In the words of a champion, “second is the first loser”, so to be a world champion nothing less than the best is acceptable. SeaQuest is the world leader in buoyancy control devices because they have the attitude of a champion. SeaQuest take their work very seriously because they recognise that a BCD is life support equipment and therefore second best is simply not good enough.
To be the best you can leave nothing to chance and you simply cannot afford to cut corners. That’s why SeaQuest continue to own and control their own manufacturing facility. SeaQuest closely monitor every step of manufacture and thoroughly test every product, it costs more, but you can’t put a price on the safety elements and quality that are built into every SeaQuest BCD.
SeaQuest are number one because they understand and address the needs of every diver. That’s why SeaQuest have the widest range in the world. For example, while some manufacturers offer one ladies BCD, SeaQuest offer three There are also many models for both men and women to suit different preferences (eg front versus rear inflation), different needs (eg technical versus sport divers) and different budgets. BCD fit is critical which is why SeaQuest build more sizes per model than any other BCD manufacturer. SeaQuest are also the only company with two different sized backpacks to suit a broad range of body shapes.
SeaQuest recognise that to stay number one they must innovate. They invented the Advanced Design Vest (ADV), the basis for almost all BCD’s currently used around the world, and have developed more patents and innovations than any other BCD manufacturer. SeaQuest is the industry specialist in BCD design and manufacture. So when you choose your BCD the choice is not so much which brand to choose but which model of SeaQuest is right for your diving needs. After all, you wouldn’t accept second best would you?
3 MAIN FEATURES TO LOOK FOR IN A BCD1 Safety SeaQuest’s primary consideration is diver safety, hence every BCD regardless of cost, goes through rigorous testing from the deign phase, through to final production so that safety is built into every aspect of the product. The key safety items that are considered include:
• Retention of air, even after harsh treatment and thousands of inflations and deflations
• High flow power inflator to fill your BCD fast, if required
• High lift capacity to hold the diver high out of the water on the surface, help maintain neutral buoyancy at depth and the extra capacity to help assist a buddy in need
• Additional yet critical safety features like single action one hand release of the weight release system
2 Comfort• Load management system to properly distribute the weight of your scuba unit safely and comfortably
• BCD design provides air cell inflation without squeeze (see description of swivel buckles, independent air cell etc in the icon chart)
• Pressure points are addressed through proper sizing and adjustments. Additional padding is used in key areas to increase comfort
• Designed to fit properly. There is a huge range including ladies and men’s models, two back pack sizes, more BCD sizes per model than any other company
3 Durability• Most models use Armorshield Cordura extensively, it is an extremely heavy duty, fade and wear resistant material
• Highest quality thick internal polyurethane coating to ensure durability of air retention
• All seams meticulously finished with double stitching, highest quality thread and bindings
• All materials and final products undergo extensive UV, abrasion, salt and chlorinated water testing
SEAQUEST OR SECOND BEST TEST
FITTING YOUR BCD It is critical to buy your BCD from an authorised SeaQuest Dealer to ensure you get the correct product, properly fitted and all the pre and post sales service. Ask your SeaQuest Dealer to take you through the ‘SeaQuest or Second Best Test’, you will instantly appreciate why nothing else compares to SeaQuest. Ask your dealer to fit and adjust your BCD as shown in the following steps.
Note how comfortable it is compared to anything else you have ever used, how you can stand upright and the weight is distributed evenly by use of key design features and adjustments. Now inflate your BCD and note the following features...
Choosing the Right Material Regardless of the different features that can be added to a finished BCD, what really determines the quality of the product is the ability of the air cell to withstand the harsh environment to which it is exposed. There are many bright-coloured BCD's available that look great until they are put in the field. Most of these colours will fade quickly after repeated exposure to salt and sun. The colour fastness of the fabric actually provides protection from ultraviolet light, and once the fabric fades the integrity of the air cell is compromised. Armorshield Cordura, an exclusive SeaQuest fabric uses a special system called ‘colour lock’. There are three different levels at which a fabric can be dyed. The cheapest way is to dye the completed fabric, a better way is to dye the thread. Armorshield uses thread whose raw component materials are dyed with the final colour. This is what allows SeaQuest to advertise that its BCD's ‘fade to black’ in other words the colour is literally ‘locked in’. In addition to this, Armorshield Cordura is lightweight, exceptionally resistant to punctures and tears, and quick drying.
Sure Lock™ Integrated Weight System In keeping with SeaQuest’s tradition of innovation, they set out to develop the most positive locking weight system available. The objectives were clear, make it simple to release, easy to load and most importantly, secure. The result is the Sure Lock™ mechanical weight system (patent pending).
The buckle releases quickly and easily with one simple pull. For easy re-installation of your weight pouches SeaQuest have pre-opened the weight pockets on the BCD and then improved the system even more by ensuring you will feel and hear the positive ‘click’ when the buckle locks
SeaQuest Women's BCD’s SeaQuest produces not one, but three different BCD’s that are designed specifically for women - not just in styling and colour, but in comfort, fit and function. The air cell and harness of the SeaQuest women’s BCD’s are specially shaped to fit the contour of the Women's torso (bust, shoulders and waist) even when it is fully inflated. Because these BCD’s are fully weight integrated, you will no longer need to suffer the discomfort of wearing a weight belt around your hips. The SeaQuest women's BCD range includes the Diva LX, Diva XLT and Libra
BCD Load Management System The term Buoyancy Control Device (BCD) only tells half the story, in fact the BCD also performs the job of harnessing the cylinder and in the majority of cases it also integrates the weight system. In some ways these two functions are opposing (see below), it has taken decades of SeaQuest innovation to come up with a patented system that combines these two functions very effectively. While each of the features below work independently to ensure comfort, together the effect is nothing short of revolutionary, the best load management system in the industry. SeaQuest high-end BCD’s generally have all the elements of the load management system.
Independent Air Cell System In many BCD’s the adjustments to hold the cylinder securely to your back are joined to the air cell. Tightening the shoulder adjustment and cummerbund pulls the air cell tight around your body so that when you inflate the BCD you will become uncomfortable. To compensate for this it is natural to loosen the straps on the BCD. On land the cylinder will then hang low, placing strain on your lower back. Underwater it will flop around and on the water’s surface it will ride up around your ears.
The Independent Air Cell System eliminates many of these issues. A separate harness is locked into the back pack and attaches to the air cell by a system of clips and a floating lobe strap system. This allows the air cell to expand away from the harness, giving full inflation while securing the cylinder firmly against you without squeeze. Ask your dealer for a demonstration.
Contour Back Pack A stable harness requires a stable platform. Small, flat back packs, particularly on larger BCD’s, act as a fulcrum, creating a gap between the lower back and the lower portion of the cylinder, putting excessive strain on the lower back.
The Contour Back Pack is curved to the shape of the cylinder. SeaQuest use two different sizes of Contour Back Pack to get the best stability. Medium-large sizes and up use an extra large back pack, with an extended back pack on the other sizes.
Sculptured Shoulder and Swivel Buckles The final link in the load management harness system is a combination of patented swivel buckles and sculptured shoulders. The shoulders are heavily padded for extra comfort and the sculptured insert holds the shape of the shoulders so that the BCD is easy to don.
The shoulders, where the air cell and harness meet, are contoured for excellent positioning on the body while still allowing the air cell to inflate without any discomfort. They are joined by a patented pivoting buckle system, which allows the air cell to move into the optimum location relative to the harness for maximum comfort without squeeze.
Surface Observation Signal (S.O.S.) An AquaLung/SeaQuest EXCLUSIVE product! This unique design is integrated into your buoyancy compensator. The Surface Observation Signal (SOS) significantly increases your surface visibility in case of separation from your boat or your buddy
• One-way check valve keeps the SOS inflated even when diver releases air from the BCD
• Easy inflation using standard BCD pneumatics
• Diver-controlled ‘rip cord’ deploys the signal device without further handling
• Easily rolls back into integrated holster for streamlined storage and simple reuse.
Air Source II The Air Source II is a combination second stage and BCD inflator all in one which replaces the traditional octopus second stage thereby eliminating an extra hose. Under normal circumstances use the Air Source II as you would any other BCD inflator.
In buddy breathing conditions the Air Source II can be used by the primary diver like a normal second stage. The Air Source II can be added to any SeaQuest BCD that uses a conventional inflator.
WHICH BCD SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?
There are many factors to consider when selecting your SeaQuest BCD, including your body shape and the type of exposure suit you will be wearing. Most importantly, you should consider the type of diving you will be doing and the activities you may wish to pursue. Choosing the right size is critical to your comfort and safety. Your SeaQuest Authorised Dealer will help you choose the BCD that best suits your needs.
Independent Air Cell System
Contour Back Pack
Sculptured Shoulder and Swivel Buckles
Surface Observation Signal (S.O.S.)
Air Source II
