Sea Quest Black Diamond - Good buy or too bulky?

[nldiver1984]

I recently bought a used Sea Quest Black Diamond BCD for $100 in the local classifieds for my city. It's in great condition, but to me it looks like it might be too big for my purposes. The seller told me I could return it if it wasn't to my satisfaction, because it hasn't been used in a few years and he understands that there might be problems with it. Should I return it? I haven't done any diving with it yet as I need to get it inspected.

 

[PeterNBiddle]

I recently bought a used Sea Quest Black Diamond BCD for $100 in the local classifieds for my city. It's in great condition, but to me it looks like it might be too big for my purposes. The seller told me I could return it if it wasn't to my satisfaction, because it hasn't been used in a few years and he understands that there might be problems with it. Should I return it? I haven't done any diving with it yet as I need to get it inspected.

I dive one and I really like it. $100 is less than 25% of what it would cost new and the sizing is adjustable. Heck of a deal.

From the look of your pic you have way too much overlap in the cummerbund. Take out the screws in the back that let you adjust the waist sizing and shift things. If you can't reduce the waist anymore then that size is too big for you.

 

[decompression]

It is a very solid BCD, $100 is a steal. Try it on with your exposure suit and see how it fits then.

 

[nldiver1984]

Take out the screws in the back that let you adjust the waist sizing and shift things.

I did what you advised and noticed that the fit is a lot better now. Thanks for your help. I'm going to keep this and get it inspected and use it on future dives. Are wing style BCs harder to use?

 

[PeterNBiddle]

I did what you advised and noticed that the fit is a lot better now. Thanks for your help. I'm going to keep this and get it inspected and use it on future dives. Are wing style BCs harder to use?

Glad to hear that worked out for you. its really a very well made "tech" BCD that can last you hundreds of dives.

Wing BCDs are no harder for buoyancy than anything else, and some people find them easier. I find that mine has extremely good level buoyancy at depth. As a back-inflate they are closer to BP/Ws than jacket-styles and offer lots in terms of comfort and features.

 

[Willar]

Love my Black Diamond. Put some of your weight in the rear pockets and some in the pouches, that will help your trim. I found the BD to be easy to use and a great, comfortable BC. It can be a little big to pack but not too bad. If you over inflate on the surface it will push you over with your face in the water. If so, let some air out and relax leaning back. You got a heck of a deal if it works.

 

[NW Dive Dawg]

Great BC... Takes a lick'n and keeps on tick'n. I prefer this BC over my Zeagle Ranger due to the fact that the weight pockets are easily installed or removed at pre/post dive. Agree with Willar on the distribution of some of your weights to the rear pockets to adjust surface buoyancy position.

Wenoka makes a real nice little easy access BC knife that will bolt right onto those two SS grommets in front of the cumber bun.


Wenoka Squeeze Lock Knife, Blunt

 

[PeterNBiddle]

Wenoka makes a real nice little easy access BC knife that will bolt right onto those two SS grommets in front of the cumber bun.

I have the Wenoka mounted that way and agree its a handy little knife.

 

[nldiver1984]

Thanks guys! I've decided to stick with the BC. Should I take it to a dive shop to get it inspected or am I able to do this myself?

 

[NW Dive Dawg]

I personally would just give it a thorough inspection and test all functions... Most importantly the power inflator and all dump valves. Check to make sure that the LP hose connect and disconnect is smooth. Overinflate it under LP tank pressure to make sure that the "over" pressure relief system is working. Fully inflate and leave overnight to verify no leaks.. If it looses any air overnight, then bubble test. Check the quick connect nipple where the LP hose connects to the inflator to make sure that the o-ring is in good shape and that it's tight. Check condition of zip ties and the pull dump cord.