Knighthawk versus Zeagle Stilleto

[eeldlanor]

hi all,

i am looking for a back inflated bcd and kind of narrowed it down to two choices - the scubapro knighthawk and the zeagle stilleto. right now the my dilemma is that i have never tried either of them before. can i please get some advice on this? are there any other recommendations? i live in melbourne australia so dealer proximity for servicing would be a factor as well. Thanks!

 

[Arizona]

Of course try them on if you can. I like the Knighthawk as it is more compact. The Zeagle seems a bit tougher though.

 

[Big Toes]

how much lift do you need? compact is good but if you can't get the buoyancy... scubatoys (here in the us) has a contract with zeagle to provide a smaller buoyancy package with better lift. i'm not an expert on this but may want to try contacting them...

 

[John_B]

how much lift do you need?

I was under the impression that you only need enough lift to offset your wetsuit compression at depth (which can never be more than the amount of lead needed to sink it at the surface); or to comfortably float the rig -- without you in it -- on the surface.

I was going to check the Zeagle website to see what the differences in lift were, but their new Flash-based website doesn't seem to be compatible the version of Firefox I'm running.

 

[eeldlanor]

thanks big toes. i will be using these bcs for single tank recreational diving so am after lift of about 35 lbs which i think both bcs will not have a problem providing.

 

[scubadada]

I have about 200 dives on my Knighthawk. Mostly warm Caribbian diving but about 30 dives in cold water, wet suit dives in San Diego. The BC is comfortable and fits great. I frequently carry a 19 cu ft pony effortlessly. Good luck in your choice.

Good diving, Craig

 

[gedmondson]

I have used both. They are both top quality back inflate BCD's. I like how the Zeagle fits a little lower on my body and, contrary to a post above, I find it much more compact than the Knighthawk. However, I prefer the pocket pocket accessibility/capacity and the integrated weight system used on the Knighthawk. I own the Stilleto with no regrets.

 

[driftwood]

I have a Ranger with a couple hundred hours on it and it still functions like new.

Now let me tell you what I like about the Knighthawk when compared to the Ranger. First, the shoulder straps are stiffer which make getting into it easier. Second, a much better arrangement for weights. Third, the tank strap that Scubapro uses is one of the best in the business (I replaced my Zeagle tank straps with a Scubapro). Fourth, minor, but it is nice to had a top dump valve on your right shoulder. Fifth, better pockets for weights to trim your bc.

Now for the Ranger (same bc as the Stileto but with better materials and flexibility). Zeagle has better pockets on the bc and with the accessories they offer you get a lot of flexibility in how you configure your rig. Zeagle uses modular construction so that is is very easy to change components to fit your body. For example, if you have a short torso, stick a small shoulder strap assembly on a medium bc. If you need to change the amount of lift your diving requires, you can change the bladder assembly. On any of the Zeagle cummerbund you can get 6" of adjustments.

I am completely pleased with my Ranger and have no reason to look at replacing it. If I did, the Knighthawk would be at the top of my list as an alternate. For my perfect bc, use the Scubapro shoulder and tank straps, add a dump valve on the right shoulder, move the pockets on the Zeagle a couple of inches forward.

You will not go wrong with either choice.

 

[gedmondson]

With respect, driftwood is mistaken in his comparison of the Ranger and Stilleto. They are quite different designs. The Stilleto is much more streamlined and compact compared to the Ranger. It is NOT just a matter of materials. The bladder on the Ranger is 44lb, the Stilleto is 35. Also, there is a BIG difference in the pocket size between the two models.

 

[driftwood]

Thanks for the correction. For the purpose of the OP, the two BC's are essentially the same. I should have added an adjective in my post.