Hi All,
Just got back into diving after an extended period away, and wanted to get a new BCD. My previous BCD was a Seaquest Balance that I bought in 2001, but I left it in NY. I’m currently living in Taiwan and was considering the above brands as they are the ones available locally (with the exception of DGX, which I first heard of here). Obviously there are a wide range of prices here, I’m willing to pay for quality but also don’t want to feel like I’m paying extra just for a brand name if it’s not really worth it. My diving here is warm water, and will travel occasionally (most likely to warm water places). I'm nitrox certified and looking to get my AOW soon, and even considering trying sidemount someday as I see some dive shops offer that around here. Below are the options I'm considering so far:
Halcyon - known for their quality and service but also expensive, available locally but is it really worth the extra $$? Infinity would cost about $1200 here
Xdeep - also known for their quality, less expensive, Zen costs around $800 here. (not sure if Deluxe version is worth it over Standard)
OMS - I don't know that much about this brand but it seems to be popular enough around here - their OMS Comfort Harness III Signature System is around $700.
Audaxpro - their Audaxpro Stark Evo 16 is around $1000 here, a local shop had recommended them, but I saw some negative reviews in the forums.
Aquatec - a Taiwanese manufacturer that also makes stuff for other brands - their BC-924 is around $600
Dive Gear Express - not available locally but I do see they ship internationally - I've seen them recommended in these forums - their DGX Custom - DGX Gears Singles Harness / Backplate / Wing Package is only $399? Not sure if that's the complete package or if I would need accessories.
I'm hoping to be able to use the BCD for 20+ years, so I wouldn't mind paying for the quality if I could enjoy it long term, but I just don't know enough yet as to whether or not Halcyon is really worth it - on the other end of the spectrum, DGX is super cheap but I wonder how their long term durability would be, and other than having the inflator checked, is there much service needed? They seem to be a lot of bang for the buck, but would I ever run into a situation where I would absolutely need a part or something from them and would have to wait a week or two to get it shipped here? Or are they basic enough that any good local dive shop could fix any issues?
Aquatec seems like a good local brand, but I don't know much about their quality and durability.
In terms of being able to do sidemount or twin tanks someday, which of these would be better?
Please feel free to offer your suggestions and opinions / advice. Thanks in advance!!!
Just got back into diving after an extended period away, and wanted to get a new BCD. My previous BCD was a Seaquest Balance that I bought in 2001, but I left it in NY. I’m currently living in Taiwan and was considering the above brands as they are the ones available locally (with the exception of DGX, which I first heard of here). Obviously there are a wide range of prices here, I’m willing to pay for quality but also don’t want to feel like I’m paying extra just for a brand name if it’s not really worth it. My diving here is warm water, and will travel occasionally (most likely to warm water places). I'm nitrox certified and looking to get my AOW soon, and even considering trying sidemount someday as I see some dive shops offer that around here. Below are the options I'm considering so far:
Halcyon - known for their quality and service but also expensive, available locally but is it really worth the extra $$? Infinity would cost about $1200 here
Xdeep - also known for their quality, less expensive, Zen costs around $800 here. (not sure if Deluxe version is worth it over Standard)
OMS - I don't know that much about this brand but it seems to be popular enough around here - their OMS Comfort Harness III Signature System is around $700.
Audaxpro - their Audaxpro Stark Evo 16 is around $1000 here, a local shop had recommended them, but I saw some negative reviews in the forums.
Aquatec - a Taiwanese manufacturer that also makes stuff for other brands - their BC-924 is around $600
Dive Gear Express - not available locally but I do see they ship internationally - I've seen them recommended in these forums - their DGX Custom - DGX Gears Singles Harness / Backplate / Wing Package is only $399? Not sure if that's the complete package or if I would need accessories.
I'm hoping to be able to use the BCD for 20+ years, so I wouldn't mind paying for the quality if I could enjoy it long term, but I just don't know enough yet as to whether or not Halcyon is really worth it - on the other end of the spectrum, DGX is super cheap but I wonder how their long term durability would be, and other than having the inflator checked, is there much service needed? They seem to be a lot of bang for the buck, but would I ever run into a situation where I would absolutely need a part or something from them and would have to wait a week or two to get it shipped here? Or are they basic enough that any good local dive shop could fix any issues?
Aquatec seems like a good local brand, but I don't know much about their quality and durability.
In terms of being able to do sidemount or twin tanks someday, which of these would be better?
Please feel free to offer your suggestions and opinions / advice. Thanks in advance!!!