Seaquest Balance? Zeagle Brigade?

[jibjab]

Ok i just got my OW recently, doing my AOW shortly and I've decided to buy some gear. I've figured out what regulator to get (Apeks XTX50), still trying to decide whether the Bare Velocity 7mm Fullsuit/7mm Vest is worth the extra money over the Bare Artic 7mm Fullsuit/7mm Vest.. but most importantly, what BCD do I get??

From reading many many threads it seems that back inflate is the way to go, I'm about 6' and only 150-155 pounds, I'll be doing most of my diving in cold water.. last time I was in the city I tried on a medium seaquest balance at a shop and it fit well around my waist but lumbar pad was a bit high, ie not right in my arch. i tried a large, that fit better, the lumbar pad was in the right spot but the waist was too big, too much slack. they had no medium large in stock but looking at the sizing chart that seems like it should theoretically be the best fit.

So I'm a bit worried about ordering a medium large balance without trying one on first and not having it fit well, does this kind of thing happen a lot? I also read about people having trouble dumping air or getting air trapped so I started looking up Zeagle BCD's (brigade, ranger, stiletto, escape) and read about people having trouble dumping air and getting air trapped so whats the deal with that issue? also it seems like the brigade would be the best choice out of the zeagle line (and once again i again have no way of trying one on). has anyone owned both the balance and brigade that can make a direct comparison? Should I bother looking at any other models/brands? I have absolutely no way to test or try any of these bcd's out in water beforehand so I really have no choice but to order online, i'm hoping you guys can help me out a bit since you guys have infinitely more experience than i opinions please! thanks!

 

[sasscuba]

I have the Brigade and love it!!!!! Ordered mine online from www.scubatoys.com without trying it on. I just had my wife measure me where they said and it fits like a glove and I have no problem with any trapped air...??? AWESOME BC!~!

 

[LowVizWiz]

I have a balance XL I'm 6'5" 240 and it's awesome... I have no issues with trapped air!?!
It has a shoulder and a back pull dump valves opposite to the lp inflator hose.

Can you elaborate on what seems to be the trapped air problem?

BTW, congrats on the OW cert.

Wys.

 

[Aric M L]

Ditto, congrats on the OW. I too am looking at BC's and both my LDSs' really were all about the balance, I'd need to save a few more shekels before I can get one but it seems like the way the back rest on you body would really reduce fatigue if you actually had to dive frequently with it, plus those wieght pockets are in a perfect position for me..

 

[Jarrett]

I'm a noob too (35 dives so far) and I can't speak highly enough of Zeagle BCs. I don't do cold water diving, but if 35lbs is enough lift for you then the Brigade is an awesome choice. If you need more than that, there is always the Ranger. I kinda wish I had the Escape for an easy packing BC for Caribbean trips.

If you plan on getting into more complicated/tech diving, then everyone around here recommends going towards the BP/W route. I tried a Zeagle BP/W on this weekend and couldn't wait to get back into my Brigade

When I was buying my BC last year, I went to ScubaToys and literally tried on every BC they had that would fit me. After doing that, the Zeagle was an easy choice. I can't remember if the Seaquest Balance was one of the ones I tried on though. Hope this helps.

 

[RICHinNC]

I would go ...and did...with the DR TransPlate. Very configurable for future changes.

 

[Jarrett]

I love the idea of the Transpac, its the price that kills it for me though:

DR Wing: $300
Weight Pockets: $100
TransPac: $350
Storage Pocket: $30
Total: $780

Escape: $335
Brigade: $400

 

[RICHinNC]

jarette...i am sending a pm....to keep the griping down

 

[LowVizWiz]

When I was buying my BC last year, I went to ScubaToys and literally tried on every BC they had that would fit me. After doing that, the Zeagle was an easy choice. I can't remember if the Seaquest Balance was one of the ones I tried on though. Hope this helps.

I don't think Scubatoys carries AL products.

My final decision was between a Zeagle Stilletto and the Balance and the difference was like splitting hairs to me. It came down to better pricing as a complete package from my LDS. AL BCD/Apeks Reg/Suunto computer from my LDS vs. Zeagle BCD/Zeagle reg/Oceanic Computer from Divers Direct.

Wys.

 

[Divedoggie]

jibjab:
The Zeagle is really flexible. You can get large shoulder straps put on a medium BC. This would perfectly address your fitting needs. Just request what you need, and they will configure it for you.
I have both BCDs (Balance and Ranger), and I find myself using the Zeagle more often. I also have the 35 lb lift bladder and the 44 lb lift bladder. I switch them back and forth depending on the type of diving.
I also have the 7mm Arctic fullsuit which I really like. The price was right, and I have never been dissatisfied. I actually don't use it all that much anymore, because I dive dry when its cold enough.