Knighthawk versus Chute 3 -- pockets, travel size, etc

[scottm]

So I'm looking to buy my first BC. I don't anticipate doing any tech diving and prefer a back inflate model. I'm a new diver and plan on tropical/vacation diving a couple weeks per year, and some mid atlantic diving around wrecks (no penetration or technical stuff).

My LDS (who I'd like to purchase from, and who is willing to make a fair deal) has two models I like:

Scubapro Knighthawk
Oceanic Chute 3

Both are comparably priced, and both seem to fit well. The knighthawk might be a bit more comfortable, but it's hard to say and I'd like to try them both again. Salesman was pushing the Chute 3 as a better BC with more D-rings and pockets, he teaches in a chute 2 (a previous salesman was pushing the knighthawk, he dives a superhawk).

A couple differences I notice (and see from reading reviews on this board) are that the knighthawk lacks usable pockets (it has a roll down pocket that I don't see myself using to actually store anything in, seems more suitable for collecting or something). The Chute 3 has 2 smallish velcro pockets that would at least hold a safety sausage and backup light.

The chute 3, however, seems to be even bulkier then the knighthawk, which is somewhat of a concern as I will be traveling with it.

I guess I'm looking for more opinions from people who have compared the two, as well as insight into how much I'd likely miss the pockets if I went with the knighthawk....

 

[BIGSAGE136]

The Chute 3 is bulky but dives like a dream. I keep a flashlight, lobster net. shears,
slate and pencil in my pockets with no problem. If you get it get the smaller wing. The 60lb wing is way overkill.

If this is a travelling BC you may want to try packing them both and opt out whats best for you.

By all means dive both of them if you can.

 

[SHARKBAIT94]

Hello all,
i have a chute 3 it was given to me brand new my friend bought it BEFORE

 

[SHARKBAIT94]

Hello all,
I have a chute 3 it was given to me brand new. My friend bought it BEFORE he took the class and did not like scuba so he gave it to me and I’m still waiting to do my check out dives (Dutch springs or back bay in Belmar) and I have the same question. I like it. Fits like a dream in the buff or with my 7mm wetsuit on. So I wanted to see/hear any one else who uses the chute 3 and see what they think of it. For my self I like the fact that it has enough D-rings and the pockets are nice and big and not cumbersome and just floating around in the pool session it felt great. Again i/we can always use any info from divers who have/still use it and get some opinions about it.
thanks every buddy

 

[TwoBitTxn]

I have access to both. I have dove the knighthawk. It packs smaller than the chute and to me is more comfortable.

You won't miss the pockets. It's easy enough to clip stuff off.

TwoBit

 

[jkennedy]

Scuba pro Knight Hawk is the real deal. Packs better and is lighter and will work great with your Air 2 and your Pro 650 reg. Awesome gear.......

 

[Blueraven]

Knighthawk if you plan to fly and pack gear it is great for comfort also. I thought I would miss pockets but not at all. I do use the roll out for small stuff I find.

WW

 

[RoyN]

Knighthawk also. Piacks really small into my pack with spare rooms.

 

[Hoosier]

Knighthwak... SP knows how to make a BC.

 

[Darryl Bowerman]

If you really want to compare apples to apples. Take a look at the Oceanic Excursion. More comparable product to the Nighthawk. Next generation of Chute 3, lighter and packs better, not as bulky.

Darryl