Need Help, Oceanic Islander vs Seaquest Balance

[pediatron]

I've been reading through the posts and haven't been able to find some answers. I currently use a Sequest Pro Unlimited and I love it. But I travel a lot and I'm tired of lugging it around so I'm looking for a lighter more travel friendly BC. I've narrowed it down to the Oceanic Islander or the Seaquest Balance. I really want to go with a back inflate. I don't like the Zeagles or back plates. So I like the Seaquest because I'm use to the brand and the weight system but it's bigger than the Islander. The Islander appears to be good quality but I don't know if it has a lower rear dump valve.

Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Steve

 

[DutchDown]

Hi Steve,

I can't speak to the Oceanic, but I've been using a Balance for about four years. I travel with it (Wadi Lahami in 4 weeks!!!) and like it so much that I would replace it with another Balance if anything happened to mine.

Hope this helps.
Phil

 

[Live2Dive22]

The Oceanic Islander has 1 lower dump valve. It does pack up very small for travel. It has a soft lining to the interior of the unit as well as the collar which is particularly nice if you chose to dive without a wet suit, there is no rubbing. I haven't dove one myself, but I have had many customers who have purchased them for travel due to the weight restrictions and lost luggage ( they carry these in carry on bags ). A feature that I really like on these is the loop system for attaching caribinner's. Instead of putting on plastic D-rings to reduce the weight Oceanic has Loops that divers can attach any number of clips to depending on their need for attachment point for gear. You can take a look at the link below.

Oceanic Islander

 

[pediatron]

Thanks, I don't think I can go wrong with either. I'm leaning toward the Islander because it has 2 pockets. I don't like the single fold out pocket on the Balance. I keep stuff with me and like the space.
Thanks again,
Steve