Scubapro BC's

[jim2386]

Hey guys,

Just looking for a new scubapro BC. I've been looking at the classic sport, glide plus, and the classic plus.

My old scubapro BC is a bit too small now (I've had it since I was 14-15 and I'm 23 now.....yeah....I didn't grow much ). I can't figure out what model it is, it's black with blue accents and yellow piping but it just says "scubapro" on the pockets. Anywhoo, it was a wrap around inflation unit, not the rear inflation type. It also has a padded back which is very nice. Finally non adjustable shoulder straps (kind of made it hard to wear when I was young but I grew into it )

Anyway, I'd rather not take a step backwards when buying a new BC. I'd at least like to have the padded back, wrap around inflation and a cumberbund that expands and contracts depending on depth. I know the classic plus is more expensive but I was wondering if anyone had used the glide plus and if the adjustable shoulder straps help and was it good underwater? I'm used to having around around the shoulders since I didn't have adjustable shoulder straps on my old BC. How much will I notice the difference in bouyant forces or is it so close it wouldn't matter and just be a better fit becuase of the straps?

Finally...what happened to color? Back in 2003-2004, there were yellows, blues, reds etc. Now...black. I guess I can live with that If anything I can be extra stealthy in my black fin, black wetsuit, black BC to take out underwater infiltrators or something . Radar will never catch me

I'd appreciate anyone's input who have used any of these models. Likes, dislikes etc. If I'm gunna drop $500ish, I'd like to make a good choice and not buy something, jump in the water and realize my old BC would have been much better.

Thanks!
Jim

 

[Headers]

If you are wanting a Scubapro, look at the Knighthawk. Good BC, with back inflation. Makes getting into that nice horizontal position easier under water and eliminates the squeeze of a jacket type. I'm sure there are lots of critiques all over the board for this BC. I have a knighthawk that I've only dove a couple of times and a poseidon Besea that I have several dives in, both are back inflation and both work well. The biggest difference I can see is that the scubapro does a better job of keeping the bladders streamlined. The Besea is almost infinitely adjustable and there is no sizing, you can adjust everything to fit just right. I like the integrated weight pockets on the scubapro better than the Besea.

Black equipment has taken over the world, it seems.

 

[LGH]

If you want a jacket style BCD (as opposed to a rear inflation "wing style" BCD like the Knighthawk), try the Scubapro T-Force. I recently bought one and I am very pleased with it. It is really nothing special - it is a very traditional jacket - but it works well for me and I think it looks great too.

 

[D_B]

I had the Glide Plus with blue trim and (without having worn anything else before) like the adj straps, and it seemed to be fine underwater too
But ... I exchanged mine for the Knighthawk (LDS was nice) when the jacket style squeezed me too much on our 2 to 300 yard surface swims out deeper water where we drop down.
Note: I did not notice any squeeze under water, and I loved having those pockets for my light, mirror, and stuff (and the solas reflective piping too) .. so, depending on where/what kind of diving you do, the Glide Plus might be great ..
I know that I like my Knighthawk though, and it does not push you face forward on surface, just tilt back a little like in a chair, and using a little less than full inflation helps too .. oh and I love the "backpack" feel to it on those long treks accross the desert .. I mean beach

 

[Walter]

Padded backs and cummerbunds add to drag, increase your air consumption, and make your dive more difficult without adding anything to your comfort in the water. Padding also increases the amount of lead you need to carry. The best BC currently on the market is the Scubapro Classic Sport.

 

[jstbecauz]

I was using a Scuba Pro Glide, but ended up purchasing a Scuba Pro Classic, I think I will like it more, it doesn't have the adjustment straps but has extra inflation. Have not had a chance to use it yet, no one will dive this time of year I guess.

 

[vladimir]

I have the Classic Plus and I would take Walter's advice if I were replacing it. The Classic Sport looks cleaner, lighter, and more streamlined to me.

 

[RoyN]

Its really your choice on it. For my, my knighthawk is working fine for me. But if I had extra money, I would buy the classic plus integrated weight but then having the whole thing squeeze me seems to push me away . But yeah, scubapro makes one of the best BC.

 

[Oriskany Divemaster]

i had the classic for years and I never really liked it. I started using the Knighthawk and can't imagine going back.

 

[UaVaj]

Just looking for a new scubapro BC. I've been looking at the classic sport, glide plus, and the classic plus.

I am also considering these 3 exact same BC.

If there is any other brand that offers all three: (1) integrated weight (2) stabilizing bladder design and (3) a less cluttered chest area?

Only if the classic sport had integrated weight. It would be the perfect BC for my intended use.

What is the advantage/disadvantage of using a weight belt vs integrated weight?