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Looking for users with experience with any of these models.
Seaquest Black Diamond, Balance, Scubapro Knighthawk, Aeris Atmos XT - opinions?
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DFC5343
Guest
A Black Diamond issued and have yet to use it. Any info on the best and better I would like to hear.
OP
BIGfrontier.org
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I'm all lightweight and uncluttered.
Lamar Jr
Contributor
I have experience with the Black Diamond and the Balance.
Both these BC's are both made by Seaquest, and they're both back inflate and weight integrated - but that's where the similarities end.
The Black Diamond is a heavy duty tech oriented BC. It has five large ss d-rings (two on each shoulder and one on the left side waist line). The shoulder harnesses are made of a fairly wide and stiff material and extend down to and under the cumberband. The cumberbund is also made of a fairly stiff material and is wider than on most bc's. A unique feature of the Black Diamond is that the cumberbund attaches to the back of the bc with ss bolts. Each side has three sets of holes or attachment points for the mounting bolts. This makes the cumberbund very adjustable and it will fit a large range of sizes and body shapes. The two sides of the cumberbund overlap in front and are held in place with velcro, with the normal waist belt and quick release buckle on top of the cumberbund. The integrated weight pockets are very large and will hold at least 16 pounds of lead on each side. You can also put another 5 pounds of weight in each of the rear non-ditchable trim pockets. This BC works very well for cold water diving with a heavy wet suit where you may need to carry a lot of weight and a lot of gear.
The Balance on the other hand is a small, light weight BC which in my opinion is strictly for recreational diving. There is one ss d-ring on each shoulder and one on the waist line. There is no cumberbund in front, just a waist strap and quick release buckle. There is only one pocket of any sort, a fold up affair that tucks under the right trim pocket when not in use. The integrated weight pockets will hold a max of 8 pounds per side. The rear trim pockets will hold another 4 or 5 pounds each. This bc will pack smaller and flatter than any other I have seen, which makes it great for airline travel. I use mine exclusively for warm water Caribbean recreational diving, where I don't need to carry much weight and have no need for gear pockets.
Both these BC's are both made by Seaquest, and they're both back inflate and weight integrated - but that's where the similarities end.
The Black Diamond is a heavy duty tech oriented BC. It has five large ss d-rings (two on each shoulder and one on the left side waist line). The shoulder harnesses are made of a fairly wide and stiff material and extend down to and under the cumberband. The cumberbund is also made of a fairly stiff material and is wider than on most bc's. A unique feature of the Black Diamond is that the cumberbund attaches to the back of the bc with ss bolts. Each side has three sets of holes or attachment points for the mounting bolts. This makes the cumberbund very adjustable and it will fit a large range of sizes and body shapes. The two sides of the cumberbund overlap in front and are held in place with velcro, with the normal waist belt and quick release buckle on top of the cumberbund. The integrated weight pockets are very large and will hold at least 16 pounds of lead on each side. You can also put another 5 pounds of weight in each of the rear non-ditchable trim pockets. This BC works very well for cold water diving with a heavy wet suit where you may need to carry a lot of weight and a lot of gear.
The Balance on the other hand is a small, light weight BC which in my opinion is strictly for recreational diving. There is one ss d-ring on each shoulder and one on the waist line. There is no cumberbund in front, just a waist strap and quick release buckle. There is only one pocket of any sort, a fold up affair that tucks under the right trim pocket when not in use. The integrated weight pockets will hold a max of 8 pounds per side. The rear trim pockets will hold another 4 or 5 pounds each. This bc will pack smaller and flatter than any other I have seen, which makes it great for airline travel. I use mine exclusively for warm water Caribbean recreational diving, where I don't need to carry much weight and have no need for gear pockets.
Craigus
Guest
Both of us use a SeaQuest Balance, and we like them a lot. They are pretty minimalist - just one pocket that pulls down from the waitband. We've never really suffered because of that. We like the back inflation and lack of a cumbersome vest, and find trimming is simple. As Loiret pointed out, they're great for travel, which is what we do a lot. We dive pretty much in warmer waters. No complaints here!
Let's get wet!! :tree: :tree: :tree:
Eric.
Let's get wet!! :tree: :tree: :tree:
Eric.
DFC5343
Guest
I understand the ergonomics but I would like to hear some of the already dove feedback. I for one and the Navy are new to the intergrated weights for SCUBA. Maybe after I get it wet I will see for myself.:mean:
OP
BIGfrontier.org
New
found a smokin deal on ebay - we'll see if I don't get smoked! Anyway - picked up one described as "like new" for $310 - great price. using it this Friday and will post results from hands on experience. Has anyone used the Air2? Does this eliminate the need for an alternate air regulator? This BC comes with that system and it's supposed to be proprietory for ScubaPro. ALso - going to Oahu for winter diving in December - looking for recommendations on dive shops/buddies to dive with. Thanks in advance! Steve
I own a Seaquest Balance. It's a good BC, but the more I dive with it, the less I like it.
The upper D rings are too high, at least for me. While wearing the BC, I can't see the D rings, they are positioned on top of my shoulders. I would prefer them to be a good 3"-4" lower on my upper chest.
Beacuse of the way the shoulder straps connect to the waist band, I can't put on/off the BC unless I use the quick releases.
As a videographer, sometimes I want to be vertical. The design of the wing will tend to push you forward. If you add air the worse it gets.
After having my tank get loose at 110' and having to take off the BC to tighten the strap, I no longer use the integrated weight feature and wear a weightbelt.
It's a good BC, just not right for me and the way I dive.
Anyone interested in a Seaquest Balance size small, with <100 dives on it.
The upper D rings are too high, at least for me. While wearing the BC, I can't see the D rings, they are positioned on top of my shoulders. I would prefer them to be a good 3"-4" lower on my upper chest.
Beacuse of the way the shoulder straps connect to the waist band, I can't put on/off the BC unless I use the quick releases.
As a videographer, sometimes I want to be vertical. The design of the wing will tend to push you forward. If you add air the worse it gets.
After having my tank get loose at 110' and having to take off the BC to tighten the strap, I no longer use the integrated weight feature and wear a weightbelt.
It's a good BC, just not right for me and the way I dive.
Anyone interested in a Seaquest Balance size small, with <100 dives on it.
I currently have a Black Diamond and a Balance, sold my Pro QD a few months back. All are good BC's but it seriously depends on what you demand of it, wether it be hunting, teaching, pseudo-tech, or just to be out in the water. As a note, I am more inclined towards back inflate systems than jacket style.
Black Diamond: I use it the most for recreational, because I am usually with students or doing wreck/deep or dives where I am hauling alot of gear/equipment or extra cylinders. The lift and attachment points on that BC is more than enough to handle the serious levels recreational diving. I don't quite use it for tech as I have dedicated gear for that. It is by far the most comfortable BC I've ever worn. Only drawback I feel is that it is a VERY VERY bulky BC, not easily packed if space is a must.
Balance: I find that the balance is a good travel/streamlined BC, where you don't need to carry any additional gear. If I am doing fun dives where I don't have any worries in the world, I tend to stick to this one. I use this BC particularly in the pool because its light weight, small, and I dont need all the attachment points/lifts while teaching in confined water. Plus its cheaper to thrash a Balance than it is a BD
No input on the other mentioned BC's.. sorry.
Black Diamond: I use it the most for recreational, because I am usually with students or doing wreck/deep or dives where I am hauling alot of gear/equipment or extra cylinders. The lift and attachment points on that BC is more than enough to handle the serious levels recreational diving. I don't quite use it for tech as I have dedicated gear for that. It is by far the most comfortable BC I've ever worn. Only drawback I feel is that it is a VERY VERY bulky BC, not easily packed if space is a must.
Balance: I find that the balance is a good travel/streamlined BC, where you don't need to carry any additional gear. If I am doing fun dives where I don't have any worries in the world, I tend to stick to this one. I use this BC particularly in the pool because its light weight, small, and I dont need all the attachment points/lifts while teaching in confined water. Plus its cheaper to thrash a Balance than it is a BD
No input on the other mentioned BC's.. sorry.
Gator Diver
Contributor
I have A Balance and like its minimalistic feel....
lifetime warranty also a plus....in terms
of back inflate BCs I have no complaints but
would also look at Zeagle if you have not made
a purchase yet
lifetime warranty also a plus....in terms
of back inflate BCs I have no complaints but
would also look at Zeagle if you have not made
a purchase yet
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