SeaQuest Balance VS. Sherwood Freedom?

[scubadobadoo]

All Purpose, local North East and Tropical too, but all recreational diving. What do you think? These are my two chioces now. Thanks...

 

[scubadobadoo]

or maybe the Zeagle Escape?

 

[UWSojourner]

All Purpose, local North East and Tropical too, but all recreational diving. What do you think? These are my two chioces now. Thanks...

I like the SeaQuest Balance. I'm also getting an Oxycheq Wing/BP FWIW.

 

[MgicTwnger]

I've been using my Balance for two years, drysuit to the tropics, like it a lot.

 

[5615mike]

I would prefer the Zeagle over both your choices but thats just MO. Why not consider a TPII if your looking at back inflate? Lift is easy to change and can also dive doubles if you get there.

 

[scubadobadoo]

I'm not sure EXACTLY how the TPII works. It's basically the webbing/harness right and then you just add whatever bladder/inflation system you want to it? The "back plate" part is already built in to the TPII right? Just the 2 pieces?

BTW, I tried on the SQ balance and the sherwood freedom at a lds today and I like both but the freedom is cheaper and has better storage options and is lighter as well. It seems to be a hybrid almost between back inflate (it keeps the chest clutter free and is BI) and a jacket (it has storage options like a Jacket style BC). They didn't have the zeagle escape instock though. I tried on a gen recon but it was way too eavy to travel with for me.

 

[Gator Diver]

I have a Seaquest Balance. I like it and the main
reason I chose it was cost. Basically got a new
one for free.

I am saving up for a BW/wings

 

[Bubble Blower 479]

I have a Freedom and have think it's great. I do wish they had more adjustments around the waist. I need it about two inches shorter nowdays.

 

[scubadobadoo]

I am glad someone chimed in about the Freedom finally. I know people own it. Can I ask what type of diving environment you have used it in?

 

[Bubble Blower 479]

Most of my diving is in cold water with my drysuit. I have also used it in warmer water with no problems. I've spent lots of time in Lake Mead and the colder lakes of Utah and a little time in California. It's quite comfortable even on bare skin when diving the Homestead Crater in Utah (91 Degree water). I would be happy with it in any environment I'm familiar with. What I like most is that it uses back inflation and I don't have so much in the front and under my arms to get in the way. The D-rings come in handy when I need to carry extra items. I would rather clip them on me than use bulky pockets.

I've added the Akona BC kit that includes a small knife, retractors, and a small light with a retractor on the shoulder. I have found the light isn't that great and use a different light instead.