Cressi Aquawing Backplate and Wing Review

Torben Lonne
By
Torben Lonne
Editor and Co-founder at DIVEIN.com
Torben traveled to South East Asia for scuba diving and never really stopped his search for new adventures. His affinity for gear that works and his...
- Editor and Co-founder at DIVEIN.com
Cressi Aquawing BCD rigged and waiting on a wooden dock before a DIVEIN test dive
Rigged up, the Aquawing shows what kind of BCD it is: the lift sits behind you on a wing rather than wrapped around your chest, and the webbing harness carries the load instead of padded bulk.
Close-up of the Cressi Aquawing with an aluminium tank held in place by twin cam bands
The dual cam bands do the whole job here, with no separate tank adapter required. That is one less part to buy, forget at home, or lose on a boat.
Our tester with the Cressi Aquawing backplate and wing laid out on a table
Rigged up the Aquawing shows what kind of BCD it is. The lift sits behind you on a wing rather than wrapped around your chest, and the webbing carries the load.
DIVEIN tester showing the padded backpad and shoulder harness of the Cressi Aquawing
Cressi pads more than a purist rig would. That is comfort over a thin suit and a little extra bulk in the bag, and you get to pick which you care about.
Our reviewer lifting the padded shoulder straps and inflator hose of the Cressi Aquawing
The padding is the first thing you notice picking the rig up and the first thing you thank it for on a long surface swim back to the boat.
DIVEIN tester opening the hook and loop straps holding the Cressi Aquawing bladder to the plate
The retaining straps keep the bladder tidy against the plate and make stripping the rig down for a proper rinse a one minute job.
Our tester seen from behind underwater wearing the Cressi Aquawing over a white rash guard
From this angle the wing sits high and flat on the back, clear of the tank valve and clear of anything you might need to reach.
DIVEIN tester holding flat trim in green water with the Cressi Aquawing and a single tank
Back flat, legs up, no argument from the rig. That posture is the reason divers move from a jacket BCD to a wing in the first place.

DIVEIN.com Top Rated 2025 award badgeThe Cressi Aquawing is a great mix of a traditional BCD and a backplate and wing system. It offers the comfort of padded shoulders and back like a standard BCD, combined with the performance and buoyancy control of a backplate and wing setup. The adjustable shoulder straps make it easy to get the perfect fit, and its lightweight aluminum backplate makes it ideal for travel.

The Modular Adjustment System is a standout feature. It’s easy to adjust the continuous weave harness, and the quick-release buckle makes it simple to get in and out. We love the addition of a carrying handle—something many backplate setups lack. It makes a big difference when carrying your gear between dives.

About this review

To help you find a Backplate and Wing that will fit your needs, we’ve tested, researched, and reviewed the best ones available today.
We test both in the water, diving in various conditions - and in our lab - so we can give you accurate answers on quality, performance, and the overall value.

Read about our test of Backplate and Wings

Recommended in: Backplate and Wing

Things we like:

  • Padded like a BCD means extra comfort plus the buoyancy control of a backplate and wing system
  • Lightweight and easy to pack, perfect for travel
  • MAS harness system is easy to adjust and provides a snug fit
  • Trim weight pockets keep weight centered for better balance underwater

Things we don't like:

  • Not as customizable as other backplate and wing systems, making it less ideal for technical divers

Specs & Features

Materials 1500D Cordura; 210D nylon inner bladder
Backplate lightweight aluminum
Wing lift 29.3 lbs (13.3 kg)
Cylinder capacity single tank
D-rings two
Adjustment Modular Adjustment System (MAS) with quick-release metal buckle
Tank attachment dual stainless-steel bands
Weight system 5 pounds (2.7 kg) in rear non-releasable trim pockets
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