Apex Exotec BCD?

[CT-Rich]

Hi, my 20 year old Scuba Pro Nighthawk is reaching the end of its effective life span and I have been starting to look at my options for a replacement. My shop has offered me a good deal on the Apex Exotec they have in their clearance stock and I wanted to see what people thought of it. I have heard that they have had some longevity issues with the lumbar support and there is a upgrade (recall?) kit that was released to fix the problem with bushings that wear out.

What sort of experiences have people had with them? I doing mostly New England dive with 7 mm wetsuit and steel 120 (the lumbar support sounds interesting). I do a little bit of tropical travel, but I don't see the weight as being a deal killer.

Any input would be appreciated...

 

[Jim Lapenta]

I have not tried it. But I did a quick search and found a review of it, from a shop, mind you. The reviewer is a long-time friend of mine, Bob Collins from Divers Supply, and he provides some detailed insights.
I watched the review, and it's interesting.

Apeks Exotec Bc

Apeks Exotec Bc

www.divers-supply.com

There are some things personally that would keep me away from it. Out of personal preference mostly. I like a BC that uses a crotch strap. Whether it's a BPW or a jacket. I don't see a provision for it. It also has integrated weight pouches. Not my thing. Belt and steel cylinders. I've found too many Aqualung and Apeks pouches on the bottom of quarries. Way too many dumps! It has 4. 2 on the shoulders and 2 on the lower part of the wing on the outside of the wing. I want my dumps on the inside. Only one tank strap. For something like a 120 ( I used to dive LP119s and 95s as singles) I want two straps.

Again, these are all my preferences. And finally, 1000 bucks for one? No thanks.

 

[scubadada]

Hi, my 20 year old Scuba Pro Nighthawk is reaching the end of its effective life span and I have been starting to look at my options for a replacement...

I bought a Scubapro Knighthawk in 2006. By 2018 and 1350 dives it was being held together with Aqua Seal. I bought another Knighthawk off ScubaBoard. It now has 1000 dives on it and it actually looking pretty good. I'll be diving it in Bonaire starting on Thursday. I was disappointed when Scubapro discontinued the Knighthawk. My son dives a Knighthawk, My wife and daughter dive a Ladyhawk.

 

[Jcp2]

I bought a Scubapro Knighthawk in 2006. By 2018 and 1350 dives it was being held together with Aqua Seal. I bought another Knighthawk off ScubaBoard. It now has 1000 dives on it and it actually looking pretty good. I'll be diving it in Bonaire starting on Thursday. I was disappointed when Scubapro discontinued the Knighthawk. My son dives a Knighthawk, My wife and daughter dive a Ladyhawk.

I thought the Seahawk was pretty close, but with functional pockets.