BC for PSD and Rec

[Txfirefighter4305]

Well, I am finally looking at buying my own set of gear. I want to find something that I can use both for Rec and in the future Tech diving as well as PSD for my employer. Due to budget constraints, we have to provide our own initial gear.

A coworker who is an ERD wears a ScubaPro Knighthawk and likes it. I have worn one as a rental and they are ok. I worry about the expandability of a Knighthawk into Tech diving in the future. I am also thinking about a Zeagle Ranger LTD or Zeagle 911.

Anyone with experience with any of these, please feel free to pipe in. Thanks

 

[turtle_guy]

i cant say anything about the knighthawk but according to the zeagle site the 911 is a tech with a lifting harness and i love my tech

 

[Txfirefighter4305]

I'm going to Kansas City tomorrow. Maybe I can stop by a dive shop and actually put my hands one one.

 

[RJP]

If you have any desire to go tech at all, just cut to the chase and get a BP/W.

 

[Netsloth]

I replaced my Zeagle Ranger with a DSS Backplate and Wing. The BP/W is more comfortable and flexible, and it was less expensive.

 

[Colliam7]

I replaced my Zeagle Ranger with a DSS Backplate and Wing. The BP/W is more comfortable and flexible, and it was less expensive.

Echo the sentiment. At least give some thought to the possibility. I moved from a Ranger (which I love) to a BP/W, first for singles diving, then for doubles and tec. The Ranger is very comfortable, but has lots of material and is positive. I also found using the pockets for the integrated weights to be awkward. The SS BP is just as comfortable, and easier to manage weights with. Just a thought.

 

[Txfirefighter4305]

Ranger being positive, you mean positively buoyant right?

So if I understand this right... A BP/W has better (meaning less) buoyancy than a traditional BC? I'm guessing because of all the webbing and fancy stuff right?

 

[Netsloth]

Ranger being positive, you mean positively buoyant right?

So if I understand this right... A BP/W has better (meaning less) buoyancy than a traditional BC? I'm guessing because of all the webbing and fancy stuff right?

Exactly right. Padding uses foam, traps air, etc.

On a backplate and wing, with a stainless plate, many can get by with no additional weight, relying on the rig being light enough to swim up in case of wing failure.

 

[The Chad]

I think Zeagle has the 911, Ranger, and also one the market as the Tech

 

[Txfirefighter4305]

Thanks yall, much appreciated.