Sea LiON vs BLU3 vs Gas Systems
Choosing the right tankless dive system starts with understanding how much depth, runtime, and diver capacity you need. This guide compares three families within the Brownie’s ecosystem: the Sea LiON lithium-ion battery-powered floating systems, the ultra-portable BLU3 Nomad Mini and Nomad (also found at diveblu3.com), and the gasoline-powered Scout, Pioneer, and Explorer Third Lung systems. Use the comparison tables below to quickly decide which system best fits your boat and your diving plans.
Which Tankless Dive System Should You Choose?
If you want the longest run time and the most premium configuration, choose Sea LiON. If you want the smallest and most portable system—especially for travel—choose BLU3 Nomad Mini or Nomad. If you want the best performance per dollar and plan to run multiple divers for long durations, choose a gas-powered Scout, Pioneer, or Explorer. Use the tables below to compare them side by side.
Brownie’s Sea LiON Packages
| Feature | Sea LiON Sport | Sea LiON Standard | Sea LiON Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $5,495 | $6,895 | $7,995 |
| Max Depth | 45 ft | 33–45 ft | 33–65 ft |
| Number of Divers | 2 | 2–3 | 2–3 |
| Run Time Range | 2+ hours | 3+ hours | 3+ hours |
| Dive Computers Included? | No | No | Yes |
| Spare Air Included? | No | No | Yes |
| Power Source | Battery | Battery | Battery |
| Weight | 65 lb | 70 lb | 70 lb |
BLU3 Nomad Mini vs Nomad
| Feature | Nomad Mini | Nomad |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $1,649 | $2,199 |
| Max Depth | 15 ft | 30 ft |
| Number of Divers | 1 | 1 |
| Run Time Range | 40–120 min* | 45–180 min* |
| Air Travel Friendly? | Yes | Yes |
| Power Source | Battery | Battery |
| Weight | 12 lb | 15 lb |
*Nomad Mini run time range shown with the optional DiveBoost Kit. Nomad run time range shown with the optional Nomad 3X Battery. Actual run time varies with breathing rate, conditions, and configuration. Always review the latest specifications and manuals before diving.
Scout vs Pioneer vs Explorer
| Feature | Scout | Pioneer | Explorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $2,895 | $3,888 | $4,444 |
| Max Depth | 45 ft | 45–65 ft* | 45–65 ft |
| Number of Divers | 2 | 2–3 | 3–4 |
| Run Time Range | 3+ hours | 3+ hours | 4+ hours |
| Power Source | Gasoline | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Weight | 44 lb | 44 lb | 58 lb |
| Computer and Spare Air Included? | No Pro Package | With Pro Package | With Pro Package |
*Pioneer maximum depth of 65 ft is available when configured with the Pro Package and used according to the latest owner’s manual and specifications. Always confirm configuration details and limits before diving.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Tankless Dive System
Now that you’ve compared all three system families side by side, choosing the right model comes down to your priorities: runtime, diver capacity, portability, and how you plan to use the system on your boat or during travel.
No matter which direction you choose, Brownie’s has a tankless system designed to match your diving plans. Explore the product pages or contact our team if you’d like help selecting the right configuration.
Always review all manuals, depth ratings, and training requirements before diving. Gas and battery-powered floating dive systems require proper instruction and understanding of risks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tankless Dive Systems
What is the difference between Sea LiON, BLU3, and Brownie’s gas-powered systems?
Sea LiON systems are premium lithium-ion floating dive units designed for long runtimes and powerful airflow for two or more divers, depending on the configuration. BLU3 systems focus on portability and convenience — Nomad Mini and Nomad are compact, battery-powered units designed for single-diver recreational exploration. Brownie’s gas-powered systems offer the highest overall performance and longest run times, making them ideal for multi-diver use, extended bottom times, and frequent operation from boats.
How deep can floating tankless dive systems go?
Depth capability varies by model. BLU3 Nomad Mini is designed for shallow diving up to approximately 15 ft, while BLU3 Nomad supports recreational depths up to approximately 30 ft. Sea LiON packages range from approximately 33 ft to 65 ft, depending on the configuration. Brownie’s gas-powered systems offer the greatest depth capabilities within the Brownie’s lineup, generally supporting approximately 45 ft to 65 ft depending on the model. Always review the system manual and depth ratings for your specific configuration before diving.
How long can each system run before needing fuel or a battery swap?
Runtime depends on the model, configuration, and diver breathing patterns. BLU3 systems typically provide 40–180 minutes depending on battery choice and system (Nomad Mini or Nomad). Sea LiON systems offer longer durations, commonly 2+ to 3+ hours depending on battery capacity and the number of divers. Brownie’s gas-powered systems provide the longest runtime, often 3+ to 4+ hours on a standard fuel supply, with the ability to refuel for extended operation. Actual runtime varies with breathing rate, depth, conditions, and accessories used.
Can multiple divers use a tankless dive system at the same time?
Yes, depending on the system. BLU3 models are designed for a single diver to keep the units lightweight and travel-friendly. Sea LiON packages support 2–3 divers depending on the model. Brownie’s gas-powered systems offer the highest multi-diver capacity and are typically the best choice for groups, boat owners, and frequent multi-diver operations. Always confirm diver capacity for your specific system and configuration.
Do I need training to use a floating air compressor diving system?
All diving activities involve inherent risks, and proper instruction is essential for understanding how to operate a floating dive system responsibly. Both BLU3 and Brownie’s Third Lung include access to an online training course that covers system operation, diving best practices, and important considerations for using a surface-supplied dive system. These courses are available to everyone, not only product owners, and divers should also review all manuals, depth limits, and training recommendations appropriate for their experience.
Can BLU3 systems support two divers at the same time?
No. BLU3 systems are intentionally engineered for single-diver use to keep them compact, lightweight, and highly portable. This is one of the main reasons Nomad Mini and Nomad are popular for travel, small boats, and recreational exploration. For multi-diver diving, the best options within the Brownie’s ecosystem are the Sea LiON packages or Brownie’s gas-powered systems, which offer significantly higher airflow output. Some other multi-diver systems on the market have received feedback about limited airflow under load, which is why many groups choose Brownie’s for reliable multi-diver performance.