Looking for opinions on the Seaquest Balance

[Dannybot]

I have a Balance and I find it kind of tough to don and doff with a wrist computer. Also it has ditchable weight pockets which could be costly if you lose them. You could also consider the Riptide Zone II, my wife has one and really likes it, the straps are more adjustable and there are more d rings, but it has no carrying pockets. It also get more compact for travel than the Balance. Also the weights slip into a pocket that allow you to drop only the weights, and it is easier to load the weights. Scuba Toys has it for 299 and a 10 % SB discount, which makes it cheaper. I would recommend either, I like them both, though I have only dove the Balance, and only 15 times at that. Hope you find thei helpful.

 

[dontaskme]

I love mine. OK so I havent used anything else, but its very comfortable

 

[Peter Guy]

I'm the husband TSandM referred to in her post. I still do dive the Balance (in my DM class) and enjoy it. I do not find any significant difference in how it dives than my BP/W, except it has 3 lbs of positive bouy all by itself.

I've used it with LP 72's, HP 72's, AL 80's, LP 95's and HP 100's -- and I don't recall any difference in how it dove.

The trim pockets are great and really should be used! I also very much like the weight pockets (I did lose one and I'm sure it was because I didn't put it in correctly) -- very convenient and great for shore diving (I'll typically pull the weights after the dive which makes walking much easier).

I don't recall ever having any problems with my gauges interfering with donning/doffing -- especially since there are the quick releases on the harness.

All in all, a BC I like Very much.

 

[Paco II]

I really appreciate the comments everyone. I currently own a Seaquest Pro Unlimited, which is probably why I am being a bit partial to the Balance. Oh, and also because my LDS is having a great deal on them But it does sound like people really like theirs.

Question about the right side mesh pocket: Is that a newer addition, or has the Balance always had it? One thing I dislike about my PU is that with integrated weights, the pockets are useless. But I like how the balance has the right side extended mesh pocket.

 

[dontaskme]

I use the pocket for one thing usually, my pocket mask, I did have to use it for something else once ( kicked out with mask around neck and sunglasses on face.....yeah....... i know,.....dive buddies have already busted my chops about it). It came in handy. I have had NO problems getting it on and off on land or in the water. I really like diving it. Just to make it more crazy for you PacoII, have you looked at the BLACK DIAMOND, that SeaQuest makes ?

 

[Paco II]

I have definitely checked out the Black Diamond and it looks like a nice bc. However, one of the compelling things about the Balance is that it appears to be a bit more low profile and more travel friendly than the BD. My Pro Unlimited is a 'big' bc, and and the BD seems like a back-inflated version of the PU. Are there any features of the BD that make it better than the Balance?

 

[rjenbody]

I'm pretty happy with mine. I too find it moves around with my HP120 or even an AL80 if I get head down and feet up. I also find that the waist belt won't tighten once I'm in the water, which is frustrating since I dive a 7mm wetsuit and when the pressure shrinks my suit I can't get the waist belt tight again and that's really when it starts to move around. I figure there's at least a chance it's operator error since I only have about 10 dives on it. All and all, I'd recommend it.

 

[Paco II]

This shifting tank thing concerns me a little.

 

[skynscuba]

I like mine fine, with a couple of comments. It doesn't have as much pocket space as a jacket style BCD. The shoulder dump valve which is activated by pulling on the inflator hose is VERY stiff, to the point that I don't use it -- so stiff that I would fear damaging something.

 

[Footslogger]

I understand that Seaquest recently upgraded the Balance and addressed some of the concerns described here in this thread. Just curious if the comments here are based on the older style or the newer style version ???