SeaQuest Balance vs. Malibu

[Bibendum]

Hi All -

After a recent bad experience with some rental gear, I have decided it's time to get my own gear.

As far as the BC is concerned, I have narrowed it dow to the SeaQuest Balance or the Malibu. I like them both, maybe the Balance a lttle more, but I can get a GREAT deal on the 2006 Malibu right now.

Does anyone have any thoughts on these two BCs? Should I go for the higher end one, or aim for something inexpensive givent that this is my first BC?

Thanks!

 

[Tripod]

i just bought a balance and like it. never tried the malibu.

my feeling is that i would rather buy better stuff now and not have to replace it later. in the long run, it saves money.

 

[scubadobadoo]

Buy what you like the first time or you will buy it anyway in a few months or another year. You will save money in the long run. Trust me, lol.

 

[Gator Diver]

I have a Balance and am happy with it. When I upgrade, I would go with
bp/wings. Never tried the Malibu. If you can afford it, pay a little
more. You will be happier in the long run.

 

[jmps]

I have the Balance and like it. It seems about as close to a BP/W as you can get in a BC. It is very open. It does not have a cumberbund. I like that but if you would prefer one you need to look elsewhere. I can't help with the Malibu.

 

[utdivermatt]

I am in the same boat as the others. I have a Balance and absolutely love it. I am thinking of upgrading to a bp/w setup, but outside of that, I dont see how you can beat what the Balance offers. Havent used the Malibu, but I dont feel a need to, as I believe I found the best BC for me. I would recommend mine in a second.

 

[underachiever]

We got a great deal on a couple of Malibu's and really like them. Only thing additional I would like is maybe another pocket. But for the price it was great. Can't comment on the Balance.

Has anyone added an extra utility pocket to a BC and what and how did you do it?

 

[Bibendum]

Thanks for all the feedback. Well, what I really want is the Black Diamond, however, that is not financially possible at the moment and the one thing I don't like about it is that it is a pretty heavy BC.

Anyone have any thoughts on the Black Diamond? What are the advantages of a BP/W over a jacket style BC?

 

[jmps]

My thought is that the target diving of BCs like the Black Diamond or Zeagle Ranger is better served with a BP/W. Why do you "really want the Black Diamond?"

 

[Bibendum]

I like to Black Diamond over the other two becuase it is comfy when fully loaded, has a cumberbund (which I like because I can tuck my fingers in to get a warm up when they get cold), has larger and more d-rings (which I find easier to use), and has better rear dump valve access (one on each side).

My caveat to all of this is that I have not yet tried the Black Diamond in the water, like I have the others, so who knows, I could hate it once I try it out.

But, what I am wondering is what is the advantage of a BP/W over a jacket-style BC? Is it easier to use? More comfortable, etc.?

My thought is that the target diving of BCs like the Black Diamond or Zeagle Ranger is better served with a BP/W. Why do you "really want the Black Diamond?"