Scubapro Hydros, Seahawk or S-Tek

[Globetrotter_1254]

Hi everyone

first time posting here but reading loot of the Threads, good place to learn new Infos

Relatively "new" Diver with about 90 Dives looking into getting my first own BCD to finally complete my equipment.

Mostly diving warm water (min 20°C but mostly 24-30°C) and so far Single Tank Recreational only. I am looking into TDI Advanced Nitrox & Decompression diving so probably will add a small pony bottle for the Deco Stops at the end.

Not looking into any more advanced Tek diving right now and if I need to buy a new Tec Setup in the future that is not the end of the world.

For now I am looking for a BCD that I can use for Single Tank Rec and probably light Deco Diving (15l Tank + pony) I can use for local dives here (tropical) and for travel by flight to different tropical destinations.
Also i needs to be a Wing Style (tried a BP/W before and i like the Wings).

Reason for Scubapro is, that its the only dealer in the area where I can go try the fit and solve issues if any.
Any other Brand I need to Order online, have it shipped (expensive) and pay import taxes on it; and in case of wrong fit or issues need to send it somewhere. Postal Services here are not the fastest. So I prefer to Support my local dive shop here and have things immediately (not waiting for 1-2 month for delivery+return)

So as I want a Wing Style / Back Inflated the options i see are the Hydros Pro, Seahawk 2 and the S-Tek with Pro Harnes (want easy fit and adjustment between Rashguard, 3 and 5mm wet suit) with a 30lb Wing.

Any one and input and recommendation between those regarding:

• easy to pack and travel (flights with checked luggage)
• buoyancy difference
• fit for my dive profile
• if S-TEK for warm water AL or SS?

Additional information, i am aware that S-TEK could support me for potential Twins in the futre but not SideMount (don't think they have an adapter set like the X-TEK) so if i want to go doubles and would be interested in SM i need a different Rig anyway; so for not that's not a killer criteria for me at the moment.
Also ignore the pice as a criteria (Hydros and S-TEK would be same price and Seahawk a bit cheaper) and i am aware that there are cheaper options on the global market but not in my area :-(

Already gratefull for any valuable input

 

[Jafo19D]

I have the SP Hydros and love it. It easily fits in the backpack that comes with it along with the regulator, mask and other miscellaneous items. I used to pack the fins as well strapped to the outside but now with the Seawing Supernovas I pack the foot halves in my checked back and the other half of the fins inside that backpack. It’s not at all hard to pack everything in that simple bag but it would be even easier and lighter if I used the travel strap instead of the integrated weights but so far I have never done that.

 

[BoltSnap]

I own the Hydros Pro and the SeaHawk 2. I plan to add the SP S-Tek to my technical diving collection in a few months. I keep my Tek and Rec gear separate.

I use the Hydros for local diving, Mediterranian, and SeaHawk 2 when I travel to warmer waters (Red Sea). I have used the Hydros when traveling to warmer water and the SeaHawk 2 in local diving with a thicker wetsuit. Both work fine in all recreational diving scenarios. I prefer the Hydros Pro overall, but not by a huge margin. The Hydros sticks to your wetsuit, so it doesn't move once you put it on and secure it with the adjustment belts. It also has more options for adding, changing, and/or replacing parts on the BC. You can change the front harness to a bigger or a smaller size if you lose or gain weight and need a smaller or bigger BC. I can use a 40cf tank with both, but I believe it is more stable with the Hydros.

Ultimately, if I had to choose between the two and could only have one, it would be the Hydros Pro. If I couldn't afford the Hydros, I would get the SeaHawk 2. It wouldn't be a catastrophe; the SeaHawk 2 is still a great, solid BC, miles ahead of similar BCs.

NOTE: The sizing of the two BCs isn't the same. The L in SeaHawk isn't the same as the L in Hydros. SeaHawk runs larger than the Hydros. You should try them both in person before you buy either.


I use a BP/W BC for technical diving; I would not use the Hydros Pro or SeaHawk 2 for that purpose.

 

[lexvil]

Hydros is a very nice b/c don’t know anything about the Seahawk. The S tek is a good backplate but not really a fan of the to soft webbing as it twists far to easy.

 

[Jake 10]

I own a ScubaPro Hydros and it has greatly improved my buoyancy ! Don't pay MSRP, look/shop around you can find them new (open package) at 40% less the MSRP price.

 

[fred32176]

I own a Seahawk 2 and did my OW training with a hydros pro.

For me the Seahawk 2 was the best combination of features. I love the huge pockets, the canvas slots for the weight pockets, the trim pockets and lots of D rings on the Seahawk 2. I can stash a, lot of stuff in the pockets like my DSMB, Jon line, camera, primary light, car key... lots of room. Being able to stash stuff in a pocket is great on entires and exits minimizing danglies. There isn't anything I don't like about the Seahawk 2. The tag on my Seahawk 2 says it has 190 N of lift (42.7 lbs).

I dive steel 100's in Florida (70 degree + water). Once in a while I will use an AL80. I wear sharkskin or rashguards and wore 3 mm wetsuit in the past.

The one thing I did not like with a hydros pro is the plastic material around the weight pockets. The plastic against the weight pocket on the hydros is more sticky than the canvas against canvas on the Seahawk 2.