Looking for opinions on the Seaquest Balance

[dgreenh]

I also have about 150 dives on my Balance. Much less restrictive and much more streamlined than a jacket. I would buy it again with no regrets. Sometimes the pocket space becomes an issue but I don't like to carry a lot of stuff anyway. I never really noticed the tank shifting but my Balance fits me a bit on the tight side. I like it that way. I put 4# in the back and the rest in the ditchable pockets. Back inflates do tend to need less air at the surface if you don't want to float face down. Other than that, I didn't have any problems with the transition from a jacket to a back inflate.

 

[Willar]

I dive with the Black Diamond and love it. It is a little heavier duty, has stainless steel D-rings (not plastic) and more rings, larger utility pockets, larger weight pockets, and a larger lift capacity. The BD was on sale when I was buying so it was a no-brainer to buy it.

I have several friends with the Balance who all love diving with it. One couple has tried several BC's and just love the Balance for tropical diving. It does pack smaller than the BD so it is a little easier to travel with.

I also have the Air Source II which I do like. I have no trouble using it since, like all my other equipment, I have practiced using it in several situations. But you must realize that you would be donating your primary and breathing off the AirSource in an emergency - and some people don't realize this! (Who sold it without explaining this to them?)

For tropical diving the Balance is a great rig. For weightier needs, or if you need the better d-rings or bigger pockets, I'd go with the Black Diamond.

 

[Thalassamania]

SeaQuest Balance is a good BC, like Willar I prefer the Black Diamond.

 

[mattbinvt]

I Love it I Love it I Love it!!! I am a DM Candidate and have been helping with classes and got pushed to the bottom by a student the other day brushing up against a ton of Zebra mussels that were like razor blades and it held up fine. I have about 30 dives on mine since I bought it in May and I wouldn't want anything else.


Matt

 

[Paco II]

I know the Black Diamond is a good BC, but it seems just as bulky as my Pro Unlimited. I love my Pro Unlimited, but definitely want something more low profile, that I can use for both Monterey, CA diving, as well as when I travel to more tropical locations.

Also, not sure if you were saying that Balance has plastic D-rings, because it does have stainless steel D-rings.

I dive with the Black Diamond and love it. It is a little heavier duty, has stainless steel D-rings (not plastic) and more rings, larger utility pockets, larger weight pockets, and a larger lift capacity...

 

[dontaskme]

Was in the pool today, and a new member to our group just bought his Balance (TODAY, he had been diving a jacket style) and wanted to try it out. He loves it, like a kid with a new toy !!

Paco II, when are you going to purchase ( you know you get a free air source from Aqualung if you buy it soon )

...........disclaimer.......i have no affiliation with SeaQuest or it parnet company Aqualung, or have any friends or family that work for them either.....

 

[Paco II]

I have until the end of the month to purchase and get the deal. My LDS doesn't carry the Black/Silver model in Medum, so as long as I get into the store and pay by the end of the month, they can order it for me.

Was in the pool today, and a new member to our group just bought his Balance (TODAY, he had been diving a jacket style) and wanted to try it out. He loves it, like a kid with a new toy !!

Paco II, when are you going to purchase ( you know you get a free air source from Aqualung if you buy it soon )

...........disclaimer.......i have no affiliation with SeaQuest or it parnet company Aqualung, or have any friends or family that work for them either.....

 

[Willar]

Yes, the current Balance does have stainless d-rings, but they are smaller and thinner than the Black Diamond. Sorry, I was thinking of the Balance of a couple of years ago that had plastic d-rings.

 

[Paco II]

Wanted to do a quick follow-up to this thread. I've only done about 4 dives so far, but really like the Balance. Love the greater range of motion as compared to the Pro Unlimited. And definitely like the back inflation. Also seems to be much easier to get into. I also really like having a usable pocket. The pockets on the PU are worthless when using integrated weights. So far, I really like this BC!

 

[marcienko]

Great BCS I have abput 50 dives on it.No problems so far.

Regards

Marcin