Aqua Lung BC quality

[hydroslyder]

Being that Aqualung owns seaquest, and they used the same materials, I would say they are great BCs, I have a SQ pro QD+, and it is awesome, my instructor has the same BC and is amazed at how well it has held up, with over 300 dives on it his BC still looks like my brand new one.

 

[LUBOLD8431]

I would take a look at the new Seaquest BC's with the SURELOCK weight integration.

The PRO-QD+ is a great bc, very comfortable, and well designed to not squeeze you to death.

The Balance is a nice back inflation with a very minimalistic design, which leads to a very streamlined BC and good for packing.

I have used Seaquest BC's for a number of years now, and about a hundred dives on one.... They hold up well, and they have a limited LIFETIME warranty. Great customer service too...

I would go with Seaquest...

I dont have any experience with the Aqualung BC's. It is funny how Aqualung merged with them though... They call themselves the Regulator company, and Seaquest the BC company. Kinda tells you what they thought they were lacking in their own line.

 

[gzscuba]

My LDS has both aqualung branded BC's and seaquest BC's available for rent, so I've had the opportunity to try both. They're the basic low end models. In general, I tend to like the seaquest BC's better. They seem to have less material and they seem to grip the tank better. I guess both brands are pretty well built, considering the abuse that rentals get.

Hope this helps.

 

[army_roofus]

jonnythan once bubbled...


Does more D-rings = more "technical"?

Not always. I forgot to mention it does not have the big wings or multiple pockets. I think that would classify it as being technical with that in mind.

 

[double125's]

I never owned a aqualung before because when I compared them side by side with other bc's they just looked inferior, almost like a toy not life support equipment. I did own the sea quest Black Diamond and it was alright but for the price there is a lot better quality out there. If not going with bp/wings I would only look at one brand. zeagle!

 

[wlaurent]

I have had a Malibu RDS for about 3 years and have no complaints (other than some of the minor ones previously listed regarding small pockets, etc..). I previously had an entry level SeaQuest BC that I was also happy with, but wanted integrated weights and back-floatation.

I probably dived it 100 times over the 3 year period and it still looks as new as when it was purchased (no fading, no fabric or strap fraying, etc..)

I am sure there are many better rigs out there, but for the price I have been very happy.

Cheers

William

 

[ZoCrowes255]

gfisher4792 once bubbled...
I was thinking of purchasing an Aqua Lung BC (Malibu RDS), but when I was discussing it with a Not-So-Local Dive Store (NSLDS?), who I have know for a month, and basically, he said Aqua Lung is crap. Keeping in mind the store specializes in scubapro, I wanted to ask others for their opinions/experiences with Aqua Lung BCs, if lasted for years, if they fell apart on the first dive, etc. Thanks.

Aqualung makes a very good product. Just not as good as Scubapro IMHO

 

[The Bends]

I've owned BCs by Aqualung, Dacor and Scubapro and I can tell you I loved the Aqualung as much as any other BC. Not many companies would stay in business as long as they(Aqualung) have if they built 'crap'.

If it looks good to you, then I say 'buy it.'

 

[jbichsel]

I have been diving for 14 years and am in the market for a new BC myself. My diving instructor luckily is a good friend and one who will give an honest opinion, not just based on what he sells.

We have been discussing equipment a lot lately.

He told me that the high end ($$$$) Aqualung BC's are excellent quality, workmanship, fit, function, etc. However, he has had several of Aqualung's mid and low range BC's returned for various reasons: stitching unravelling, bladder failure, straps pulling off.

I am taking a Dacor Nautica to Hawaii (Oahu) tomorrow to see what it's like. Fits well in the house, appears to be quality. Seems a bit light on rings for me though.

 

[MikeFerrara]

army_roofus once bubbled...


Not always. I forgot to mention it does not have the big wings or multiple pockets. I think that would classify it as being technical with that in mind.

A good technical rig (actually any rig) has only the right number of rings and only in the right places. This is something that not a single one of the bc manufacturers has a clue about (well, Diverite comes close). I do all my technical diving with three d-rings and my only pockets are on the leg of my suit. I have seen divers add an additional ring for specific applications but nothing that any of these bc's will be used for.

We don't hang equipment off a d-ring. A back up light for instance is often clipped to ahoulder d-ring but the light is held flat to the shoulder strap by a rubber band or bungie on the other end. The result is that the light sits tucked flat along the strap and your body. Of course a quick release may interfere with this. NOTHING dangles EVER. None of these bc's are made for anyone who really has to carry anything.

The bc's with 6, 8, 10 or more d-rings are, IMO, abominations. They're made for divers who want to look technical but they make them look silly. If the poor diver actually hangs junk off the rings then they look foolish.