Question Replacement for Seaquest Balance

[Former FLL Now MSP Diver]

My second Seaquest Balance gave up the ghost this year and I'm in need of a replacement BCD with similar qualities. My LDS gave me an Aqualung Dimension to use on a recent trip. It's not bad - it's a back inflate which I prefer, but the trim pockets aren't in the shoulders like the Balance had. And there's a lot more "stuff" to the BC - I prefer the more open feeling the Balance has.

What have any of you moved to after your Balance gave up the ghost?

 

[Still Kicking]

If you want to stick with a BC rather than a backplate/wing (which are rightfully popular these days), I would suggest Aqualung Axiom. I used to use one out of shop rental for teaching and I thought it was pretty decent for a traditional BC.

It's billed as a hybrid (the bladder wraps around) but it has a support harness separate from the bladder so you don't get the jacket-style squeeze when it's inflated. It is much more streamlined than the Balance and the Dimension that replaced it. I dove a Balance a couple of times and felt like I was dragging a parachute.

The Axiom has good trim pockets and reasonablly sized zippered pockets.

 

[Mr_D]

My Seaquest Balance is in the shop for service now and if it gave up the ghost I would be going out on eBay for a replacement because I really like this BCD. Yes, it can take some getting used to but once you dive it several times you will figure all that out.

I like the openness of the front, got tired of diving with a bunch crap around my body and on my chest.

 

[LI-er]

I dive a Seaquest Balance and I've purchased 3 of them over the years due to changes in my um..size.

Right now I'm a M-L, the Large is hanging in the tool shed and the XL is sold on Ebay which is where I got one of the others. I had a search going for a while and they are sold on a regular basis. The first was purchased at a local dive shop some 20 years ago and I haven't found the need to try anything different.

I know this is slightly off the topic but as long as we're talking about the Seaquest Balance, I've made a few modifications to mine.

1- Add a grommet inside the sole zipper pocket so I can clip off my Nautilus PLB, Compass/slate and backup PC.
2-Added a utility pocket to the webbing on the left side to hold a foldable snorkel, whistle and mirror
3- Replaced the integrated regulator that eventually became a maintenance issue due to free flow problems with an integrated power inflator/air horn.
4- Added a high tension lockable retractor to the webbing just behind the pocket to hold a backup dive light
5- Added a low tension retractor to the corrugated hose so it doesn't dangle when I'm horizontal

 

[stiebs]

I have a SeaQuest Balance which I've had for I have no idea how many years! It's one of the earlier models with velcro weight pocket release, no plastic clips at all.
I've recently got hold of a Scubapro Hydros Pro and is IMO a pretty natural evolution from the Balance.

I use backplate and wing form prettyuch all my diving, the Balance (and now Hydros) are pretty much only for OW and AOW courses.

 

[LI-er]

I have a SeaQuest Balance which I've had for I have no idea how many years! It's one of the earlier models with velcro weight pocket release, no plastic clips at all.

I had inadvertantly picked up an older model in my quest for a replacement BCD. The one you have not only has the less secure weights it doesn't have the cooler, flatter BCD dump valve and it's not as stylish overall. I also found the expandable pocket tended to drop quite often.

Have you ever dropped a weight pouch?

 

[stiebs]

I had inadvertantly picked up an older model in my quest for a replacement BCD. The one you have not only has the less secure weights it doesn't have the cooler, flatter BCD dump valve and it's not as stylish overall. I also found the expandable pocket tended to drop quite often.

Have you ever dropped a weight pouch?

Nope, never dumped a weight pocket. The velco is over 20 years old now, and although not as strong as it used to be still has no issue holding the weight pockets in.

 

[Mr_D]

I've recently got hold of a Scubapro Hydros Pro and is IMO a pretty natural evolution from the Balance.

Scubapro is pretty proud of that Hydros Pro BCD, that's spendy.

 

[stiebs]

Scubapro is pretty proud of that Hydros Pro BCD, that's spendy.

Yes, it is spendy, and the only reason I own one is because of a darn good deal on FB marketplace. Otherwise I'd still be rocking my Balance