Sea Quest Spectrum 3 BC

[Eric Lacey]

Hello,

I am preparing to take the plunge and invest in my own SCUBA equipment. I am
currently looking at the Seq Quest Spectrum 3 as my BC. I have read the recent
Rodale's review of BC's and they gave this BC very high marks, except for in the
valve operation category. Are any of you familiar with this particular BC? What
is the negative aspects of its valve operation? The article in Rodale's went on
to say that this was the best BC the tested if it was equipped with the
"Versavalve" option. What is "versavalve?" Is it a standard Sea Quest option
for the Spectrum 3, or do you have to get in good with a dive shop to get them to
add this option to the BC?

Any advice/comments would be very much appreciated.

Thanks,

Eric

BTW- I am also looking at the Sherwood Oasis as my reg... Comments?

[Vern Myers]

Eric, I have a SeaQuest S3, I think it's great. I have no idea what the
versavalve is but I have had no problem with the valves that mine came with.
I know I'm biased since I like mine but I would recommend this BC to anyone
shopping for a new one.

Happy diving
Vern Myers
Hewlett Packard
Vancouver USA

[George Spalding]

I have a Spectrum 3 BC. I've had it for about three years and it has served me
well. The biggest drawback to this BC is the lack of a handhold on the BC that
allows one to lift the tank/BC combo. The handle they provide is a little grip
in the hard shell that disappears if you put the BC in a standard position on
the tank.

A Spectrum 4, on the other hand, has a strap that extends up past the tank valve
and makes lifting it a snap.

George

[Mark G. Pipkorn]

>George

I also use a Spectrum 3 and I'll second the good comments. The handhold on
the hard shell doesn't disappear with the tank in place however. Just lift
the liner (the black fabric) on the inside of the BC and you'll discover
that the handle is just as accessible from that side. Nice design but it
took me a few times of trying to wedge my hand in front of the tank to
discover this feature.

Mark Pipkorn
AT&T GIS, St.Paul, MN

[Julia M. Masser]

I also have a Sea Quest Spectrum 3 and really like it so far.
The versavalve (according to my local shop) is the air release
valve at the left shoulder which is used by pulling straight
down on the inflator tube. There is a steel cable which will
open the valve and dump you BC's air, giving you an alternate
means of dumping air besides holding the inflator tube
upright and pressing the release.
--

Regards --

Julie Masser | jma...@acenet.auburn.edu
Network Support | Work: (205) 844-9660
ACES | FAX: (205) 844-9650

[Raymond Manta]

I have a SeaQuest Spec 4, no longer made, I believe. You can't gp wrong
with SeaQuest BC's. Hell, they even named a TV show after 'em. :)

Compare that SeaQuest to the new IDI Nec2000. I was surprised by the
quality of the IDI. Also, SeaQuest no longer offers the unlimited warranty,
I'm told, on there BC's. The Spec 3 you're looking at might be old inventory
as I thought the whole Spec line had been discontinued over a year ago.

If you have too much money, jump on a SeaTec.

[David Sheldon]

I also have a Spectrum 3 BCD and have used it for the last 4 years
without too many problems. I compared the Spectrum 3 and Spectrum 4
and didn't notice too much difference except:

Spectrum 4 had a little heavier duty material for the jacket
and it cost about $120 more than the "3".

After 200+ dives and lots of abuse, I'm still very happy that I
bought the 3 vs. the 4.

One more thing about the service. Just about 4 months ago my inflator
hose button to release the air broke (still don't know how this broke),
but the factory send me a brand new inflator hose (way cool even after
having the BCD for 4 years). That's what I call great customer service,
good job Spectrum!

Another happy Spectrum customer,
David Sheldon
Hewlett-Packard