The Apeks Exotec BCD is a revolution in diving comfort, functionality, and seductive engineering design. The ethos behind Exotec is the synthesis of equipment and diver. Created to fit like no other BCD and flow with the natural movement of the diver's body through the innovative BioReact articulation. The first of its kind, the Exotec features an articulated backplate that pivots at the waist. This articulation allows the Exotec to work in harmony with the natural movement of your body, both in and out of the water

Exotec represents an evolution from the original Apeks Black Ice back inflation BCD. 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. 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 plus GripTek fabric helps keep the BCD in place as well. The backplate also has three different height positions to allow for optimum fit. There is the ability to personalize 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 bladder is made from the same Armourguard fabric used on Apeks Public Safety Diver products. It is extremely durable and does not absorb water. The Armoguard material is not only hard-wearing, it also dries extremely quickly.

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. 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. 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.

While there are more than enough D-rings to attach all manner of accessories, 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 the proven Surelock integrated weight system, but even here, they have upped the ante. The Surelock pockets have anodised aluminum handles rather than the usual plastic ones which match with the rest of the fittings. The Surelock system has 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.