Aqualung Dimension vs Axiom vs Knighthawk

[Jaeger62]

I am ready to buy my first BCD and have it narrowed down to these 3. I did my OW course in a Knighthawk, and liked it other than it was a pain at the surface for extended times. Also not sure if I like the Knighthawk weight system vs the Aqualung.

Also considering the Axiom as I hear it isn't a true jacket style, so maybe it is a compromise between jacket and back inflate?

One more consideration..... i3 or not i3? I've searched here a lot and only see old threads about the i3 system. Any throughts on it from those who have had it awhile?

A little about my diving, I will be 90% recreational diver on vacations with no real interest in tech diving, etc.

Thank you!

 

[ncitro]

I have had my Axiom i3 for about three years and 50 dives now. I had a Dacor Nautica before that the inflator stuck on, and parts were no longer made for, so when it came time to replace it the shop let me try several in the pool and I fell in love with the i3. I also do mostly travel diving save for the occasional course in the quarry here in Illinois. I absolutely love my i3, in particular that the one valve dumps from all the locations, so no matter what position I am in it lets the air out. I had some initial worry about my instabuddy not knowing the system, but I simply make it a part of my pre-dive check to explain it and have never had anyone concerned. I do have the BC inspected with the rest of my gear, might not do anything but gives me some piece of mind that the internals are getting checked over. Dive shop is very reasonable and charges $10 I think to look it over.

I find the Axiom itself very comfortable, while a bit large for travel. That said I get all of my gear including 3mm full suit, into one 50 pound bag, which checks free with Southwest so I cannot beat that. On occasion its a bit heavy going back if still a little wet, but then I just pull the reg bag and carry it on.

 

[staggsSevin]

I can't speak on the knighthawk, but the biggest difference between the Axiom and Dimension is the Axiom is still a jacket style and the Dimension is back inflate (like the knighthawk). I've traveled a lot with an Axiom and while it's probably not the best ideal travel bcd it's definitely do able. Like ncitro I've had no issues going on trips with it and being under 50lbs with the axiom.

I was out diving in Belize in April in the Turneffe Atoll area and was surprised to see how many people were diving with aqualung with i3. I've never really ran into anyone that had issues with the i3 system while out diving.

 

[SOFDiver]

I most often work as DM on our charter dive boat, and handle more than 2500 sets of gear a season. As we are an AL shop I have used all the AL BCs at one time or another and perform diagnostics on gear that comes in for repair. I own a Dimension BC and purchased it based on my observations. The Dimension to me is a hybrid, in that while it is a full service back inflate it also is very useful as a travel BC. I found that the i3 system is something that one loves or hates. While serviceable, it requires close attention to maintenance or failures will occur. The weight systems on all AL BCs are excellent and uncomplicated. While the Nighthawk and other ScubaPro BCs are very good I find them a bit complicated and proprietary hoses sometimes present problems for at sea repairs.
Finally, AL s parts for life warranty program applies to every single item, not to a comple kit like ScubaPros. Remember, like every other piece of info provided on this forum, it is just one persons opinion.

 

[tbone1004]

@Jaeger62 what did you not like at the surface and with the weight system with the Knighthawk?

 

[SOFDiver]

There is really nothing wrong with the Knighthawk weight system, just a bit more complicated with the buckles. As I usually retrieve our weights from divers at end of dive trip, I find that I have to use two hands to release weight pockets, with most others other than Zeagle one hand pull will do. Never had to dump a Knighthawk pocket in open water, so don't know if that would be an issue. I train students in AL gear so I know how that works. Again just my personal opinion/observation.

 

[Jaeger62]

Ok, going to throw a curveball at you guys. After looking at my budget, I'm shopping for a used BCD. I've found a Zeagle Stiletto and Scubapro Lighthawk at great prices that would allow me to buy a wetsuit, light, etc.

Any preference over either of those?

I actually did my OW in the Lighthawk and not the Knighthawk. But the Stiletto looks to be a little more sturdy than the Lighthawk. The Lighthawk I'm looking at does come with the add on ditchable weight pouches.

 

[tbone1004]

@Jaeger62 you've been debating this for at least 7 months now. What is your budget, where are you planning on diving *warm ocean, cold lakes, etc*, and why are you not considering a bp/w since your size is going to make finding a comfortable jacket bc extraordinarily difficult

 

[Jaeger62]

My budget is minimal. The used Stiletto I'm looking at is $175 and the Lighthawk $290 with the add on ditchable weight pockets and Air2.

I stopped debating this for several months, but am at it again since I go to Mexico next month lol.

And yeah, the Axiom is ruled out, even though I've seen some used at great prices.

 

[staggsSevin]

I don't know much about the lighthawk other than by the name I assume it would travel better than the knighthawk The Zeagle Stiletto is a good BC, I've had one but got rid of it because it felt like it was short on me (i'm 6'7'). I'd say that it takes around the same size of luggage space as the Axiom...maybe a tad less.

I don't think you are looking at a single bad bcd, at this point I'd pick one that you feel comfortable with the price point and buy it and put a lot of dives on it then decide if you want to do something different such as a bpw etc.