CCDeep
Guest
I used a zeagle ranger for several years. I've had a black diamond for about 5 years, and I just saw the knighthawk and was really impressed by it (while shopping for a halcyon backplate, which is what I ended up with.
The zeagle was comfortable, but I got very tired of how little structure it had. It was very hard to switch it from one tank to the next, especially on a small boat. This may (or may not) be a factor for you in travel. I also didn't like how it didn't have any pockets or other modern features, and I did not like the way the straps were held to the cummerbund with just black plastic sister screws. I actually had one break on me, the shoulder strap hit me in the face. I went to stainless, and ultimately, the grommet pulled right out of the cummerbund. Both sides. It just couldn't take my big tank, a low pressure 120, plus the integrated weights. They have probably improved the design by now, I bought mine in around 1990. But in any case, I had to do a lot of work on mine. It was the lack of structure in it that really frustrated me, though. I was much slower changing tanks than my buddies.
My black diamond has a lot of structure, and I do like it, but it's a very large draggy bc, lots of stuff on it. I feel like I am wearing too much stuff. It's never been the most comfortable, either.
The knighthawk is the pick of the litter, to me. Much more streamlined in front and in back. Great pockets, on the sides, out of the way. Put too much in the black diamonds front pocket, and you'll know if you ate too much lunch, it's in the way. The knighthawk's back plate has a bit of curve around the hip, it distributes load nicely. Wonderful tank bands. Nice looking inflator. And I really like the buckles on the weights. I have lost weights on the black diamond a couple times. Once the velcro tore off the pouch, once the pouch just plain dropped out on me (I was working really hard during a cleanup, really active in the water, and just lost a pouch with all the bouncing around I was doing).
The zeagle was comfortable, but I got very tired of how little structure it had. It was very hard to switch it from one tank to the next, especially on a small boat. This may (or may not) be a factor for you in travel. I also didn't like how it didn't have any pockets or other modern features, and I did not like the way the straps were held to the cummerbund with just black plastic sister screws. I actually had one break on me, the shoulder strap hit me in the face. I went to stainless, and ultimately, the grommet pulled right out of the cummerbund. Both sides. It just couldn't take my big tank, a low pressure 120, plus the integrated weights. They have probably improved the design by now, I bought mine in around 1990. But in any case, I had to do a lot of work on mine. It was the lack of structure in it that really frustrated me, though. I was much slower changing tanks than my buddies.
My black diamond has a lot of structure, and I do like it, but it's a very large draggy bc, lots of stuff on it. I feel like I am wearing too much stuff. It's never been the most comfortable, either.
The knighthawk is the pick of the litter, to me. Much more streamlined in front and in back. Great pockets, on the sides, out of the way. Put too much in the black diamonds front pocket, and you'll know if you ate too much lunch, it's in the way. The knighthawk's back plate has a bit of curve around the hip, it distributes load nicely. Wonderful tank bands. Nice looking inflator. And I really like the buckles on the weights. I have lost weights on the black diamond a couple times. Once the velcro tore off the pouch, once the pouch just plain dropped out on me (I was working really hard during a cleanup, really active in the water, and just lost a pouch with all the bouncing around I was doing).
I can't seem to find anywhere online that sells it, and the LDS wants around 900 dollars. I've checked Leisure Pro (they have the SuperHawk NT), Divers Direct, NE Scuba, Underwater Sports and several others, but nobody has it. Anyone know a place more inexpensive online place than the dive shops here?
