greyface
Guest
Lookin to buy a bc. Narrowed down to these two. Either one will have the scubapro air II installed. Any opinions on these bc's would be GREATLY appreciated!
Balance or Knighthawk?
- Thread starter greyface
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noshow
Contributor
i have been tirelesly researching all scuba equip inclucding BCD's for my grand purchase. I started with the Raider/Stek/Tech then was moved to bp/wings all the while getting tonnes of different input etc... End result, I am going to try the Halcyon BP/Pioneer wings setup for rec singles. I will give good honest demo and see how i feel. I will then demo the raider and the balance. They appear to be the most solid bc's I would consider in lieu of the bp/wings. I really like the balance. Everything about it specifically it's minimalistic qualities. However I think that is this board getting to me. (surprise? surprise?). I am excited to try these different bc's with an honest open mind. (well maybe not that open because I am expecting great things from the halcyon setup). I will then base my purchase of the bc based on these demo dives. yada, yada, yada........... i like the balance out of your two choices. (phew)
What kind of diving will you be doing, Greyface? Do you have any plans to get into technical diving? If not, either bc should be fine. My buddy has the Balance, and loves it. Great for travel. It's gotten nothing but great reviews in the dive publications and boards. But, if you plan on diving doubles at some time in the future, back plate and wings.
wheezy
Contributor
Balance.... but make sure you at least check out the TransPac II
basically the same thing, but completely modular (and much more comfortable in my opinion) ....
also a little more expensive by the time your done setting it up.
Good Luck
basically the same thing, but completely modular (and much more comfortable in my opinion) ....
also a little more expensive by the time your done setting it up.
Good Luck
Well I did it! I just couldn't resist. I've been checking out used equipment for sale for the past year, but couldn't bring myself to buy older/used life support systems. The LDS is having their once-a-year sale. Long story short: I baught a Scubapro Knighthawk bc,with the airII 2nd stage, Scubapro MK 16w/ R380 reg.,Suunto analog console. Decent newbie set up? Just a few more items, (and a completed OW) then, look out grouper! :reaper:
Greyface - I was very grateful that you asked the question about the Balance and the Knighthawk. I've been looking at both today myself. Can you explain what tipped you towards Scubapro? I'd be interested. I'm going towards that choice myself. Something about the finish and feel of the BCD.
Mind you,what I'd like to see and try is the Mares Pegasus. The air control device they have looks great. There just aren't the dealers around though (and maybe that says something about service availability and the like too!)
Be interested in any reply on your decision. I'm sure thought that you're going to love your new set-up.
MN
Mind you,what I'd like to see and try is the Mares Pegasus. The air control device they have looks great. There just aren't the dealers around though (and maybe that says something about service availability and the like too!)
Be interested in any reply on your decision. I'm sure thought that you're going to love your new set-up.
MN
Hi Mike - The LDS had several set ups on display, Cressi,SQ, & SP. I was familiar with my buddy's Balance, and liked it fine. According to owner, scubapro tried to build, or improve upon the Balance. The Bal. has 840 denier nylon, KH has 1000 denier. KH has more ss d-rings,pockets, and air dump ports. Ditchable weights are held in with buckles, instead of velcro. The Bal. has a slightly lower profile, I think the KH "opens" a little wider. I sort of like the swivel shoulder strap set up of the Bal. You never really know when a salesman is giving you the ol' snow job, but he claimed, that, he probably couldn't tell the differance between the two comfort wise. The KH has a cumberbund, Bal. doesn't. KH also has a small strap, in back, on top, to use as a "stop", when fitting a tank. The strap puts the bc in the same position, height wise when changing tanks, provided they are the same dia. No doubles for the Bal. but can adapt the KH for doubles.(I think) Bal. has a contoured (to your spine) back plate not so on KH. That's about all I can remember right now. 
Hope this helps!
:sombrero:
Hope this helps!:sombrero:
It surely does - thank you very much. The buckled weight system gets quite a lot of mention, though some comments suggest that it could be confusing in a rush! A thought, because I saw some scary figures recently on how many diving fatalities feature folks who never released their weights.
Yes, the swivel shoulder adjustment does look neat, but I hadn't picked up the point about a cummerbund. It does help on the comfort front. I like the idea of the cam-action tank strap on the KH. I can't be the only person who struggles with straps on cold days.
I guess I just have to get my exposure suit out and go make a test fitting. (tank and all!) I think I'm going to go for the Knighthawk. Mind you, my LDS insists that they have to charge msrp to keep their Scubapro dealership. They also don't give any package discounts. Is that bull or should I look for somewhere with a little bit more leeway.
Yes, the swivel shoulder adjustment does look neat, but I hadn't picked up the point about a cummerbund. It does help on the comfort front. I like the idea of the cam-action tank strap on the KH. I can't be the only person who struggles with straps on cold days.
I guess I just have to get my exposure suit out and go make a test fitting. (tank and all!) I think I'm going to go for the Knighthawk. Mind you, my LDS insists that they have to charge msrp to keep their Scubapro dealership. They also don't give any package discounts. Is that bull or should I look for somewhere with a little bit more leeway.
Good luck, bro. You can't lose by going with either one! Since I'm a small business owner, (residential contractor) I'm ALL for supporting the LDS. Lord knows it's tough to make a buck nowadays. At least, in my trade, I don't have to compete with the internet! Albeit somewhat painful ($) to support your LDS, I think it's worth it. Can't really run down to Wal-Mart for reffills, and don't want to. Luckily, when it came time for my "big buy", the LDS had their yearly sale. (20% off everything) 
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