Black Diamond vs. Balance

[XTX95]

Anyone know if there's a big difference or just a few small differences? If so, could you point out a few? The dive shop I'm affiliated with only has the Balance on display, and no Black Diamonds available without ordering them. I was looking through the Dealer's Order Book (which lists everything including features, etc from every company including dealer price and buyer price). It didn't seem to list anything different from the Balance. If you're wondering how I was able to read through that, my uncle is a Dive Con for SSI at that shop so we know him personally.

 

[PiranhaChris]

I dive the Balance and love it. I think the "Big" differences are a Bigger bladder, 1 or 2 more Stainless D-rings and I think the Diamond has a cummerbund, while the Balance (or atleast the generation I have) doesn't, just a waist strap.

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

The Black Diamond holds a lot of lead. I used to own one. I now own a Balance. When I dove a dry suit I could get all the weight I needed in my Diamond but I didn't. I would move the weight around my body, on the tank, ankles, stuff like that. The Black Diamond does have heavier duty D rings.

 

[XTX95]

I guess, I'll go with the Black Diamond. Since I'm only 15 and weigh 160, it takes a lot to keep me down. It takes more than what my 130 pound aunt needs lol.

 

[RJP]

I guess, I'll go with the Black Diamond. Since I'm only 15 and weigh 160, it takes a lot to keep me down. It takes more than what my 130 pound aunt needs lol.

I'd re-think that.

 

[XTX95]

Well Black Diamond can carry a ton of weight. I'm just wondering if the Balance can fit that much. A 32 might do the trick.

 

[ar4000]

I have a Balance that just broke a couple of weeks ago. I was getting in a local dive in preparation for my Belize trip and the plastic tri-load distribution piece just broke...I mean i was standing there talking to my buddies and no bouncing or anything and it just popped in two...I was told by my lds that the 2010 model uses stainless steel but that did not really helped me. Anyway, if you are looking at pre 2010 models, take a good look at that part for fatigue..

 

[XTX95]

It's 2010 so thank god lol.