Anyone got a Seac Pro3000?

[Irishdiver]

Hi everyone. I'm looking around for a new BCD. It's got to be extremely ruggedly built (because it will get abuse in Irish waters) and 100 per cent reliable. Up to now, I've only had two BCDs: my primary, a Buddy Commando Profile, made by AP Valves; and a second hand Seaform bought at the right price in a dive school sale and used (briefly) when the Buddy had to be sent away for overhaul. The Buddy Commando, fitted with Auto Air and mini cylinder, meets all my criteria; the Seaform...well, there's nothing actually wrong with it, but let's just say I won't be using it very often.

My heart was more or less set on buying a new Buddy Pioneer (the one I have, bought from new, is still fine but it's eight years old now) but at the Irish dive show two weeks ago I chanced upon the Seac Sub Pro3000 and I may just have fallen in love. It seems to be beautifully built, very solid, and well designed for recreational diving in Irish waters, which are not always as pleasant or forgiving as tropical waters. It's coming in at around €600, which is not cheap and for which I would get my Buddy replacement.

So which do I go for? Or are there other jackets that fit the bill I haven't seen yet? I think the Seac Pro3000 is pretty new: does anybody have one or has anybody trialled one? Can dive shop owners/employees let me know what the industry feedback has been?

The Pro3000 does have at least two draw backs that spring to mind: it is of single bag construction (I like the peace of mind associated with the twin-bag design of the Buddy) and there is no mounting point for a mini-cylinder (again, I'm comparing it with the Buddy jacket). Also, I'm not mad about the extended rear dump valve, which looks a bit gimmicky and doesn't seem to be as well designed as the rest of the jacket. And the dump is on the wrong side!

I haven't tried the Seac Pro3000 out and I only had it in my sweaty paws for about 15 minutes, so these are just my first impressions. Anybody able to help me out here? Whichever way I go, I will be using the replacement jacket with an Autoair and single tank. Thanks all!

Seac Pro3000

Buddy Pioneer

ut:

* Oops! Edited. Apologies to Seaquest.

 

[SA Boy]

Irish,

Didn't know it was on sale yet. My LDS can't get hold of them.

As you're already considering the Pro 3000 you must have heard about the Pro 2000. Everyone I know who dives one says you'll have to cut it off them before they'll let you take it away. I've got a Pro Tech which I'm really happy with.

I understand, from someone in the magazine business, that the Pro 3000 blew away all comers when it was tested. I haven't seen the review, but the expected verdict is that this is a really special bit of kit.

 

[SA Boy]

One word says it all - awesome

Only tried it in a pool, but I found it super comfortable, really intuitive to find all the dumps, power inflator, pockets and other items. A lot of thought has gone into the positioning of D-riings, etc.

Seemed absolutely indestructible!

 

[Irishdiver]

Thanks for the feed-back, SA Boy. Your experience seems to accord with my initial observations. I wonder if anybody has any dive experience with it. And what about that rear dump: I know it's a relatively minor thing, but it annoys me. You say the dumps are intuitively set up. Is it the same set up on the Seac 2000 or is this new?

 

[SA Boy]

Sorry, can't remember with specific reference to the Pro 2000.

They just seemed far superior to the ones on my Pro Tech. Shoulder dump on right shoulder didn't catch the line when I put the jacket on and I found it easier to find the toggle for the bottom rear dump. I still have to feel around for it on my Pro Tech - came straight to my hand on the Pro 3000.

While I think about it, and this is just a matter of personal taste, I really like the yellow of the Pro 3000. I think, given the visibility we have to put up with here, bright is better.

The bloke who owns the Pro 3000 is completely thrilled though, and I know he was looking at top-line Seaquest and Mares BCs.

I think he'll be doing a test-dive/orientation in his new Drysuit on Tuesday at Vobster. I was planning to go along just to get wet. If he's there, I'll take some better notes for you.

 

[Murt]

Does anyone know where I can get the pro 3000 on teh web ?
I think they are excl.
I like what they say about quality, and gadgets on these bc's !