Sizing question re: Seaquest Balance BCD

[jlt3b]

Hi everyone,
Quick question... I own some older gear from around 1990 (Beuchat Masterlift BCD, Beuchat VX-10 reg, etc) but stopped diving for many years. I've recently started getting back into it, and want to update my gear. I make Mission trips to the South Pacific, so want to go fairly streamlined and light for travel. I'll be doing all recreational diving, warm water. I'm thinking about the following:

Seaquest Balance BCD (possibly with integrated octo option)
Aqualung mikron versus an apek reg
Oceanic Atom 2.0 AI wrist DC

My primary question is regarding the Balance BCD (hence posting here). Using the sizing chart shown on Leisure Pro, my waist (30-32) places me in a medium BC, my height (5ft 10.5in) places me in a medium or med/large, and both my chest size (38) and body weight (145-150) place me in a small BC. Any input regarding which is the most critical to follow? I tried the BC on in my LDS, and the salesman thought the small was best, but I worried that it felt a bit 'short' (like one of those short waisted jackets that waiters in fancy restaurants sometimes wear). Anyone have any input? Should I just try a different brand/model?

Also, i'm open to comments about my gear selection.

Thanks in advance!

Jeff

 

[MauiScubaSteve]

With regards to the whole package; do you have any experience with air sharing in that configuration and analog gauges may come in handy thousands of miles from computer tech support?

With regards to the BC; have you considered diving in them to see which one feels better?

I have an older M/L Balance, with weight pockets removed. 6' tall, 32" waist, 44" chest. Perhaps a Medium is about right.

​

 

[jlt3b]

Thanks, Halemano.
I don't have experience air sharing with this setup, which is why I have some reluctance going with the integrated octo. Thus, I may bail on this option.

My old pressure gauge is still in working order, and I think I'll keep it as a backup because I too have concerns about being so far away without computer support.

I'd like to dive with the different BCs and see which works best for me. My next mission is coming up in late November, so i'm a bit pressed for time. I suppose it would make more sense to rent gear for this trip if I don't get to try the gear out before I have to leave, but I must admit that I was hoping to get the gear in time to use it for this trip... We'll see.

Thanks for you input re: the Balance sizing....

 

[scuba_moron]

(30-32) places me in a medium BC, my height (5ft 10.5in) places me in a medium or med/large, and both my chest size (38) and body weight (145-150).I tried the BC on in my LDS, and the salesman thought the small was best, but I worried that it felt a bit 'short' (like one of those short waisted jackets that waiters in fancy restaurants sometimes wear). Anyone have any input? Should I just try a different brand/model?

Also, i'm open to comments about my gear selection.

Thanks in advance!

Jeff

Go with a MEDIUM.
I'm 5'8", 41" chest, 170 lbs, 32" waist. My M/L in Balance fits perfectly expect for the waist. In the water the waist was a just a tad loose when completely cinched down. And if you want an air integrated reg, get yourself an Atomic SSI. I'd an early Airsoure II, and it breathes horrible.

 

[jlt3b]

Thanks Scubamoron - I appreciate the input and will go back in to the LDS and retry the medium... Great info on the Atomic SSI - thanks. My only potential problem is that my dive buddy just got a new bc with an air integrated reg, and I doubt she knew to get the Atomic SSI as a backup reg for ME! heheh!

 

[RJP]

My primary question is regarding the Balance BCD (hence posting here). Using the sizing chart shown on Leisure Pro, my waist (30-32) places me in a medium BC, my height (5ft 10.5in) places me in a medium or med/large, and both my chest size (38) and body weight (145-150) place me in a small BC. Any input regarding which is the most critical to follow? I tried the BC on in my LDS, and the salesman thought the small was best, but I worried that it felt a bit 'short' (like one of those short waisted jackets that waiters in fancy restaurants sometimes wear). Anyone have any input? Should I just try a different brand/model?

Also, i'm open to comments about my gear selection.

If you're 5'10" I can't imagine that a small is the right size.

 

[jlt3b]

Thanks RJP... That was my concern - problem with me is that i'm a skinny bastard - 5'10+ but 146 lbs and only 38 chest. Perhaps i'll have to look around to see if other back-inflate brands/models (eg, Scubapro Nighthawk) fit me better...

 

[Van Isle]

I enjoyed renting the small Balance from LDS before I bought my own gear. 5'8", 170 lbs, 38" chest. In a drysuit with big undergarments. For your weight/size/height, you seem to be pretty borderline on either small or med. Which most likely means either will work just fine. Of course, if you can dive one or the other, please do! It is not supposed to fit like sports jacket, of course. Keep that in mind.

Dive safe,
VI

 

[RJP]

Thanks RJP... That was my concern - problem with me is that i'm a skinny bastard - 5'10+ but 146 lbs and only 38 chest. Perhaps i'll have to look around to see if other back-inflate brands/models (eg, Scubapro Nighthawk) fit me better...

The answer is most likely a BP/W. Why? Because it can become whatever EXACT size you need. No need to compromise. I started with a Balance M/L - taller than you, but not quite as skinny at 6'2" and 180lbs. Never fit quite right. Switched to BP/W after about 10 dives. Never looked back...

 

[Brishar]

Any shops close to you that have either/or in their rental departments?

Any fellow divers/mentors that will let you try theirs first?

I have used a Seaquest Balance for five years/200 dives and I'm happy with it.
I purchased a large but should have gotten a med/large.
Tech diving is in my near future and it will be retired as I go with a BP/W.

If I had to do it all over again, I would buy a BP/W first. Just too many advantages over a jacket or back inflate. Kindly suggest you learn from my mistake.