question about new scubapro bc?

[digigirl]

Does anyone have any knowledge/information on the new Scubapro "Classic Air" intergrated weight bc, and in particular, about its new feature, the Integrated Inflation System (which includes their new Integrated Power Inflator).

I was going to get the "Classic Plus" integrated weight version (without the AIR 2) from last year that comes with the "Balanced Power Inflator" and noticed this new version bc on Scubapro's website and I can't figure out what this "Integrated Inflation System" is all about and how it differs from the "Classic Plus" Balanced Power Inflator.

(marketing hype?). :yuck:

Thanks!

 

[Walter]

Sorry, I haven't see it yet. I know the Classic has a cummerbund and padding on the back plate. These both create drag, not good features in current. The Sport has neither and is very streamlined. If you are dead set on weight integrated, you'll have to pass on the Sport. Personally, I'd go with a belt, it's much easier to work with than weight integrated.

 

[ppetross21]

i use more than 6 year scubapro stabilize bcd.i dont like to change it.i beleive is a good choice

 

[scuubaadoo]

as I understand it it is basiclly the clasic with the new inflator built into the left side of the jaket. Being a Cressi fan I would recomend you look to the Cressi new J series bc it uses a mechanical rather than pnuematic control which is simpler and offers more control and the controls are easier to use. As I remember on the sp you had the inflate and deflate on 2 different controls. Hope this helps and not just adds confusion.

 

[seaangel]

I have had the scubapro classic plus,( not Air 2) intergrated weight system for two years this June. I really like mine and would be lost without it. As for drag in current, the only time it has been a problem for me was on a dive in WPB last Labor Day. We were in a very strong current on our wreck dive and my BC almost came off, I was going over the deck railing the buckle caught and came open, then the current lifted my BC up, cumberbun came open and from there it lifted up pulling back. I was trying to hold on to the rail with one hand and keep on my BC with the other. Thank goodness for my buddy and our dive master they helped me get it together and tightened back on.

I have thought of adding the Air 2 as an upgrade, but I am still happy using my regulator and octopus set up.

 

[MaresMan1]

The new ScubaPro Classic A2 is ScubaPro's version of Mares Pegasus or Morphos AirTrim BC's. They are a simpler version of the HUB. I understand that SeaQuest is also about to release a verion of their own. Seems like BCs do evolve after all. I recently had a chance to play with the Pagasus and was very impressed. Easy to use and very streamlined. The Morphos is supposed to be even better. May have to put this one on my birthday list.

:mean:
DiveOn

 

[leadweight]

I have previously commented that 2 of the 3 big scuba manufacturers have introduced pneumatic inflation systems. Now the rumor is that the third is about to jump into the ring.

It is actually interesting that Scubapro would release a product that is incompatible with the Air 2. Well, marketing, planned obsolescence and hype are on the march. Fork over your $$.

 

[Genesis]

Anything to separate divers from their $$$.

 

[ElectricZombie]

I saw the new ScubaPro BC in question while flipping through the new catalog.

All I can say is what a piece of junk. If you are really set on the "Classic", try to get an older one without the crazy new gimmick.

ScubaPro makes great regs, fins and masks but that's all. Stay away from their BCs.

Someone told me that ScubaPro's patent to the AIR II design had expired or was about to expire...maybe that's why they came out with this new contraption. Getting rid of the AIR II is great, but not if this is what replaces it.

 

[leadweight]

I may be a bit suspicious of the Classic air because it is new, but I would not go so far to call it a piece of junk. It is certainly more complex than a standard Jacket, but the 1" hose is eliminated which is a delicate thing in and of itself. Perhaps some divers will find it easier to maintain proper bouyancy using this system. Many new divers find it difficult to completely empty their BC's and end up floating away.

As for Scubapro BC's, they are among themost durable and highest quality in the industry. Ask anyone who has run a rental operation and used both Scubapro and some other brand.