Aqualung Black Diamond or Pro Unlimited

[adjuster-jd]

I am trying to decide between Aqualung / Seaquest BCDs. Price is not a factor in the decision making for this item.
I am considering:
1) Black Diamond (Back inflate)
2) Pro Unlimited (jacket)
3) Pro QD (jacket)
4) Pro QD with I3 (jacket)
5) Seaquest Balance (Back inflate)

I currently use a jacket style (Oceanic Probe) and like the multitude of pockets on it. Number of pockets are a consideration since I carry a variety of items, especially when teaching (and prefer to put my knife in pocket when teaching). I don't have much experience with a back inflate but having a back inflate BC could be good just to have some variety.

Black Diamond does offer more lift, which is a plus. The I3 is an interesting gadget. I'm undecided about that right now. It is more difficult to teach without having a normal inflator hose, so that is a factor but not necessarily a definite negative.

I've seen some comments about both the black diamond and pro unlimited being bulky. I do travel some (one or two trips a year) so packing the BC into a suitcase can be a factor. I'd be curious as to how physical size affects packability of the BC.

In this case I am limited to the aqualung/seaquest brands due to brand carried by the store I work for.

Any thoughts comparing these would be welcome.

Thanks.

 

[Diver Dennis]

I wear a large Pro Unlimited and traveled all through Asia with it last year and just got back from a dive trip with it. Never any problems but make sure you dry it out before traveling. The extra padding can hold a few pounds of water.

 

[Willar]

I love the Black Diamond. Very tough and plenty of stainless steel D-rings and pockets. Friends have the Balance and like it very much also. The BD seems to built tougher and the Balance has D-rings that look cheaper. The Balance will pack down a little more for traveling but I feel the BD is fine too.

 

[jsf35]

As stated above, the Balance would be good for travel, but you will not be happy with it if you like lots of pockets. Black Diamond is a sturdy BC, which would meet all your needs. As an instructor, I would stay away from i3. It's hard to remind a student underwater to hold their inflator hose over their head when dumping, when you don't have one yourself. There is not much of a learning curve when switching from jacket style to back inflate. A couple of dives to sort out your trim should be all it takes.
If the store you work at has any of those in rental, take them for a test dive.
Good luck choosing,

Scott