SeaQuest Balance review

[BILLB]

When I started the process to purchase my first set of gear, I was sorely disappointed that the only BC that would fit my body was the Balance BC. I have been diving now for 6 years and have over 250 dives all with the Balance BC. I even wear it in the pool when teaching. It is a little faded now (from pool use) and I had to replace the tank strap and buckle once. I normally dive with steel 120 single tanks, both the heavy Faber and HP models. The BC handles them extremely well with virtually no shifting. I dive dry most of the time too.

My buddie (and wife) needed a better rig than her original Oceanic BC and I convinced her to try the Dive Rite Transpac. She dove with this BC for about one year and hated it. Mostly because it was difficult to don. Since we are both instructors and we usually are helping others, this was a pain to have have to assist her with donning.

She now the proud owner of the Sea Quest Libra which is a female version of the Balance. She loves it! It has good lift (40 lbs.) and she dives with a steel 100 and for wrecks she uses a 19 CuFt pony. The BC handles this rig extremely well with, again no shifting of the harness/rig.

If you are not into doubles but want the stability they give, try the Sea Quest Balance. It is a well made BC for serious diving!

 

[bobafett21]

I would like to add that the shoulder releases make it very easy to "open up" the BC so that it can dry. And, the waist adjustment is great.

 

[tangfish]

I also have had a Balance for quite some time, I wrote a review of it not long ago. I also have great priase for the BC, however I've swithced back to a jacket style just recently, as I hardly use my BC for buoyancy anymore and thus the squeeze isn't such an issue. I also tried out the Zeagle Stiletto, which was nice, but not quite as nice as the Balance. It did however, pack up smaller than any other BC I've tried.

 

[Robert Siverby]

I can also recommend the SeaQuest Balance. It was the first BC I bought, and I loved it right away. Even though I'm now diving with SS Backplate, wing and doubles, the Balance will join me in any diving trips abroad!

 

[Adelaide Jay]

I've only put 70 odd dives on mine, but it's great. I do find it pushes me forward on the surface, but if you're going to be there a while waiting for pick up etc. I just let the shoulder adjusters slip to fully extended position and slide the bc under my bum and ride it like a li-lo It's still fully clipped up and wont go anywhere on you. Just an easier way to relax and work on your tan while the boat gets to you.

 

[divesergeant]

I, too, love my ten year old, several hundred dive Balance. I haven't tried on the newer ones. I hope Seaquest doesn't ruin them like they have the Dive. Mrs DS has a diva (also ten years old) and just tried on a new model that is way more bulky with the new pocket clips and such.

DS

 

[mikeguerrero]

When you surface just let out some air and sleep on it. It is the worlds best water bed. Super comfortable you just need sunblock for your face.

MG

 

[theskull]

Thanks for the review. I have been considering a Balance, among others including backplates and tech BCs. Did you find that the large bladder caused you any extra drag?

The Balance has a very small bladder! Just enough lift for the job. And it packs very nicely.

theskull