The introduction of the new Scubapro Navigator Lite BCD in 2025 will be welcomed by many travelling divers, especially since the popular Lighthawk BCD, launched a decade ago, has now been discontinued, creating an opportunity for an even better alternative.
A decade after the inception of the Litehawk, Scubapro has created an innovative wing-type BCD that is lightweight, durable and folds down compactly, allowing it to fit anywhere for travel or storage.
Although Scubapro promotes the Navigator Lite as a BCD “for traveling recreational divers,” the term “recreational” pertains more to the nature of the dives one will undertake during travel than to the diver’s experience level or regular diving.
IIf you have a twinset and equipment for technical diving but plan to holiday in warmer waters, the Navigator Lite could be just as reliable a companion as it is for those diving solely for recreation.
Scubapro Navigator Lite for Ideal Trim
The Navigator Lite BCD is exceptionally compact, lightweight, streamlined, and clutter-free on the front, back, and sides. It meets most requirements of divers who value serious underwater trim and wish to dive with less effort.
What stands out with this new wing, which Scubapro consistently defines as “a back-inflation BCD,” is… You guessed it—it is a wing (!) and rock-solid like any other product by this world-leading manufacturer.
The straightforward yet durable design of the Scubapro Navigator Lite will appeal to divers of all levels, even though it does not include a continuous loop harness. Instead, it features Scubapro’s reliable shoulder clips for easy donning, doffing, and on-the-fly adjustments, which most recreational divers will prefer.
It also lacks a carbon fibre, aluminium, or stainless steel backplate. The lightweight design is evident throughout the entire structure, from the mostly plastic hardware and buckle to the complete wing system built around an Airnet® soft backpack. This backpack serves as a frame for travel or storage when the wing air cell is folded and secured.
Navigator Lite: Lightweight Travel Wing
Scubapro has clearly designed the product with an emphasis on simplicity and functionality—sufficient to support most recreational dives during your holiday while also appealing to those who do not frequently dive in challenging and demanding conditions in their home waters.
The Navigator Lite air cell is made from durable 420D nylon with high-frequency welds, providing excellent lift capacity despite its compact size.
The system is available in two sizes: one covering the range from 2XS to Medium and the other from Medium to 2XL.
This innovative BCD also features a user-friendly Quick Cinch tank buckle system and a 50mm hook-and-loop tank strap, ensuring robust tank stabilisation in all diving conditions.
The detachable waist pockets on both the left and right sides have been thoughtfully designed. If you dive with a weight belt or choose not to carry weights in them, you can wear them upside down as a utility pocket or vice versa.
Add to all of that the ergonomic shoulder pads, waist cummerbund, shoulder and back pull dumps, and Scubapro’s high-quality Balanced Power Inflator (BPI), and you get comfort, trim, and functionality wherever you’re going, all while carrying less weight in your baggage.
While the Navigator Lite isn’t future proof for activities like twinset diving, as most carbon, aluminium, and steel backplate single tank systems are, it remains affordable and the base units are available in three colour choices: Blue, Black, and Coral (which is more akin to faded pink).
The Navigator Lite in Colour
A nice twist to this specific product is something Scubapro has never offered in any of its BCDs before: Replaceable air cell covers! Whatever base colour you start with, for a pretty attractive price you can change that colour to any of the 5 alternatives at any point in the future.
The Scubapro Navigator Lite is available as a unit in Coral, Blue, or Black, with replaceable air cell covers set to be released in Spring 2025 in Black, Blue, Coral, Navy Blue Camo, Army Green, and White.
Navigator Lite Key Features
- Wing: Back inflation BCD allowing superior underwater trim
- Travel Friendly: Lightweight and foldable for easy packing and storage
- Backpack: Padded Airnet® soft backpack
- Durable: Durable 420D nylon air cells with high-frequency welding
- Modular Design: Allows easy replacement of components in case of damage or wear
- Air Cell Covers: Will soon be available in 6 different dealer-changeable colours for customisation
- Pockets: Detachable pockets can open facing up for accessories or down for ballast
- Tank Attachment: Quick cinch buckle for optimal tank retention in all conditions
- 2 Sizes: Ergonomic shoulder pads and cummerbunds come in two expandable sizes, 2XS/M and M/2XL, with a bit of overlapping to ensure a snug fit.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the Scubapro Navigator Lite shines as a fantastic choice for the globetrotting diver.
It hits the sweet spot with its simplicity, feather-light build, compact size, user-friendly features, and wallet-friendly price, potentially making it even more sought-after than the beloved Lighthawk.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual vacation diver, this BCD is a winner. It’s specifications are perfect as a travel-ready option and it doubles as a single tank wing for recreational dives.
Crafted in Italy with Scubapro’s renowned quality, this travel wing is ready for anything. Pack it, toss it in your bag, and dive into the crystal-clear waters of your dreams, enjoying the superior trim a wing provides.
Happy Diving!