Knighthawk vs. Recon vs. Chute 3

[asckar]

OK, so I'm in the market for a back inflation BC. I'm currently taking a buoyancy class with a DIR tech cave diver (instructor) who want's everyone to use only his gear (Backpack, wings, harness, seven foot reg hose, necklace octo, etc...) and I really like the back inflation and freedom of cumbersome material of the gear. But I don't want to spend thousands of $ on all new gear and, to be perfectly honest, all of my dive buddies dive with traditional BCD's (whether back inflation or jacket) and traditional dive configurations. So, whereas the course is extreamly interesting and I am learning a bucket load about controlling my buoyancy and trim, I just wnat a new back inlfation BC with plenty of lift, lots of steel D-rings and streamlined as possible. I have been looking at (on-line) three BC's, primarilly the Genesis Recon, Oceanic Chute 3 (I currently dive with a Probe) and Scubapro Knighthawk. Can anyone enlighten me on the pros and cons of each and which one they would recommend? Thank you all for your input.

 

[O.M.O.H.]

I vote all hands for Chute 3, however, it is no longer available from Oceanic. There is Chute's succesor though called Excursion. Please don't jump me for this but i have no interest whatssoever in the company that limits its distribution channels and put stiff controls on prices. Forthermore i am all for supporting local shops and and dealers, my buddy owns one even. But... So having said that i've always dismissed Scubapro products regardless my perfect understanding that they have one of the best products outthere.

Genesis is very good, but Oceanic in my very humble opinon is a just a tad better design. Sort of like Oceanic BC's are a small step up from the Genesis ones. Also Oceanic Excusrion is capable of diving doubles. (With the use of a bracket that is sold through dealers at about $90) And no matter what others might say about this I I know a couple of people who one dives Chute 3 the other one dives Excursion with double steel tanks regularly. I dive Oceanic Outrigger which is another fine BC.
Finally, Genesis and Oceanic products are a lot beter value that SP (i am gonna knocked for this) because they are both compare very well to SP, have same or better performance, very similar level of quality, but cost much less and available through a viery wide verity of channels. This final though in my book is one of the main criteria for any diver unless you are sponsored or you are the Shiek of Brunei or something.

Shameless Plug
Adam: I saw in your profile you are looking for a new computer... Well i have one for sale. Look for it on Ebay Item #130068250296

 

[Jim Baldwin]

OK, so I'm in the market for a back inflation BC. I'm currently taking a buoyancy class with a DIR tech cave diver (instructor) who want's everyone to use only his gear (Backpack, wings, harness, seven foot reg hose, necklace octo, etc...) and I really like the back inflation and freedom of cumbersome material of the gear. But I don't want to spend thousands of $ on all new gear and, to be perfectly honest, all of my dive buddies dive with traditional BCD's (whether back inflation or jacket) and traditional dive configurations. So, whereas the course is extreamly interesting and I am learning a bucket load about controlling my buoyancy and trim, I just wnat a new back inlfation BC with plenty of lift, lots of steel D-rings and streamlined as possible. I have been looking at (on-line) three BC's, primarilly the Genesis Recon, Oceanic Chute 3 (I currently dive with a Probe) and Scubapro Knighthawk. Can anyone enlighten me on the pros and cons of each and which one they would recommend? Thank you all for your input.

I dive with three BP/W setups two for singles and one for doubles. For less than $500 you can have an excellent setup from most of the major dealers who advertise and post on this board. A sleek design and places for four to six D-rings.

If you're staying open water you can dive a regular setup or go with a 5 foot hose. I dive a 7' and have no problems. Plus I pack a camera and two stobes along on almost ever dive.

With that said I have a Seaquest Black Diamond that's back inflation. It works good and handles well in the water. It's just not as sleek and I find myself using a couple of pounds to counteract all the material. I use it in the pool with students I just find the BP wing easier to maintain a horizontial position in the water and if you ever decide to dive doubles it's just a matter of either removing the STA or moving to a larger wing.