BC Question

[c r0ck 1]

HI i have a question.. IM just getting into scuba diving and will be starting my certification classes in november. My question in the thread is..


I was looking at bcs. And i like two of them. The "Scubapro Nighthawk", And the "SeaQuest PRO QD".

My questions are..

-What do you all prefer out of both of these?

-And where is the cheapest place to buy them online?

I have seen them at my local store for 750 but online for 460.. Weird.

Thanks Ahead.. C rock

 

[NorthWoodsDiver]

Online will always be cheaper but you forgo the factory warantee. I own the knighthawk and like it as a bcd but the BP/W route suites me much better. do some investigation as to what you really need in a bc and maybe a BP/W will work better for you also.

 

[Rob9000]

I have the Pro QD and recently tried the Knighthawk. I think the Knighthawk is a great BC. I also have the SeaQuest Balance and the Knighthawk is better in terms of materials, weight pockets and location of dump valves. I do not like my Pro QD anymore as I favor back inflate BCs to the jacket BC now. The jacket just feels like too much stuff wrapped around me, plus I now prefer to use a weight belt rather than integrated weights...the Pro QD extends down farther a bit than the Knighthawk and overlaps my weight belt. My 16 year old kid is certified and he prefers the Knighthawk to the Balance. He hasn't tried the Pro QD - I am trying to keep him in back inflate BCs....which is probably advice you will hear...to opt for a back inflate instead of a jacket, which I agree with.

My recent purchase was a backplate and wing setup as my main BC.

I don't think ScubaPro authorizes dealers to sell BCs online, so if you see the Knighthawk available online, it might be gray market and/or have no dealer warranty.

 

[c r0ck 1]

Online will always be cheaper but you forgo the factory warantee. I own the knighthawk and like it as a bcd but the BP/W route suites me much better. do some investigation as to what you really need in a bc and maybe a BP/W will work better for you also.

So far hands down the knght hawk... and what is bp/w? Like i said im very new to this.

 

[Rob9000]

So far hands down the knght hawk... and what is bp/w? Like i said im very new to this.

I think for someone starting out, a good back inflate is a better decision in that it will more likely be successful in giving you what you want. My opinion is a bp/w purchase requires more homework to figure out which product features are right for you and more help in getting it set up correctly. If none of your local shops sell them and you buy online, I think it will be more frustrating to go it alone. Plus, the place you are doing your training through might be like "why did you get something like that?" if they do not carry the bp/w. If they rent the Knighthawk, then renting is a really good choice for you right now. If they only rent bare-bones jacket BCs, then getting something like the knighthawk will get you through the training with a good BC. You can always sell it later...you'll take a loss on it...they sell for around $350 used in decent shape...but SCUBA isn't cheap. Also, if your shop is charging you full retail and you are taking your class there, then I would ask for like a 10% student discount. Check eBay - there are used Knighthawks for sale there.

 

[diver 85]

So far hands down the knght hawk... and what is bp/w? Like i said im very new to this.

short for back plate & wing, a modular type of BC........I personally have switched, after over 20 years of diving with a standard jacket BC, to a back inflate 'regular' BC....Here's a link to a bp/w(there are now many manufacturers of this system--do a little checking on line)....

Back Plate, Harness, Wings Package - BP & Wings - Dive Sports BPW Package

 

[Rob9000]

So far hands down the knght hawk... and what is bp/w? Like i said im very new to this.

Oh what IS a bp/w...sorry....I missed the "is"...I thought you were asking which model.

 

[c r0ck 1]

So i guess you all agree that the knighthawk is the way to go for me.. starting off and wanting something good to last?

 

[cool_hardware52]

So i guess you all agree that the knighthawk is the way to go for me.. starting off and wanting something good to last?

Either of the two BC's you are considering are well made quality examples of conventional BC's

My recommendation is to rent for a while, and see what you really prefer. Given your location you should be able to find divers using a wide range of BC's including BP&W.

If you are in a hurry to buy gear get your exposure suit first.

If you have any questions concerning a BP&W let me know.


Tobin

 

[jaybombs25]

I think you should get certified first because there really is NO reason IMHO to spend 750 on a bc especially as a newly certified diver