ScubaPro Knighthawk and Trim Weights

[YukonJack]

I purchased a KnightHawk and expect it to be here next week. I'm newly certified and used jacket style BCs for my certification dives, so this is my first back flotation BC. I hear stories that these types of BCs put your face in the water on the surface, but this particular BC has trim pockets on the back that I can use to balance myself better. Can anyone elaborate on this? If I use them I calculate the weights into my overall weight needs correct?

Thanks,

Greg

 

[tridacna]

To me, the key is to use as little air as necessary on the surface. I use 2lbs in each trim pocket and have never found floating forward to be an issue.

Just remember rule one: Do not overinflate at the surface. That will definitely affect your posture. I would experiment with this in a pool before your first ocean dive.And yes, weights in the trim pickets count!

 

[WantSomeScuba?]

The trim pockets are on the side of the BCD, up against the tank plate, but not attached. Think of them like tank weights. Basically, the idea is to keep weight balanced around the tank (as opposed to, say, just a weight belt). Your trim weight is indeed factored into your overall weight.

Also, back inflates are going to push you on your face--try to avoid surface swimming and over-inflating. Nature of the beast.

Also, solid choice on the Knighthawk, it's definitely my favorite BC that's not a BP&W.

 

[YukonJack]

Thanks! I appreciate the advice. And it's good to know that the Knighthawk is a good choice

 

[RonMurray]

Been diving a Knighthawk for many years. I've also been diving back-inflate since the old days of the Watergill At-Pac when back-inflation was irrationally demonized by the industry. Even banned from dive boats.

Don't worry about it. You will find that the weight of your cylinder will largely offset the air in the wing at the surface. And it is very comfortable to float and swim on your back.

If you don't like it I will trade you a like new jacket BC.

In my opinion you have chosen wisely.

 

[ScubaWithTurk]

I own this BCD and love it. I carry 4 lbs in each trim pocket.

As for being pushed face first...yes it can and does happen however there is a way to eliminate that. Put in just enough air to keep you at the surface and then lean back a little like you are kicked back in a recliner. My instructor taught me this as he used to have the same BCD as I was struggling at the surface trying not to be shoved fast first into the ocean on my first ever OW dive.

Relax, do some work in a pool with it and I have a feeling you will love the BCD!

 

[YukonJack]

I'll probably get one OW dive (its a lake really) before I take it to Belize in June. Hopefully I can get a hang of it during that trip. Thanks for the advice!

 

[ScubaWithTurk]

I'll probably get one OW dive (its a lake really) before I take it to Belize in June. Hopefully I can get a hang of it during that trip. Thanks for the advice!

Don't stress about it buddy. It is super simple to get right. I just had no idea what i was doing so I put a ton of air in my bladder for the first dive.

You will do just fine and I hope you are able to post some pictures from your Belize trip. I have a goal of making it to Utila via Belize once I have finally reached instructor status.

 

[YukonJack]

Thanks!