I can't decide which BCD. I'm leaning toward the KnightHawk -Advice/Recommendations?

[TS82nd]

Hello! I'm trying to learn more about different BCD options, there is just so much out there that I don't know where to start. I know I like the back inflation, and I really liked the ScubaPro KnightHawk. However my LDS only carries ScubaPro so I haven't had a chance to try anything else. I have read mostly good reviews about it, but if there is something similar out there I would like to check it out. Any recommendations on a similar BCD or any reason you wouldn't go with the KnightHawk?

Most of my diving will be in local lakes and the great lakes. I'm also planning on trying out for the dive team at my Sheriff Dept. which they will put me through all types of dive scenarios/training from drift diving to ice dives if I make the cut, which I will eventually within the next couple yrs. So I'm looking for a good BCD for all types of diving. Thanks!

 

[doctormike]

So I'm looking for a good BCD for all types of diving.

If you think that you might get into technical diving or diving with doubles, then you should get a backplate and wing. On the other hand, if you are pretty sure that you will only be doing warm water single tank diving, then get a backplate and wing.

 

[Colliam7]

Hello! I'm trying to learn more about different BCD options, there is just so much out there that I don't know where to start. I know I like the back inflation, and I really liked the ScubaPro KnightHawk. However my LDS only carries ScubaPro so I haven't had a chance to try anything else. I have read mostly good reviews about it, but if there is something similar out there I would like to check it out.

The Knighthawk is a good BCD. In many ways, it is similar to the Zeagle Ranger - back-inflate, weight-integrated, durable, streamlined, but also more lift than is really needed for recreational single cylinder diving. It is well-regarded and you would not be unhappy with it, if that is the route you choose.

From your post, it appears that some / much of your diving will be in cold(er) water. Is a drysuit in your future? Do you routinely use thick neoprene? I ask because BCs like the Knighthawk and Ranger are padded, so they feel great when you try them on, but they are also inherently positively buoyant, which adds to the diver's lead requirement. In that case, it may be worth considering a steel backplate, as doctormike mentioned.

Another point to think about, since you mention your interest in trying to join the local sherriff's department dive team. What kind of BCs do those divers generally use? In some cases, the gear selection preferences on a law enforcement dive team become fairly focused - that is not a criticism, rather acknowledgment that dive 'teams' often value consistency of equipment among the group. If you start with a Knighthawk, and find you are trying to join a group that exclusively dives Zeagle Rangers, it might be a bit of a challenge. Or, the opposite might be true. 'Promoting diversity' may be a popular political fad, but that behavior is perhaps not as apparent in in law enforcement dive teams. Just a thought.

 

[diversteve]

I looked/tried both a Knighthawk and a Zeagle Ranger (my lds carried both) I actually went there to buy the Knighthawk but instead I bought the Ranger - just liked the fit better more than anything else. Also you can change wings yourself if you ever go to doubles - I have a 66# doubles wing for mine. You can also add Zeagle's Steel or Aluminum plate to it but it will still be more buoyant than a standard BP/W. Think of it as a BP/W with pockets...

Zeagle also sells a line of BC's targeted towards SAR if you wind up going that route. Specialized BCs - BCs - Zeagle Dive Systems

 

[doctormike]

Think of it as a BP/W with pockets..

Yeah, you are right, that is a problem, but you could probably have them cut off or something.

 

[diversteve]

Some of us actually put things in pockets on our BC's - a concept most BP/W divers aren't too familiar with...

 

[doctormike]

Some of us actually put things in pockets on our BC's - a concept most BP/W divers aren't too familiar with...

Oh, no... pockets are awesome. I would never dive without them. It's just that the BC is not a great place for them.

Like, I carry my wallet and keys in my pants pocket. I don't have pockets sewn onto my shirt for that...

 

[Aqua-Andy]

Some of us actually put things in pockets on our BC's - a concept most BP/W divers aren't too familiar with...

The pockets in the Ranger are great, if you dive like a seahorse. The ranger pockets have a major design flaw, they open in an arc from the bottom front to the top back of the pocket. So what happens if you dive horizontal, the zipper actually opens from the bottom. Open a pocket from the bottom and see what happens to the contents.

 

[NWA395]

Own a Knighthawk I absolutely love it. I will say the pocket design is terrible and almost useless. You can fit something small in them, but even a back up light can be difficult to access. The zipper design on both sides in on the bottom.


You can always add a pocket, which is the direction I went

 

[fnog]

Own a Knighthawk I absolutely love it. I will say the pocket design is terrible and almost useless. You can fit something small in them, but even a back up light can be difficult to access. The zipper design on both sides in on the bottom.


You can always add a pocket, which is the direction I went

I recently bought a KnightHawk and brought it last weekend to a refresher dive. I had attached a diverite pocket on the camband strap where it leaves the plate, at the left backside position. The top of the pocket was maintained by an elastic bungee to the trim-pocket strap. This is definitely inconvenient to open and handle.

OTOH, I would not like a pocket that flaps about under the quick-release weights. And I am not tempted by a permanent modification such as glueing the pocket behind the QR male clip (plus I would not know what type of glue to use).

I would very much like some details on your pocket DIY job.
I am also considering wether to add small D-rings or eyelets, and a crotch-strap... any further advice is welcome.