theskull:Balance (I own one) is an excellent and simple BC that will serve you very well for simple diving and travel.
[...]
I love mine, but I also own other BCs and BP/w for more "involved" diving.
[...]
OMS probably makes some good stuff, but all I ever hear about them is complaints about defects and
customer service problems. Somebody please post something good about this BC for
"balanced opinions".
Ditto on the Balance -- I love mine. It's my recreational rig. I don't dive with a lot of
stuff usually, so the number of D-rings et al is fine for me. The pocket is nearly useless.
For o/c technical diving I like my OMS IQ Pak (new style) a lot. It's been great - no problems
at all. I have an aluminum plate (my wife uses a steel plate with hers, since she needs more
weight).
Oh, and the new OxyCheq wings are Very Nice Indeed :icon15_2: