Aqualung/Seaquest and ScubaPro Back Inflate BCs

[partridge]

I want to have a Zeagle Escape or Ranger but can't find a dealer here in the Philippines. The common brands here are ScubaPro, Aqualung/Seaquest.

I dive only warm water so I do not need much lift. I am looking at the S-Tek harness with TravTek and the KnightHawk. I still cannot decide which one to get. The main problem I have with the S-Tek is it does not have integrated weights.

I was looking at the SeaQuest Pro QD but I think I'll go with a backinflate. What other Back Inflate BC's does Aqualung/Seaquest have?

Any opinions on the above mentioned BC's will be highly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[LUBOLD8431]

Aqualung has the Balance, which is a nice weight integrated back inflation BC. They also have the Raider, and the Black Diamond, which are more pseudo tech BC's than the rec Balance BC. All of these are available to look at on the AQ/SQ website: www.sea-quest.com...

 

[5615mike]

Malibu also. Not a back rig. Why don't you also consider Dive Rite Transpac II--actually not called II anylonger, just Transpac. Great rig and you can change the wing set up for different requirements of lift if you need it.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

I have a buddy who has a KnightHhawk and likes it, but of the choices I would prefer the S-Tec although you may find you probably want to remove a pair of the D-rings.

You may be able to adapt weight pouches designed for Dive-Rite or OMS harness systems but if you can get them, it would make more sense to just go with an OMS IQ Pac, a Dive-Rite Transpac II or a harness and BP from either company. The comfort harness and transplate harnesses are pretty appealing to me.

 

[partridge]

Somebody told me that the S-Tek is from the design of the TransPac. Is this true?

 

[LUBOLD8431]

The original transpac design, yes. Scubapro bought it from the manufacturer. Dive Rite has subsequently redesigned the transpac (T II).

 

[DA Aquamaster]

It's the same idea. The aircell is interchangeable and it uses a harness assembly rather than a more hogarthian 2" webbing harness and backplate. It is less DIR though than a Transpac II and while the Transpac II can accomodate a backplate, I don't think this is an option with the S-tec.

 

[jplacson]

Paul, what's your budget? If you really want the Zeagles ... Zeagle has an official dealer here... somewhere in Manila, I can't remember the name. If you surf their site, I think it's there. I was after the Ranger once before, but for the price... I decided on a full BP/W rig instead.

 

[Hallmac]

Hey Paul!
I would like to offer you a different option that would fill your needs.

amer-sea

Hallmac

 

[partridge]

jplacson: Can you PM me the dealer in Manila if you can find it? Really appreciate the effort. I think it was whitetip before but they don't carry them anymore.

Hallmac: That is a really nice looking BC. It is kinda pricey. The main reason I'm looking at the mentioned brands is that I have had a really bad experience with buying from the US and had no service here. I wasted some money and it really pissed me off. I'm looking for a bc that can be serviced here and under warranty here.

Thanks for all the help guys. I'm leaning towards the Balance but will get a zeagle if its available.