Aqualung Dimension vs Axiom vs Knighthawk

[outofofficebrb]

I'm currently a DM candidate and dive a Scubapro Ladyhawk (women's version of Knighthawk) but the shop's rental fleet is Aqua Lung. The shop sells both. Before I purchased my Scubapro Ladyhawk, I was also considering some Aqua Lung options. I have been working with students regularly and I am not a fan of the Aqua Lung weight system. It isn't as secure as Scubapro's and does not give as large of a resounding click and assurance in my opinion. We have had quite a few accidental dumps and trouble with the weights from all levels of classes from OW to Rescue. We've lost some as a result.

I would also steer you away from the i3 version of any of AL's BCs for the reason that @SOFDiver mentioned as far as reliability/maintenance/failures. I got the same feedback from a student who owns an i3 product and had an issue with it. I have also witnessed accidental inflates and deflates when it catches, albeit on a boat during my travels. I was attracted to the i3 as well when I was shopping because of the convenience, especially being able to dump air from any position.

I am also more partial to a back inflate because I like not having the bulk around my sides and front but also because of trim reasons. As for parts for life, I don't think the BC matters as much as the reg as far as racking up bills for the kits so in my mind, it isn't enough to move the needle. I think you should go with what feels the best for you but I have a much stronger preference for Scubapro for the reasons above. It looks like you've had some good used options presented to you - awesome! Great prices.

I would stay away from an Air 2 but that is another conversation. If you want to hear about it...let me know.

Let us know what you decide!

 

[Jaeger62]

Well, I got a real good deal on a Seahawk today and went with that. Excited to dive it!

 

[outofofficebrb]

@Jaeger62 Congrats! Let us know how you like it after you dive with it. If you remember, that is. Enjoy and wishing you best fishes!

 

[Div109]

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.

 

[Div109]

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.