. For example,
I could bend sideways to pick up my camera and the upper part of the Exotec
went with me, while the lumbar support stayed solidly in place. Underwater, I
was also able to bend and flex with no hinderance. The comfort and performance of the Exotec on the
surface was showcased as we walked through the car park to the water’s edge at Capernwray.
My buddy in his BPW was bent slightly forwards as he walked, whereas I was upright,
the weight of the cylinder comfortably sitting on the lumbar support. So-called GripTek fabric
helps keep the BCD in place as well. Underwater, the Exotec is also extremely
efficient, holding you in a nice flat trim position, but equally allowing you to turn
on your side and hold that position without it overly trying to force you back into trim.
Useful if you are swimming alongside someone or something and trying to photograph or video them.
The bungee system on the bladder keeps it tucked in nice and snug to reduce drag,
and the chance of snagging on hazards if you are ferreting around in a shipwreck.
Like the Black Ice, there is the ability to personalise the fit of the BCD – undo
four nuts and you can adjust between medium and large around the waist,
which is handy if you need to swap from bulky drysuit to rashguard and board shorts.
The backplate also has three different height positions to allow for optimum fit.
The aforementioned Armoguard is not only hard-wearing and looks cool with its slick finish,
as I found out it also dries extremely quickly – very handy when you are abroad and want your
kit bone dry before flying home. I have often had to balance the padded backpad of my Transpac II
on top of a door in front of the air-con unit to try and eke the last bits of moisture out of it.
I also mentioned the nifty anodised aluminium fittings before too. There is a proliferation
of D-rings as per the norm, but on the chest strap, there is a neat G-hook, which allows
for simple one-handed operation. There is another of these hooks on the upper tank retainer
strap. They are simple to hook into place, but once there is a bit of tension on them,
they will not undo unless you want them to. While there are more than enough D-rings to attach
all manner of accessories, you probably don’t want to look like a Christmas tree, so the Exotec also
features two relatively large drop-down pockets on either side of the waist strap. When not in use,
these fold up and Velcro closed out of the way, but opened up, they are big enough for a spool
and small DSMB, or a back-up torch. The Exotec is fitted with Aqualung’s
tried-and-tested Surelock integrated weight system, but even here, they have upped the ante.
The Surelock pockets have anodised aluminium handles rather than the usual plastic ones
which match with the rest of the fittings. The Surelock system is one of the most-secure on
the market – a definite ‘click’ tells you the pocket is solidly in place,
and then it will only release when you grab the handle and give it a good tug.
There are also two non-dumpable trim weight pockets tucked neatly behind the Surelock holders.
Controlling your buoyancy in the Exotec is simple, as there is a pull dump on the right-hand
shoulder, and two on the bottom of the wing on either side. At first glance this might appear
overkill, but I like have the two dumps on the bottom of the wing as it means you can reach back
and tweak your buoyancy with either hand if the other one happens to be occupied. These flat
valves are very streamlined compared with normal dump valves, but they vent rapidly when needed.
The Powerline inflator sits comfortably in your hand and can fill the Exotec swiftly.
The Exotec is well-made, looks great and performs exceptionally well. It isn’t too heavy, so would
suit the travelling diver as well as those heading off to local waters. This is a fully featured,
high-spec back-inflate BCD, akin to the Scubapro Hydros Pro, and the price point reflects this,
however, you do get a serious bit of kit for your money, so if you are hankering for something
different to your jacket-style BCD, but don’t want to venture into the realm of backplate-and-wing,
this is well worth some consideration. You have all of the familiar jacket features – pull dumps,
adjustable shoulder and chest straps, pockets, integrated weights – but with
the benefit of less-clutter up front and all your buoyancy around the cylinder.
What system do you dive – backplate-and-wing, jacket-style,
or back-inflate BCD? Why did you opt for what you use?
Leave your comments below, and if you have a question, fire away – if we can’t answer,
maybe someone in our community will be able to. Remember, if you enjoyed this video,
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As always, stay safe – and if you are going diving, enjoy!