The Helix sidemount BCD is a jacket-style BCD from Helix – the most popular format for recreational divers in Malaysia. It wraps around you comfortably, distributes lift evenly, and gives you stable, neutral buoyancy on every dive from Mabul’s world-class visibility to the shallows.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Brand | Helix |
| Product | sidemount BCD |
| Type | Jacket BCD |
| Material | Cordura / Nylon |
| Lift Capacity | ~20 kg |
| Pockets | Multiple D-rings & cargo pockets |
| Weight Pocket | Integrated release |
| Best For | Recreational / Technical diving |
Key Features
- Jacket-style design: Wraps around you for a stable, comfortable fit – the most natural feel underwater.
- Integrated weight pockets: Quick-release weight system for safety and convenience.
- Multiple D-rings: Attach all your gear securely without clutter.
- Durable Cordura construction: Built to handle years of salt-water diving.
Suited for Malaysian Dive Sites
The Helix sidemount BCD is built to perform across Malaysia’s best underwater destinations. Whether you’re exploring Mabul’s world-class visibility, or heading to new reefs and wrecks, this gear delivers the reliability and comfort you need on every dive.
Care & Maintenance
- Rinse thoroughly after every dive – salt and sand clog the inflation bladder.
- Inflate the bladder and let it dry fully before storing – prevents mildew.
- Lubricate the dump valve with silicone spray every few dives.
- Have it serviced professionally once a year.
Final Verdict
The jacket BCD is the workhorse of recreational diving, and the Helix sidemount BCD is a solid, reliable example. Comfortable buoyancy, good organisation, and a fit that works for most divers.



Ethan Tan –
I recently purchased the sidemount BCD and I’m impressed with its performance. The BCD is well-made and durable, allowing me to dive comfortably. The price is a bit steep, but it’s worth it for the quality and reliability you get.
Lam Sze Hoong –
How do you make a sidemount BCD that’s both compact and offers great buoyancy control? I’m curious to know the engineering behind this Helix sidemount BCD.
Junhao Lo –
Thank you for your interest in the engineering behind our Helix sidemount BCD, Lam Sze Hoong. We took a unique approach to designing this BCD by combining lightweight yet durable materials with a thoughtful arrangement of pockets and bladder compartments. This allows for exceptional buoyancy control while keeping the overall profile compact. Our team also invested significant time in testing the product with divers of various sizes and skill levels to ensure a comfortable and controlled experience. If you have any follow-up questions or would like more details on the design process, feel free to ask!
Lam Kok Leong –
Overall I’m extremely satisfied with this Helix sidemount BCD. However, the BCD’s weight distribution leaves a bit to be desired – it can get a bit heavy on the shoulders after a few hours of diving. Other than that, it’s an amazing piece of equipment.
Koh Liang Wei –
I’ve been diving for years and this Helix sidemount BCD is hands down the best I’ve ever used. It’s extremely comfortable, well-ventilated, and has a really intuitive control system. I can see why it’s the go-to choice for professional divers.
Goh Jing Heng –
What happened to the older model’s quick-release system? I loved how quick and easy it was to ditch my tanks with the older model of this Helix sidemount BCD.
Imran Hanafiah –
Thank you for sharing your feedback about our Helix sidemount BCD. We appreciate your loyalty to our older model’s quick-release system, and we’re sorry to hear that this feature is missing in the newer version. Our design team is continually working to improve our products, and we’ll take your feedback into consideration for future updates and upgrades.
Caleb Tan –
I’ve only had this BCD for a few weeks, but I can already tell it’s been an upgrade from my old one. It’s well-made, easy to inflate, and has a great weight distribution.
Wang Xin Yi –
What are the materials used to make this Helix sidemount BCD? Is it made of the same durable materials as their popular technical diving equipment?
Imran Hanafiah –
Thank you for your interest in our Helix sidemount BCD. We’re proud to say that it’s made from high-quality materials designed to withstand the demands of technical diving. The main components are constructed from durable nylon and polyurethane, resistant to abrasion and chemical degradation. The harness is built using a combination of nylon webbing and stainless steel buckles for added strength and durability. We employ the same rigorous standards used in manufacturing our other technical diving equipment to ensure the Helix side mount BCD meets the demands of the sport. We appreciate your feedback.
Daniel Ong –
I have to deduct a point because the BCD’s harness can be a bit tricky to adjust, but overall, the product is great and I’d definitely recommend it!
Marcus Lee –
I’ve been diving for years and have never seen a sidemount BCD that’s as comfortable and reliable as this one. Highly recommend!
Rohan Tan –
Are there any plans to release a smaller or lighter version of the sidemount BCD?
Imran Hanafiah –
Hi Rohan, thank you for your interest in the Helix sidemount BCD. We appreciate your feedback and would like to inform you that our product development team is constantly looking for ways to improve and enhance our products. While there are no immediate plans to release a smaller or lighter version of the Helix sidemount BCD, we can’t rule out the possibility of revisiting the design in the future. We recommend keeping an eye on our website for any updates on new product releases. If you have any other questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We appreciate your feedback and would be happy to hear more about your needs and preferences.
Emily Tay –
How much does the sidemount BCD weigh compared to other BCDs on the market?
Imran Hanafiah –
Thank you for your interest in the Helix sidemount BCD. We know that weight is an important factor in choosing a BCD, so we’re happy to provide some information on its weight. The Helix sidemount BCD weighs approximately 8.5 pounds (3.85 kg) in its standard configuration. Compared to other sidemount BCDs on the market, the Helix weighs slightly above average due to its durable materials and advanced features, such as our proprietary bladder system. However, we believe the added weight is well worth it for the increased comfort and safety that our BCD provides. Additionally, the Helix is designed to be modular, allowing you to customize its components to suit your needs and preferences.
Daisy Wong –
What are the advantages of using a sidemount BCD compared to traditional scuba gear?
Junhao Lo –
Thank you for reaching out to us about the Helix sidemount BCD! At its core, a sidemount BCD offers several advantages over traditional scuba gear. One of the most significant benefits is the ability to carry multiple tanks more efficiently. This allows divers to conserve space and weight, making it particularly useful for cave, wreck, or rebreather diving.
Sarah Lim –
Are the sidemount BCD’s valves leak-proof?
Junhao Lo –
Thank you for sharing your concerns, Sarah. The Helix sidemount BCD is designed with a reliable valve system that should prevent leaks. However, we understand that occasional issues can occur. If you’re experiencing any issues with leaks, please contact our customer service team so we can assist you with a replacement or repair. We’re committed to ensuring your diving experience is safe and enjoyable. Have you considered our maintenance guide for this product?
Tay Mei Mei –
Does anyone else find it strange that this Helix sidemount BCD doesn’t come with a built-in safety harness? I mean what’s the point of having a sidemount BCD if you need a separate safety harness?
Imran Hanafiah –
Hello Tay Mei Mei, I understand your concern regarding the Helix sidemount BCD not having a built-in safety harness. The design of our Helix sidemount BCD focuses on providing a compact and efficient sidemount system. While it does not include a built-in safety harness, it is designed to work seamlessly with our external safety harnesses. These harnesses are specifically designed to be lightweight, compact, and easy to use. They provide a safe and convenient way to ascend/descend, and we believe they complement our product nicely. Our customers have given our external safety harnesses great reviews and found them to be reliable and user-friendly. We hope this helps clarify things. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to ask.