What happened?

[Siborg]

I want to replace my BCD and was looking at the SeaQuest Fusion. Someone told me not to consider it further, as it is discontinued. Anyone know? BTW, is it any good?

 

[herman]

Welcome to the board.
I don't know anything about the BC itself but I see no reason not to consider it just because it's "discontinued". Darn near everything I dive has been discontinued, there are new models every year. Now if there was some big problem with it and that's the reason it is discontinued, then yea, I would not consider it but just because the latest and greatest model comes out does not mean much to me. Actually, you may be able to get it at a better deal because it is discontinued.

 

[TimRR]

As an instructor I advise my students that BC's have two jobs and everthing after that is optional and personal preference.

Job 1. Hold the tank on your back.

Job 2. Assist you with your buoyancy.

Speaking from personal experience I own a Scubapro Glide 2000 as well as a Seaquest Black Diamond and have used about a half dozen other BC's. I consider Seaquest to be an excellent manufacturer of BC's but the Fusion was cancelled after barely two years production run so finding parts and service for a BC with a limited run may be difficult. Purchasing a BC that has been discontinued is usually not a problem providing the BC is a proven design and the Fusion, in my opinion, has not shown the longevity and praises that usually go with a well designed BC.

Generally I try to avoid passing judgement on a piece of gear that I haven't tried myself but I'll make an exception here. The Fusion is a nice concept that is poorly executed, the Fusion is one of the bulkiest BC's I have seen with lots of drag. An alternative BC with a good mix of back flotation and upright position at the surface might be the Aeris ATMOS XT http://www.diversdirect.com/item/Aeris Atmos XT BC_ID25282.

Again I do support Seaquest but this time I think they missed the mark.

 

[Siborg]

You bring up some good points. Thanks for your input. How do you feel about the Zeagle Stiletto?

 

[Chad Carney]

I want to replace my BCD and was looking at the SeaQuest Fusion. Someone told me not to consider it further, as it is discontinued. Anyone know? BTW, is it any good?

Siborg,

I do a lot of product test diving for Zeagle Systems. When the Fusion BC came out with such a big fanfare as a breakthrough BC, Zeagle procured one and I ran it through the paces. Although Seaquest is definitely a BC innovator and makes many quality products, this one tried to please both the jacket and back inflate camps, and wound up pleasing neither. The major drawbacks were excess bulk, drag, complexity and poor diver ergonomics.

The Stiletto is the result of continual BC evolution at Zeagle. We have made more back inflate BCs, for far longer than anyone. This one is the newest version of Zeagle's original core BC design... a tough, streamlined, light-weight, back inflate-weight integrated BC for recreational diving. Stilettos are selling very well with serious sport divers and scored a "Testers Choice" in Scuba Diving Magazine's Travel BC review. (BTW, we have not advertised in SDM in a couple years.) You should have no trouble finding one to check out.

Here's my Stiletto completely deflated and inflated, and also our web pic.
More info http://www.zeagle.com/index.php?src=gendocs&link=Stiletto&submenu=RecreationalBC

Chad
FL Zeagle Rep.

 

[The Kraken]

I've seen some BOW students diving the "Stilletto" and, man, is that one slick B/C!!!!

the K

 

[TimRR]

You bring up some good points. Thanks for your input. How do you feel about the Zeagle Stiletto?

Zeagle is top notch gear and the Stiletto is their latest step in the RIGHT direction. Same durability and reliable design as the Ranger yet lighter and more streamlined without having a stripped down feel to it.

My favorite retailer has one here:

http://www.diversdirect.com/item/Zeagle Stilleto BCD_ID42454

 

[razor218]

another great bcd is the seaquest pro qd plus.i have one myself and find it a fantastic bcd.i have tried a few different bcds and this one does it for me.good luck in finding the right one for you,try alot out first

 

[fishhunta]

Zeagle bc's are great and have a huge, devout following. I personally like seaquest, but admit that they missed the mark with the Fusion. I dive a Balance and a Black diamond. They along with the zeagle ranger and stilletto are in my opinion the best quality and practicality bc's on the market.

Bottom line is that YOU are the one who will spend all the time in it, so go try some on and find the right one for you.