Another "first bcd" thread...

[jfoster33702]

I'm not even done with my OW cert, but am already shopping for BCs. As far as price, it's hard to beat the brigade package that scubatoys has - and I was 90% there until I talked to a guy at my local LDS... I'm well aware of the "sell what we carry" mindset that some LDS have, but this guy spent a good bit of time explaining some differences (even had some zeagle in stock to compare to) of the zeagle and a few others - mainly the knighthawk. Basically, he claimed that the zeagle bcs haven't "evolved" or changed over the years and that now, other back inflates have passed it in terms of comfort and technology. He did show me some features of the knighthawk, that looked like it would be much more comfortable.

I'm also curious about the scuba pro classic and classic air. As I understand it, they can be a little difficult for the inexperienced diver to control, but it sounded like this bc could allow for a huge freedom of movement underwater. I've been on a hookah a few times and really enjoyed the feeling if swimming with no equipment and not having my attitude controlled by a back mounted pack of air - will the classic be kind-of like this?

I plan on diving in the FL Keys between 20-45' and the most important thing to me is comfort - then attitude control (want to be flexible for lobster season, being able to easily drop down on my knees and work a bug would be nice). Above all, I want comfort and that feeling of nothing attached to me - or as little as possible.

Like I mentioned at the beginning of this - the package price at scubatoys could also play a big factor - hard to pass up the brigade deal. I guess scubatoys doesn't carry the knighthawk though - however they do list the classic series.

Decisions... - Sorry about the novel guys - just trying to give you enough information to help me ..help you...help me...

Jeff

 

[PerroneFord]

Hmmm... wants the feeling of "nothing attached to him. I'm not going to say it, but I'm sure someone else will.

I don't know about the idea that Zeagle's haven't evolved. When you have a good design, there really isn't a lot to do. There are some things I don't like about them, but nothing major.

Best of luck with your choice.

 

[herman]

Why "evolve" when things work well, new is not always better. Just exactly what BC technology has changed in the last 10 years or so. Nylon, no, rubber, no, stainless steel, no, intergrated weights maybe some but the ripcord is a proven design, cool colors maybe. Oh yea the HUB.. That was a winning evolution.
I for one am glad to see a manufacturer do something right the first time, don't mess with a good thing and then continue to stand behind their produce.
The Scubapro Classic and Air are jacket style BC's. You will find that many (most?) of the members of this board prefer a back inflate of some sort (like the Knighthawk). They are no more or less difficult to use than any other BC, it's the diver not the equipment.

I would suggest you not buy too early. Do yourself a favor, rent or borrow for a while until you get some dive experience and then decide for yourself what you like/need.

 

[jfoster33702]

Trying them on dry (zeagle vs knighthawk), the knighthawk definately had some differences in the curves around the neck and materials that made it much more comfortable - read: no chafing. I will probably dive with not much more than shorts and a t-shirt.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the KH, although back-inflate does nto have a seperate bladder, but has a built-in bladder of some kind. It also has a bungee-type cord that pulls the bladder in tight, which seemed more streamlined...is there a stability problem with this vs. zeagle?

The main reason for trying to make an early purchase is that if I rented, I would be renting for about 17 days over the next 3 months. That is a pretty good chunk of change towards my own gear - not to mention the few trips to pick up/drop off gear.

I've pretty much ruled out the classic - was just curious about that one.

 

[PerroneFord]

Yea, nothing wrong with buying early if you're ready. I'm sure you'll be happy with the Knighthawk or the Zeagle. If you plan on spending much time on ScubaBoard, it might interest you to know that several members of the Zeagle family are regulars on here, and can answer questions or handle issues. They seem like very nice folk. I bought my first Zeagle BC before the WWW was around, but I wish I'd had that kind of support.

I've sold my Zeagle and moved on to something else, but my impressions of it were quite positive. I picked up a Ranger in the store the other day. Doesn't suit my needs now, but still seemed like a nice BC if that's what you're after. I played wit hthe Knighthawk in the store as well. Also seems nice.

Both should give years of good service.

 

[Trinigordo]

I actually liked the fact that the bladder was modular. If something eventually disintegrates because 5,000,000 dives down the road it has had its fill, with the zeagle you don't need to replace the whole thing. But hey what do I know right?

My Brigade has been a personal coup on scuba. I love it, just do not pull the ripchord until you examine how it is threaded first and you should be fine.

 

[jfoster33702]

Anyone know where to find a size chart for scubapro stuff?

I've found it for zeagle already.

Jeff

 

[herman]

From a diving perspective I really doubt you or anyone for that matter could actually tell a difference in streamlining differences between these 2 BC's. I don't know which Zeagle you saw but there is a good bit of difference in the various models. The Ranger is a lot heaver built than say the Escape but either are built plenty strong enough for the average diver. The Escape bladder has a bungie cord on it to keep it tucked in some. The Brigade is a hybrid BC ScuabaToys cooked up, basically a Ranger harness with a Escape bladder, that's the reason you will not find it on the Zeagle website (it does have the Zeagle warrenty). The Ranger bladder has 44lbs of lift, the Escape has 35, plenty for 99% of us. Besides the ability to replace a defective bladder another benefit to the Brigade is you can replace the bladder yourself if you decide you need the extra lift of the Ranger Bladder (or vis versa). There is nothing wrong with any of the BC's, mostly personal preference more than anything.

 

[Loneranger]

JFoster- I think you have made a sound choice between the two units, but the Zeagle is more flexible as bladders could be changed or replaced. Also as mentioned earlier the customer service is top notch and warrenty is for life. BTY the BC pictured in my avitar is a AquaLung explorer. This unit was designed for travel and had a slim 18lb lift bladder. It was like wearing nothing at all and great for the keys.

 

[Damselfish]

Last time I was buying a BC it came down to a choice between a Zeagle and a Ladyhawk. One of the reasons I went with the Ladyhawk was it's donut shaped bladder. When I tried a U shaped bladder in the water I hated it.