NULL

2015-07-03T20:00:00

The plastic handles on the Surelock quick release system only lasted about a year... they snapped off before a dive and made it hard to remove and replace the weights.

Aquarius

2012-05-05T20:00:00

My wife and I got two of these when she got certified three years ago. Since then we have been to Belize, Cozumel, Cancun, Grand Cayman and Florida. most of these trips have been commercial flights when the BCs were packed and poorly handled. We have had no problems with their fit, function or quality and recommend them highly.

Kirk

2012-03-21T20:00:00

I live on the ocean. Every day after work if the seas are diveable I paddle out and burn a tank off my kayak. On the wekends I dive deep wrecks and ledges of my boat. My workhorse BC is the Balance. It is tough, comfortable and has everything a diver would need. My oldest one I've had for over 5 years and over 500 dives. It's never had a problem. Don't listen to this guy who gave it bad reviews. He had to have dropped a steel tank on the plastic or closed his/trunk/lift gate on them to break the plastic tri clip fittings. They may be plastic but they are strong. They are professionally sewed on so of course they are not going to just mail him the parts. It would be a liability. Buy this BC with confidence. It is one of the best there is!

Hammerhead

2012-01-29T19:00:00

Bought this in 95' or 96', It is the best b.c i have tried on. I was lucky that my instructor recommended this.I own a Cressi b.c too but its jacket style which i find abit tighter in the winter with a wetsuit on,the balance is not tight on your chest when fully inflated,The balance is less drag when your against the current with room to put your hands between your tank and your back when your on the move. wish the 2 back-weight pockets were designed to hold more than 2-lbs each, i squeezed 3-lbs in there though. 600-700 dives later, i have replaced parts but its been worth it.

oceanpro4

2011-10-02T20:00:00

I brought this bcd and have used it on over 200 dives i thought it was great until the chest harness tri load fitting broke. I tried to get aqualung to send me new ones to replace but they told me they cant do that and i would have to send my BCD at my cost even though its under warranty to them in california. Its the middle of Lobster season and i dive 3-5 times a week i cant ship my bcd off for 2 weeks to get fixed. they did not listen to me and were unable to help in any way. The fitting is of a cheaply made plastic and will undoubtable break on most of their BCD's its on. for now my BCD is being held together by zip ties it works but it's uncomfortable. I will not be buying Aqualung ever again

Paul

2011-08-09T20:00:00

I got this several years ago and have used it for about 100 dives and really like it. Nice compact design is light weight, very very comfortable. Never had a problem with the weight pockets. Only thing I would like to see is another pocket on the left side.....

Mark

2010-09-26T20:00:00

Be for I bought this my friend let me use his spare one. I mostly dive in the cold waters around Seattle and red fish lake in IDAHO. I'm actually shocked to read that guy from Australia had lost his weights with the Sure Lock system. This has been a wonderful BC for me. I have use mine for the last 7 years and I can't think of anything bad to say about it. It has great under every condition and I have never lost a weight pocket, I dive with 10lb in each side and also have use the two small pockets on both side of the tank,were I have use my 2lb lead bags for more weight. It also packs well for traveling.

BNSF1901

2010-08-09T20:00:00

I have over 60 dives with this BCD and never a problem. Light to pack , easy to adjust , small profile. Easy to put on. Absolutely love it.

Gary B.

2010-02-19T19:00:00

The weights keep falling out this is a poor design I sold mine and bought a Zeagle Stiletto

Andy P.

2009-11-17T19:00:00

Very nice BC. Very comfortable and easy to adjust underwater. Not very bulky which is why I bought it but there is only one pocket which actually expands into a bigger pocket. I dont usually bring much underwater with me except a spear gun and a knife. Perfect BC for that application and any other recreational application. I really like the knife grommet feature on the left side of the BC. Makes accessing your knife very simple. Definately get the wenoka squeeze lock knife with the purchase of this BC.

JASON G.

2009-07-27T20:00:00

Just did a 19 dive live-abord, BC worked perfectly. I would prefer if the triangle buckles for the straps were Stainless instead of plastic. I bought this to replace my Black Diamond and it's more comfortable, lighter and packs much better for travel.

Mike

2009-07-07T20:00:00

This BCD was light in weight and not cumbersome to ware. It gives great unrestricted movement. I added the Airsource3 to remove the need for another Octo hose to get tangle and in the way. I have an air integrated dive watch and now I am very streamline under water for cave diving. I added a small analog console for air and depth back up. The two D-rings near the pockets are great for retractors to keep the analog console out of the way too. I would buy it again.

Hballan

2009-01-13T19:00:00

very impresive, i first ordered a scubapro BCD and sent it back for this one, and never had a regret yet. I dive 240 to 250 dives per year, and have about 40 dives on this vest and would not trade it for any other.

DAVID S.

2008-08-09T20:00:00

Nice BC, Comfortable. did have a problem with the zipper on the pocket first dive it zipped right off. lucky i kept it in my hand and spent a couple hrs putting it back on. i think the black diamond or a bc with some more pockets would suit me more. But overall this is still a great bc. Minimalist which has its advantages

skip

2008-07-20T20:00:00

Love this guy! Very streamline and lightweight. The right pocket is a bit difficult to access, but it's not impossible. Plently of D-Rings and areas to attach equipment. Back inflation is excellent. Power inflator is great too. I also purchased the Dive Alert 2 unit that goes in series with the LP hose and power inflator. I like have the ability to signal a buddy or boat if I have to (and have enough air to do it ;).

tschmitt

2008-07-19T20:00:00

After two trips to Bonaire & 5 dives/day (69 total) I am very satisfied with my new "Balance." It performed particularly well in shore dives with rough surf, contrary to the "Fusion" which I reviewed previously. Leisure Pro accepted back my return of the "Fusion" with a $150 loss to me. I was going to scrap the "Fusion!!!" I am very happy with the new "Balance!"

Wally

2008-02-18T19:00:00

I am using this product for rec dives as well as my DMIT dives and it performs great. I logged about 40 dives with my instructors and decided to buy the exact same one for myself and I am glad I did.

DMIT

2008-02-11T19:00:00

I am actually shocked to read the other divers issue with the Sure Lock system and would like to hear more specifics. This has been a wonderful all around BC for me. I have 218 dives on it ranging from a swimsuit in tropical waters to dry suit quarry diving in Ohio to 125' in 38 degree water. It has performed wonderfully under every condition and I have never lost a weight pocket. It also packs exceptionally well for travel. I have convinced three friends to buy one simply by letting them try mine. Two things I would like to see addressed for improvement are better access to the pocket because it is awkward to use while underwater. However, it is large enough for a signal tube, spare fin strap, and even a small lift bag. Also an additional waist D ring on the right for better reel attachment. The one on the left front low allows the reel to dangle too much for my taste. I would rather it be more on my hip like on my harness and doubles. However, those are very minor issues and very picky ones.

Christopher S.

2008-01-25T19:00:00

SO FAR THIS BC HAS BEEN GREAT. COMFORT, COMPACT, GOOD LIFT @ SURFACE, AFTER TRYING MANY OTHERS THIS IS THE ONE FOR ME.

Fro

2008-01-23T19:00:00

Bottom line, extremely dangerous! I have lost two sure lock weight pouches in the past 6months being extremely careful. The weights are torpedo shaped and simply do not stay clipped. I deep dive or any dive for that matter could end badly if you loose your weight unexpectedly. Avoid this BC at all costs. [...]

Hogan

2007-10-28T20:00:00

The rear bladder also causes the tank's weight to be distributed more to your hips than to your shoulders when you're out of the water, which is a great relief for your back before and after the dive.

Joe

2007-09-24T20:00:00

Very comfortable, with good back support.

Warm d.

2007-09-20T20:00:00

I like this BCD. It is compact and easy to pack etc. Very minimalist though.

luku t.

2007-08-29T20:00:00

I've logged about 50 dives with my Balance BC, and am happy with it over all. PROS: It is sturdy overall, has a good lift capacity, is highly adjustable, has enough D-rings for my needs, and is relatively stable when oriented sideways or upside down. CONS: My biggest gripe is with the tank strap. There is only one, and if you don't get it wet and really crank on it when you mount it on your tank, you're likely to have your tank come loose. Two straps would have been better. The BC is hard to use with a drysuit because it lacks sufficient weight capacity. I can just barely fit 32lbs of soft weight into its 4 pockets (2 ditchables in front, 2 in back). Luckily, 32lbs is all I need. Also, I have the velcro-style integrated weights, and the velcro patches have fallen apart a little faster than I would have hoped. Lastly, the string that opens the rear dump valve chafes against the other moving parts when you use it. I get the feeling that it will eventually snap.

colfax

2007-07-26T20:00:00

I have been very happy with this BCD for over 80 dives now. Every time I dive with other divers using this BCD they are always happy with their Balance also. I added the Atomic Aquaitics SS1 intregrated air to this and its a great combination. I also added the Apollo Bio Tank lock because the stock tank bands frustrate me. Another nice compliment to the Balance. I travel far and wide with my scuba gear and this a great BCD for travel, not to heavy. I can only think of one Mares BCD that would pack better. I have had a few problems with the pocket zipper sticking, but other then that its easy to use, put on and off, and very comfortable. Great back support.

Vortexted