Can anyone compare a Stiletto to a Knighthawk for me???

[RoadWarrior]

I never dove with either but will be buying one or the other very soon. Unfortunately, no opportunity to dive with them before buying so if you can offer a comparison It would be most helpful. A Pros / Cons thing would be perfect.

 

[scubatoys]

I never dove with either but will be buying one or the other very soon. Unfortunately, no opportunity to dive with them before buying so if you can offer a comparison It would be most helpful. A Pros / Cons thing would be perfect.

Knight hawk - lifetime warranty on bladder seams - 2 year on everything else.
Zeagle - lifetime warranty on entire BC

Knight hawk - 2 very small pockets
Zeagle - 2 large pockets

Knight hawk - weight pockets use a clip system and have pockets you load and unload then re-insert and clip back in
Zeagle - unzip top of pocket and drop in weights - one pull ripcord system drops both sides at once.

knight hawk - single metal cam latch for tank
zeagle - 2 can latch tank straps

Knight hawk - available in 4 sizes
zeagle - available in almost unlimited sizes as the shoulders can be swapped, waist panel swapped, etc.

We carry both... and after trying them on in our store, we will sell zeagle at about a 30 - 1 ration over the scubapro.... but you might be that one!

PS... I'd a bit biased and prefer the Brigade to the Stiletto - virtually the same except heavier material, more d-rings, roll down pocket, can swap to bigger bladders if you wish and can run duals if you wish - and virtually the same price. Besides, Stiletto sounds like a womens shoe... Brigade.. Now there's a manly BC!

 

[StSomewhere]

Larry, does the Zeagle crotchstrap only work for the Brigade (and Ranger) or does it work with the Stiletto as well?

 

[Chad Carney]

I've never dove with a Knight Hawk, but have more mileage on a Stiletto than anyone else.

It's my favorite Zeagle BC!

Larry, they asked about a Stiletto...

"PS... I'd a bit biased and prefer the Brigade to the Stiletto - virtually the same except heavier material, (heavier vest material yes, but not tougher. Tougher bladder material... Stiletto no contest!), more d-rings, (Brigade 4 d-rings where you need them, two where you don't. Stiletto 5 d-rings all where you need them., roll down pocket, can swap to bigger bladders if you wish and can run duals if you wish - and virtually the same price."

Yes you can add tech gear to a Brigade.
But, I wouldn't want to pull a trailer with my sports car!

Stiletto, as in a "kill knife"!

Chad

 

[ScottZeagle]

Larry loves his Brigade...

Chad loves his Stiletto...

I like Larry AND Chad, so I will simply say - You can't go wrong with either one!!!

 

[ScottZeagle]

Larry, does the Zeagle crotchstrap only work for the Brigade (and Ranger) or does it work with the Stiletto as well?

It will work for either the Brigade OR the Stiletto.

 

[JustinW]

Scubapro has a better tank buckle system, a bit more lift, simpler less cluttered design, weight pockets that are easily removed to aid in transport (and reinserted quickly).

With the Scubapro, your tank will never slip, your BC will always fit, and the BC overall is more streamlined in the water. Your choice, once you see them, you will KNOW which one is better for you.

 

[Pudge]

I never dove with either but will be buying one or the other very soon. Unfortunately, no opportunity to dive with them before buying so if you can offer a comparison It would be most helpful. A Pros / Cons thing would be perfect.

I was making the same decision last month between the Stiletto the Knighthawk. My LSD let me take both into the pool and see which I liked best, which I did wearing my 3 mil wetsuit. I was leaning towards the Stilleto, but I bought the Knighthawk (sz. lg) for the following reasons:

1. The rear trim pockets on the Knighthawk are located near the sholders. By putting 2 lbs. in each trim pocket and 4 lbs. in each ditchable pocket, I was able to maintain horozontal trim while totally stationary. The trim pockets on the Stilleto are near the waist (as are the ditchable weights) which didn't allow me to shift weight along the torso resulting in a perpetual feet downward tendency.

2. I found the single tank band easier to use and very secure.

3. I liked the buckle type weight releases better than the ripcord system.

Both fit well. I liked the pockets on the Stilletto better. Lift capacity and warranty did not factor into my decision. I get to try it for real next week in French Polynesia.

Hope this helps,

Pudge

 

[ScottCocoaBeach]

A few other differences:

Lower pull dump is on the right on the Knighthawk, left on the stilletto. I noticed most wings have them on the left. Does anyone know the reason for this? I would prefer the right.

There is a right shoulder dump on the Knighthawk, both have inflator hose pull dump.

I too am trying to decide between these two and a dive rite transpac.

I like the fit/adjustability of the stilletto, light weight, pockets and warranty.

I like the knighthawk dump valves, tank positioning strap, dump valves, weight system seems secure although I like the rip cord system as well.

Transpac might make an easier transition to bp/wing while providing something similiar to these two, but may be heavier?

I haven't tried to dive any of them yet, that will be my next step when I get some time to do so. The brigade is still a possibility in the back of my mind as well.

The more I read the further I get from a decision, that's for sure.

I hadn't thought about the location of the trim weights and the difference that would make, good point and something I will pay attention to when I get some pool time with these bc's.

Thanks,

 

[yipiekaya]

does the Back plate setup have the same trim weight system,,,,,.....one has to wonder the desgn of a BC that needs shoulder height trim weights, how many other BC's or BP set ups have that,,makes ya go hmmmmmmmmm


food for thought,,

A few other differences:

Lower pull dump is on the right on the Knighthawk, left on the stilletto. I noticed most wings have them on the left. Does anyone know the reason for this? I would prefer the right.

There is a right shoulder dump on the Knighthawk, both have inflator hose pull dump.

I too am trying to decide between these two and a dive rite transpac.

I like the fit/adjustability of the stilletto, light weight, pockets and warranty.

I like the knighthawk dump valves, tank positioning strap, dump valves, weight system seems secure although I like the rip cord system as well.

Transpac might make an easier transition to bp/wing while providing something similiar to these two, but may be heavier?

I haven't tried to dive any of them yet, that will be my next step when I get some time to do so. The brigade is still a possibility in the back of my mind as well.

The more I read the further I get from a decision, that's for sure.

I hadn't thought about the location of the trim weights and the difference that would make, good point and something I will pay attention to when I get some pool time with these bc's.

Thanks,