Anyone have 1st hand experience with Scubapro BC's?

[scubadada]

LCromwell,

Aqualung is one one the best albums ever released, your avatar is appreciated. Sorry, I have been negligent of this thread. I'm not sure the weight of the Knighthawk would be considered competitive for travel BCs though it is not heavy. That being said, it folds small and I take it everywhere in my scuba luggage. I take out the weight pockets also. Best of luck to you in your BC purchase. Personal message me if you have any questions.

Good diving, Craig

 

[NorthWoodsDiver]

I owned a Nighthawk bc before I switched to a bp/w. it wasn't terrible though I made the mistake of buying the one with an air2 instead of a normal inflater, of course if you use an octo (I dont) then using the air2 isn't a terrible alternative I suppose.

For the price I would rather buy a bp/w but if your totally against that option then scubapro bc's are quality. With the nighthawk your not going to get any big pockets or the jacket style inflation, instead its a back inflation just like a bp/w...

you said no posts about bp/w so I better just shut up.

 

[boliver_69]

The Ladyhawk is an awesome BC the only complaints I have are the roll out pockets aren't roomy enough and can be hard to deal with at depth, and sometimes I would get some nasty bruises on my shoulders. Also, If I didn't have my trim perfect I had a tendency to go face down on the surface. I ended up switching to the SP Bella, and am completely happy. It is much more comfortable with 2 huge pockets and squishy padding in the shouders.

IMHO you can't go wrong with Scubapro. But I feel like it is worth it to pay the little bit extra to get it from an authorized dealer, the lifetime warranty is worth it.

 

[scubadada]

NorthWoodsDiver can just never fail to take the oppotunity to suggest a BP & W, even when explicity asked not too. Take the hint man, just shut up! You have plenty of opportunities to express your zealot views.

Good diving, Craig

 

[lowviz]

Trained BOW in a Classic, bought a Knighthawk. IMHO the back-inflate Knighthawk is somewhat better under water, the Classic was way better on the surface. Are they worth the extra money, -can't say.

 

[oreocookie]

NorthWoodsDiver can just never fail to take the oppotunity to suggest a BP & W, even when explicity asked not too. Take the hint man, just shut up! You have plenty of opportunities to express your zealot views.

Good diving, Craig

You must admit though, that NWD's response was quite reserved as far as bp/w supporting posts go. He stated that he prefers bp/w's but if you don't want one, SP bc's are good and he mentioned his experience with the Knighthawk. That's a response I can respect. ... Kudos to you NWD, you've renewed my faith that bp/w users are able to comment on bc's without always sounding like religious missionaries.

To avoid a hijack, I want to thank the OP for asking the question, because now I don't have to ask for Ladyhawk reviews.

 

[Grover48]

I have a Knighthawk and have traveled with it. It folds up nicely and stows in the DiveCaddy with no problems. It makes a neater package if you remove the weight pockets and place them in the chest area. It is a more uniform platform to finish packing.

I like the back inflate of the Knighthawk. It is easy to get horizontal and there is no squeeze when inflating. I can use the trim pockets to adjust the buoyancy characteristics on the surface. Once you have the trim dialed in, it is easy to work with the Knighthawk.

I added a couple of pockets to my wetsuit so the lack of storage in the BCD is a non issue with me.

All things considered, I am happy with my Knighthawk and would buy one again.

 

[scubadada]

You must admit though, that NWD's response was quite reserved as far as bp/w supporting posts go. He stated that he prefers bp/w's but if you don't want one, SP bc's are good and he mentioned his experience with the Knighthawk. That's a response I can respect. ... Kudos to you NWD, you've renewed my faith that bp/w users are able to comment on bc's without always sounding like religious missionaries.

Hi oreocookie,

I agree with you. I was irritable last night and my post was far too harsh. In the light of a new day, I realize NWD's post showed great restraint.

NorthWoodsDiver, my apology

Good diving to all, those with rear inflation BCs, BP&Ws, and even those with jacket BCs,

Craig

 

[Damselfish]

It was a reserved for a BP/W response - but still a BP/W response to someone who specifically asked for none, and therefore was clearly aware of their existence.

another Scubapro packing tip - the metal buckle likes to flop open and stab other things in your bag. I find keeping it closed with a rubber band helpful. The fat ones from broccoli make good muzzles.

 

[LCromwell]

Thanks to all, some really great feedback. Now to try and snag one.