question about new scubapro bc?

[Genesis]

if someone offers me one to dive I'd give it a try, but I doubt I'd like it.

I'm very partial to my BP+Wing - and its not a "macho" thing. Its a trim and stability thing. My pack does NOT move on me during a dive, it is NEVER in danger of falling apart (or off), and it just "disappears" underwater. There's nothing in my way; I can see down my chest, see things at my feet, see in front of and around me. Nothing in the way.

I have a Scubapro Knighthawk too, by the way. If I have to dive a regular BC that's what I'd use. It has MOST of the trim advantages of the BP, but its nowhere NEAR as secure underwater, and the cummerbund does interfere with ventilation to some degree. It also interferes with vision to some degree too, and that's potentially more serious, especially for things clipped off on the bottom D-rings. But as BCs go, I like it.

I've tried a jacket BC a couple of times, and hated it. Hated the way it felt underwater, hated the trim, hated the way it fit.

If I find one that someone has, and they'll let me dive it, I'll try it.

I still don't see how you get around the argument of greater complexity - and risks - that it involves though.

 

[scuubaadoo]

...just another attempt by the evil big brother scuba manufacterers to seperate you from your money. Just like the spg was when it first came out (darn things will never catch on). If we all listened to you we would all make our own gear, never pay for classes, hell why bother with tanks they cost too much, and come to think of it if I don't stay down long I don't need a dry suit ( wow look how much I just saved ). And for a mask i'll take two bottle caps amd some clear plastic ( wholesale price , of course). you know genesis Ithink your on to something.

 

[Genesis]

what's the point of pneumatic controls?

They're definitely more complex than a pull dump - that's for certain. More to break, more things to leak, now you have two things that can get stuck and cause trouble instead of one, more to service (thus more cost on an annual), more specialized parts, etc etc etc.

My real question is "what do you get in exchange"?

I'm not one of those "minimalist zealots." I believe in things like wireless pressure gauges in many cases, and computers, for example. Why? Because they offer a DECREASE in system complexity while at the same time bring some increase. The net-net trade off looks reasonable to me. I'm not a strict DIR-style diver and never will be, for that very reason.

By the same token though I don't add complexity without purpose. There has to be a true functional advantage, and there also has to be something gained in the way of reliability for each additional complexity, otherwise for me at least it doesn't make sense.

I can buy whatever gadgets I want; I'm able to handle that. But that doesn't mean that they do anything for me. In the diving that I do, there is value to computers and wireless pressure transmitters, in that I often hunt underwater and there a quick glance at my wrist before I shoot that fish tells me if I have the gas for the potential upcoming fight - before I shoot. With a regular SPG I have to unclip and look - and this is one of those places you CANNOT GUESS, nor do you really have the time to jack around (or you will miss the shot!)

In a cave? I might think differently. Time is not as important there. 2 seconds is no big deal. It is when you're stalking a big grouper or AJ that you intend to make dinner out of.

That's the essence of the trade-off. I guess I can see it for a photog who finds value in never needing to bring his left hand up to manage trim adjustment. But for the rest of us? I don't know. Its a lot of complexity for little perceived gain as I see it.

 

[MaresMan1]

Genesis,

That's my whole point. It's not any more complex. The functions and parts that you have in a standard BC are still there in the Airtrim style BC (not talking about the HUB). Just moved to a new and (IMHO) better location. I am not kidding when I say that I can make trim changes quickly. I mean stop on a dime and give you nine cents change accuracy. That's what sold me. Trim in a flick of a finger fast.

Bottom line for me is in your earlier statement about your preferences. You do not like the jacket style BC. I love the feeling of the jacket. You like the versatility on the BP/W. I like the control of the Airtrim. That's what's so great about this sport. The versatility in style while still focusing on safety.

Like I said earlier, I was a big opponent of the HUB/Robocop BCD from the beginning (still am). But these new Airtrim BCs really do perform and improve. I have been diving since '92 (illegally, don't hate me) and have played with load of equip. I was really impressed with this new concept, no gimmick in my book. This one's for real and I am on the band wagon. Don't take my word for it, demo one for yourself (lot of shops are offering demo's in order to sell them).

 

[StilettoDriver]

While I haven't had the chance to dive the "Classic" , I'm very impressed with the ScubaPro "KnightHawk" and the "LadyHawk". My wife and I both dive ScubaPro and wouldn't think of anything else.
I judt don't think you can go wrong with their products.
TR

 

[raybo]

Genesis once bubbled...

I've tried a jacket BC a couple of times, and hated it. Hated the way it felt underwater, hated the trim, hated the way it fit.

Couldn't agree more. I dive a back inflate. Lot easier to trim out. Have yet to try the BP/Wing thing yet, though.

 

[Genesis]

I'll try one on if I can find someone who will let me dive one for a day without signing my life away to do so.

I doubt I'll like it though. If the trim is that "fast", I'd be even more concerned. I like a SLOW inflator. In fact I ripped the SP one off my Knighthawk (its one of those "oh ghod this thing is a fire hose!" speed ones) and replaced it with an inexpensive, generic, $20 SLOW one!

Different strokes I guess...

 

[MaresMan1]

Geneisis,

:balloon:

Don't you just love this sport?

:mean:

 

[digigirl]

Hey... I just wanted to thank you all for your input! Sorry to be MIA... I've been away on business since I posted the original post. I have a better idea of what's up with the new BC now, but I still don't know which one I'll end up with. I'll see if I can try one out, and I'll report back here with my findings.

 

[Indodive]

Continuing the discussion on SP BC and since there are quite a bit of praises on SP Knighthawk. Has anyone tried SP S-Tek (TravTek or RecTek) configuration??? Some people mentioned that this is a "not so good" clone of Dive Rite Transpac??? (i.e. Transpac wannabe). But as a matter of fact, I heard SP has bought out Dive Rite.

S-Tek is slightly cheaper than Knighthawk but comparable to Dive Rite Transpac with Rec Wing.

Cheers