Mares vs Scubapro vs Sea Quest

[chocolate]

Hi,

I'm thinking about buying a BC and were presented these styles for a novice diver.

- Mares Vector Origin
- Sea Quest Spectrum 1
- Scubapro Glide 500
- Cressi Aquapro 5

Would like to know what do you think of these, I know that these are probably not very good, so if any other suggestions are welcomed.

 

[japan-diver]

I think a BP/Wing is the best bet for anyone new or old diver. I'm sure I won't be the first to say this either. The BP/W gives better buoyancy/trim control and can easily be custom fitted to a person and can be upgraded as you dive more.

Harnesses are a personal choice, many "tech" divers prefer a one-piece harness- easy to adjust very cvomfortable and no failure points. Other divers prefer a Q/R harness or a rig like the DiveRite Trans-pac harness which is very nice if you want Q/R and padded shoulder straps.

Also harness systems allow for customizing pockets as needed.

 

[chocolate]

Excuse me for my lack of knowledge, but what do you mean by a "BP/Wing", what does "Q/R", "Trans-pac" stands for? Could you explain a bit more?
Thanks.

 

[Damselfish]

BP/Wing=Backplate & Wing - it's another style of BC, nothing like the jackets you are asking about. Sort of modular, you buy a backplate that suits you (a shaped metal plate you attach the tank to), a wing (the air bladder part) appropriate for the diving you are doing, and simple webbing is what holds it on (rather than the whole fabric jacket thing.) Here's an example http://www.dive-rite.com/products/bcd/bkplt_harn.htm

Search on the board and you'll find more than you can possibly read about BP/Wing. Some people swear by them, others get sick of hearing about them.

Q/R = Quick Release (buckles) The big plastic buckles you squeeze to open. Many BCs have these on the shoulder straps. Some people think they're an unnecessary possible point of failure, some think they're helpful for getting in and out of the thing.

Trans-pac is the name of a harness system with interchangeable wings sold by Dive Rite. Not quite BP/Wing but not like a jacket either. Here's what it looks like. http://www.dive-rite.com/products/bcd/transpac.htm

I don't know anything specifically about the BCs you list, but I wouldn't really think of most BCs as being specifically for a novice. One of the most important things with any BC is proper fit. It's best if you can at least try it in a pool before you buy, or better yet rent one and dive with it. It can be hard to arrange this if you don't have many dive shops around with a wide variety of gear and rentals. It's also good to have gotten in a few dives with a few different things to get an idea what you like and what features are important to you. For example pockets, dump valve placement, weight integration, or back inflation. Back inflation is yet another style of BC that many people feel strongly about. BP/Wings are by definition back inflate, all the bouyancy is behind you, but there are also many back inflate BCs that are made more like jackets but all the bouyancy is behind you instead of wrapped around you with some in front.

I think BCs are the hardest scuba purchase to research and get right.

 

[DementialFaith]

The Glide 500 generally has higher lift capacity (not all sizes), but it has the least amount of D-rings available. Vector has the most D ring but less lift (12kg) compared to the other 2. I don't have that much info on cressi products on my hand right now. Also Mares doesn't have its own branch of air 2 or equivalent line of products so in case you're interested in that kinda stuff you will have to check with mares about the inflator fitting of the bc. Also seeing your selection of the bcs, you might also want to check the sherwood Magnum or Silhouette.

 

[KrisB]

I dive a Seaquest Pro QD+ and it's the best unit I've used or seen used, the list of which includes (non-exhaustive):

Used
====
1. Seaquest Pro QD+ (mine)
2. Aqualung Wave (good beginner, not much for features... second choice of all)
3. Oceanic base model (hated it -- rental and the inflator stuck. Apparently I was the second person to use it ever)
4. Oceanic OceanPro (older style weights, with plastic "pins") -- the weight pouches didn't seem as though they could be any more secure than a single thread. The BC also didn't fit right, and it didn't have the adjustments to allow a proper fit.

Seen
====
5. Halycon BP/Wings combo -- looked like an awkward mess of straps. The Dive Professional using it, though rushed took longer to suit up in it than I did. Didn't look comfortable at all.
6. Scubapro Classic something -- looked worn out and hadn't been used much.

 

[Boogie711]

5. Halycon BP/Wings combo -- looked like an awkward mess of straps. The Dive Professional using it, though rushed took longer to suit up in it than I did. Didn't look comfortable at all.

With all due respect, dude, that's FUNNY. A Backplate and wing is by far and away the most comfortable BC I've ever tried on - ESPECIALLY in the water.

Go ahead and try one some day. And base future purchasing decisions on performance in the water - not one 'what one guy looked like as he tried to gear up.'

 

[KrisB]

With all due respect, dude, that's FUNNY. A Backplate and wing is by far and away the most comfortable BC I've ever tried on - ESPECIALLY in the water.

Go ahead and try one some day. And base future purchasing decisions on performance in the water - not one 'what one guy looked like as he tried to gear up.'

Yeah... I just might. It'll have to wait until one of the following happens: a) my BC becomes impractical for the type of diving I'm doing (unlikely); b) my BC wears out c) my BC gets stolen or d) my luggage gets lost on the way to my dive vacation and the only BC/tank support I can get is a BP&W.



Looks can be deceiving... but they often aren't.

 

[beir]

I dive a Seaquest Pro QD+ and it's the best unit I've used or seen used, the list of which includes (non-exhaustive):

Glad to hear you like the Seaquest Pro QD+. I just ordered one. I tried one on in the dive shop and really liked it, but I haven't used one in the water. I'm looking forward to getting it.

 

[KrisB]

Glad to hear you like the Seaquest Pro QD+. I just ordered one. I tried one on in the dive shop and really liked it, but I haven't used one in the water. I'm looking forward to getting it.

It's great -- they've got the features that are nice (int. weights, 3 pull dumps, grommets for knife) from the Pro Unlimited, without as huge of an expense.

All in all, I've been very impressed with SeaQuest products -- well designed and dependable.