Can't decide: Mares Icon, Seaquest Balance or ??

[jdfmail]

I live in Thailand and only plan to dive in warm water. Here in Thailand there are no opportunities to demo. I have never dove a back inflate but I want to go this route. I know that many here like the bp/w but at this point I am not interested...maybe in the future.

I am looking for something that will hold up for many years, easy to dive with, well designed.

I like the Icon the best. But two dive masters that I know have recommended the Seaquest BCDs. I have looked at the balance and it also looks good. The Oceanic Excursion is also interesting but I don't like the fact that there is no right shoulder dump. The islander seems a little light duty.

So...any feedback on these choices? I would love to consider the Zeagle line but they don't seem to be sold here.

What would you choose based on my lengthy post? Any negatives of any of these BCDs? Will the Mares hold up? It seems a bit gimmicky with the pack ability but seems to be well built. Thanks for any and all help.

I want to buy this within the next few weeks.

I am AOW with only 20 dives.

Thanks again! Jon

 

[hollywood703]

I ahve an excursion and love it......I use to be a die hard jacket style diver, but i have not really noticed a big learning curve to switch to this BC. also, it has the ability to be converted to a doubles Bc with nothing more than switching the backplate out. I would recommend the balance over the icon, I have not heard a lot of good things about mares BC's, they have great reg's, they just arent known for their spectacular BC's.

 

[KOMPRESSOR]

If it seems gimmicky, it is. If it's plastic, it breaks. If there are zippers, they bust. My choice for warm water diving would be an aluminum backplate, one piece webbing and a slim wing. Add water and enjoy!

 

[jdfmail]

If it seems gimmicky, it is. If it's plastic, it breaks. If there are zippers, they bust.

This feature seems nice but will not prompt me to buy this one over other BCDs. Seems well thought out but most important to me is how it dives and holds up over time. It doesn't have any extra plastic or such things to allow it to pack up. That being said it seems well made.

My choice for warm water diving would be an aluminum backplate, one piece webbing and a slim wing. Add water and enjoy!

For example?
Thanks for the feedback.

What would you dive in my situation?? Especially would love feedback from people that have experience with the products and/or faced the same decision and are happy not happy with their choice.

Jon

 

[phantom76]

I am at the same dilemma as you. I am considering the Mares Icon, SeaQuest Balance and Zeagle Stilleto.

I have read somewhere that the Mares products and after sales service do not live up to all the hype. Do not know how true this is? But it is quote concerning as the BCD will last for quite some time.

I like the comfort padding of the SeaQuest. Tried it dry in a Dive Shop.

As for the Zeagle, it looks like a work horse but does not have the padding as the SeaQuest. My opinion just by looking at the product.

Can any users with personal experience with these product shed some light on your experience with these? Much appreciated.

How about SeacSub, how is this brand of product? The local dive shop here carries this brand, and the product looks quite good. Have yet to try it out.
Also not much on this forum on SeacSub.

Thanks.
PAUL

 

[DepthJunkie]

Get a BP/W!

I just wanted to be the first to say that. Am I? Don't discount the Excusion because of the shoulder dump(or lack of). It is EXTREMELY comfortable in the water and bouyancy control and trim is VERY easy to maintain.

 

[jdfmail]

That's two recommendations for the Excursion...maybe it deserves a second look. Anybody have any problems with it?

Any more personal experience with these three BCs?

 

[jdfmail]

went with the excursion...

 

[Dannybot]

I have a Balance, the main complaint I have with it is the shoulder straps are too short, others have agreed with me on this. You can release the shoulder straps, but I have a hard time reconnecting them when geared up with a tank. It's actually more comfortable with a tank than without, when you're just trying it on. It's hard to get into with a watch and computer on my wrists. Also as I get more gear ther are not that many D rings to clip to, but I can make do.

 

[Ice9]

I own a Balance, as well as a BP/W. Yes, I have to steer you towards the BP/W, but I also still really like my Balance. I'd be diving the Balance today if I hadn't tried a BP/W rig.