SeaQuest Balance and a Pony

[OldNSalty]

Hey Folks,

I am interested in getting the Balance BC but no one around here keeps it in stock (and I can't ask them to order unless I am 100% certain). I was wondering if anyone has attached a pony to this BC (thinking a 19 but maybe smaller). I have seen the Black Diamond and it had some steel grommets in the back which I thought would make a good attachment point. I just don't know if the balance has something like that as well.

Thanks

 

[OldNSalty]

A picture is worth a 1000 words. This is what I am asking...

6 cu ft Pony Bottle - Redundant Air - Zeagle Dive Systems

Is there a way to attach a pony system in the position shown here on a Balance BCD?

It looks like the perfect spot for one IMO.

 

[NJ to FLA]

the grommets on the balance are ideally for a knife.. but the are 4.5" apart on the left front side. There are no other grommets anywhere else on the BC. Hope this helps a little.

 

[OldNSalty]

It does, thanks. Would it be possible (maybe advisable is a better word) to put the grommets in. Has anyone tried modifying their equipment like that. I would be worried about putting a hole anywhere on the think even if I knew there was no bladder where I was poking.

 

[RJP]

It does, thanks. Would it be possible (maybe advisable is a better word) to put the grommets in. Has anyone tried modifying their equipment like that. I would be worried about putting a hole anywhere on the think even if I knew there was no bladder where I was poking.

The Balance is a back-inflate BC, so it's pretty clear where the bladder is,

That said, I would not go poking holes and adding grommets from which to hang gear. Why not attach the pony to your main tank in "typical" pony fashion?

PS - I had a Balance and loved it, right up until the point I sold it (after 12 dives) in favor of a BP/W, from which I easily slung a 40cf "pony"

 

[micklock]

I have put some grommets in two wings I have, these are the ones I used (96075K43 Tool-Installed Two-Piece Rolled-Rim Grommet Type 305 SS Trade Sz 2, 7/16" ID Washers W/ Teeth) from McMaster-Carr
My first bc was a Balance, then a few months later I traded it in for a Black Diamond to use with doubles. Then I discovered Back Plates and Wings, my advice is to skip the Balance and go right to a BP/W.

 

[OldNSalty]

Thanks for the 411 on the grommets micklock. As for the BP/W, I know some people love them. I just see it as being over-kill for what/where/how I dive.

 

[redacted]

Thanks for the 411 on the grommets micklock. As for the BP/W, I know some people love them. I just see it as being over-kill for what/where/how I dive.

Overkill only in the sense that many divers perceive a BP/W to be tech diving gear and they (including myself) are only interested in recreational diving. A good BP/W will be less expensive than a quality conventional BCD and it can be tailored to your current diving needs as well as your future needs (like when you determine that 6cf pony is a bit small). The only downside is it will probably be a little less comfortable topside, but not a big deal for most.

 

[RJP]

Thanks for the 411 on the grommets micklock. As for the BP/W, I know some people love them. I just see it as being over-kill for what/where/how I dive.

How is something with LESS bells and whistles considered to be overkill?

:d

Overkill?

Underkill?

That said, the Balance is a great BCD, you'll love it!

PS - Looks like you could probably sling a 30cf bottle on the left side with the D-rings already on the Balance. A superior approach than trying to use some slapdash means of attaching a 19cf directly to the rig.

 

[OldNSalty]

I have heard that argument about it costing less but I haven't seen the numbers work out. Just walking around almost any dive shop, when I price out a BP, wing , weight pockets, etc I am usually at or (in most cases) over a BC. Now I grant you, maybe the shops are only stocking the high end stuff for BP/W-I don't know. I am sure that you could find an example where it is cheaper but over all I haven't found it to be consistant enough to call it a rule that BP/W is cheaper in the initial purchase.

And for the record, I am thinking a 13 or 19. I only used the Zeagle 6 as a visual reference.