NEX Leatherback Original BCD — Ultimate System
$1,230.00
A modular, made-in-California sidemount/backplate-and-wing BCD you build your way. Choose a DIR (continuous-webbing) or Original (padded comfort) harness, the Deluxe or ready-to-dive Ultimate tier, a Cordura or Knight Shield wing, and your colours. Hand-made in Monterey.
NEX Underwater Products gear is ordered direct and shipped to you by the manufacturer. Questions about fit or options? Ask our team.
Build the BCD You'll Dive for Life
The NEX Leatherback is a modular, hand-made backplate-and-wing system — "dive like a turtle." Start from a DIR or Original harness and build up to a complete, ready-to-dive rig. Exceptional materials, water-jet-cut aluminium, and made in Monterey, California.
Pick Your Harness Style
- DIR — a single continuous length of stiff 2 mm webbing in the clean Hogarthian configuration. Minimal, infinitely adjustable, loved by tech and cave divers.
- Original — a padded comfort harness for divers who want an easier, cushioned fit.
Pick Your Tier
- Deluxe — harness + aluminium backplate + wing + shoulder pads.
- Ultimate — everything in Deluxe plus a single-tank adapter, two large weight pockets, heavy-duty D-rings, cam bands, and easy-adjust chest straps. Ready to dive — just add a tank and regulator.
Pick Your Wing & Colours
Choose a durable Cordura wing or upgrade to the Golden-Ratio Knight Shield for superior trim. Then make it yours with backplate/harness colour, STA colour, wing lift, and buckle options.
Need just a part? We also sell the backplate, wing, single-tank adapter, and harness on their own.
- Type
- Modular backplate-and-wing (sidemount-capable)
- Harness
- DIR continuous 2 mm webbing, or Original padded comfort
- Backplate
- Water-jet aluminium, scratch-resistant coating (S 14×11″ / L 16×12.5″)
- Wing
- Cordura or Knight Shield (Golden-Ratio), 25–44 lb lift
- Colours
- Black · Blue · Green · Pink
- Origin
- Hand-made in Monterey, California
- Harness (DIR or Original)
- Aluminium backplate
- Wing (Cordura or Knight Shield)
- Shoulder pads
- Ultimate adds: single-tank adapter, 2 weight pockets, heavy-duty D-rings, cam bands, easy-adjust chest straps
What's the difference between the DIR and Original harness?
The DIR harness is a single continuous piece of stiff 2 mm webbing — the minimalist Hogarthian configuration favoured by technical and cave divers for its simplicity and adjustability. The Original harness adds padding and comfort features for divers who want an easier, more cushioned fit. Both use the same backplate and wing.
Deluxe vs Ultimate — which do I need?
Deluxe is the core rig: harness, aluminium backplate, wing, and shoulder pads. Ultimate is ready to dive out of the box — it adds a single-tank adapter, two weight pockets, heavy-duty D-rings, cam bands, and easy-adjust chest straps, so all you add is a tank and regulator. Choose Ultimate if you want a complete setup; Deluxe if you already have an STA and accessories.
What is the Knight Shield wing?
Knight Shield is a premium wing developed by Knight Divers in Malta, shaped around the Golden Ratio for superior trim and lumbar support. At the surface it helps you stay head-up before descent; underwater its tapered top improves buoyancy and comfort across the whole water column. It's a +$135 upgrade over the standard Cordura wing.
How much wing lift should I choose?
Wing lift (25–44 lb) should match your exposure suit, tank, and weighting. Warm-water single-tank diving in a wetsuit usually needs less lift; drysuit, steel tanks, or heavier rigs need more. Tell us how you dive and we'll recommend the right size.
Should NEX pre-assemble it?
If you choose NEX pre-assembly (+$100), it arrives built with the wing and STA left finger-tight so you can fine-tune positioning. Self-assemble ships flat-packed — straightforward if you're comfortable setting up a backplate-and-wing.