Q. Black Diamond / Libra or Knighthawk / LadyHawk

[aymanme]

Hello, I am new here and we are purchasing new equipment.
We have looked at the knighthawk and ladyhawk as well as
the black diamond and libra as we both like the back flotation
as well as the dealers in our area for these.

The question really is about benefit vs. cost. The black diamond
is about 200 more than the knighthawk when you add in the
integrated octopus. For the libra vs. ladyhawk it is only about 100 more. We would like to purchase both from the same
dealer. We actually plan on purchasing 2 mens and 1 womens,
so the difference total is about $500. There are no dealers
in our area that do both, so it is difficult to get an objectiive
comparison.

Do people have a preference of one or the other. Is there
something about the black diamond that warrants the extra
cost? How about the libra vs. the ladyhawk.

Thanks

 

[Dryglove]

Tough choice

All of those are great BC's.I think the scubapro ones have the advantage of being more streamlined due to bladder design and the weights use buckle instead of velcro.But then again the black diamond holds more weight if your a cold water diver.I didnt realize the black diamond cost so much more than a knighthawk.I have used a knighthawk for a while and like it except for one thing.It only holds 30lbs of weights.But now i use LP95 tanks and the weight is sufficient now.You have some tough choices ahead as i would be more than happy to dive with both.Have you checked into a halcyon pioneer setup?I think it would cost more than both of those two especially using integrated weights but is a great setup.If your interrested check out www.halcyon.net.Also check out http://www.fifthd.com/h2oadventuregear/index.html

Just a word of warning your gonna fet a lot of flack here about air integrated octos(Air2).The preferred method is to bungee your safe secong under your chin.Do some research and ask plenty of questions before you go out and buy.

 

[MNScuba]

Scubapro probably has the best tank strap in the industry as well. I really love my Knighthawk.

I went with the Air2 as well. Works just fine for me!

 

[scubagatorgal]

the Ladyhawke and love it. I also have a Diva which I gave to my newly certified daughter. We fight over the Ladyhawke as her instructor foolishly let her use one in class and now she wants one too! Spoiled brat...

 

[raviepoo]

...and although I liked it at first, I now regret the purchase. It's fine for warm water diving. But I have started diving in the NY/NJ area and I've found that I really should have a BC with more lift. The Libra has only 36 lbs of lift.

It doesn't have enough D rings for attaching gear. The single, retractible pocket is awkward and insufficient.

On the plus side, it's really comfortable to wear and it seems to be holding up well to my abuse.

 

[greyface]

Ditto what MNScuba said!

 

[wch]

Ditto what Greyface said!