BCD advise

[Perling]

I am a new diver. I was recently told that scubapro is fantastic in the USA. However, when abroad, they are very hard to service, find replacement parts. Has anyone had any problems with this?
I am toying with purchasing the Knighhawk. ANy input from those expierenced divers out there would be great.

 

[getwet2]

Welcome to the board Perling!

You don't say where you are from so I might be wrong here but unless you live abroad I would not worry about servicing your BCD abroad.

Your BCD should be in good repair before you go abroad and if something should happen to it while away you can most likely just rent one for the duration of your trip. That goes for just about all your other equipment if something should happen to that, I don't think you will be able to find one brand of equipment that EVERY dive destination in the world will service, everyone is different and uses what ever they have access to. Personally I would be more concerned about how easy it is to get serviced at home.

So don't base your purchase on what might happen, base it on the BCD that you feel comfortable with and is the best choice for you.

 

[Perling]

Thank for the input. My wife and I actually discussed almost exactly what you had said last night. Reeading your response simply afirmed our thoughts.
Thanks

Welcome to the board Perling!

You don't say where you are from so I might be wrong here but unless you live abroad I would not worry about servicing your BCD abroad.

Your BCD should be in good repair before you go abroad and if something should happen to it while away you can most likely just rent one for the duration of your trip. That goes for just about all your other equipment if something should happen to that, I don't think you will be able to find one brand of equipment that EVERY dive destination in the world will service, everyone is different and uses what ever they have access to. Personally I would be more concerned about how easy it is to get serviced at home.

So don't base your purchase on what might happen, base it on the BCD that you feel comfortable with and is the best choice for you.

 

[dbg40]

Ive never had a piece of my equipment fail on a trip. But then I make damn sure its rigerously checked befofe I go, and my Knighthawk is a trusted travel companion. Bet youll love it, good luck.

 

[vel525]

My gf and I both own scuba pro bcds and we have had no problems getting it serviced. She was abroad in australia when her bcd got a hole in it. Scubapro sent her a brand new bcd, no problems. Good luck picking your bcd. It's always fun to buy gear!!

 

[The Chairman]

ScubaPro has a pretty extensive network of service centers. You should not have any problems getting it serviced. Many times, people will throw this type of argument at most any (and all) manufaturers without ANY proof. I guess it's easier to talk bad about something than to actually check it out.

 

[gypsyjim]

I'm not putting my 2 cents in on this: I am also asking for advice on a good, easy to travel with BCD. For years I've been quite content to rent, as my diving has since 1985 all been Carribean vacation. I trained on "j" valves & May West gear, so any BCD was an improvement to me! My regs and camera are the only gear, other than the prescription mask and fins that I felt I really needed to carry on planes. Now, though my kids are old enough to cert. and I see myself doing more diving and want a BCD that is portable for local dives and long trips (on sometimes very small planes, where bulk is a problem). Any suggestions? Thanks, Jim

 

[RICHinNC]

Ok...Im surprised no one has said it yet....so let me do it.

Ever thought of a bp and wing???? Ajhhhhh its out now!!!

They travel great...less to go wrong....and very adaptable.

Enuf said....let the battle begin!!!

 

[dbg40]

Stop It!

 

[RICHinNC]

Yea I know.......but they really are a bcd apart from all others. I still have my first vest style....but never dive it. Use it as a loaner or backup. But if other then a bp and wing is what someone prefers,, then fine and dandy.