Scubapro Knighthawk BC

[kanonfodr]

Dove the knighthawk several times (renting). It's a great BC all-around, with some nice features. I just had a problem getting stable with it, since I normally dive jacket-style BCs. One of the guys in my OW class bought that the 3rd day of class.

Peace,
Greg

 

[Splash-X]

The Knighthawk is a nice BC. It was the first one I owned and I was happy with it. My main gripe with it was that the rear bladder causes you to be front heavy (the feeling of falling over ) while on the surface. Nothing that one could not easily get use to. My other complaint was that this BC is difficult with underwater photography. You have to be in the right position or you feel very awkward.

Other than that the BC was great. Being that I like underwater photography I decided to upgrade to a jacket style that allows me to shift in to any position with ease and stay there. I still dive a rear inflate BC (OMS) when I'm diving just for the fun of it and not shooting pictures.

 

[NorthWoodsDiver]

My first BCD was a knighthawk. I did less than 50 dives (half season) and switched to a backplate and wing.

 

[diver_dj]

The Knighthawk is a nice BC. It was the first one I owned and I was happy with it. My main gripe with it was that the rear bladder causes you to be front heavy (the feeling of falling over ) while on the surface.

That's a common complaint of people who are new to rear inflated BCDs. The solution is to not put so much air into it. You only need enough to stay afloat.

 

[Splash-X]

That's a common complaint of people who are new to rear inflated BCDs. The solution is to not put so much air into it. You only need enough to stay afloat.

I do agree but IMO the Knighthawk performs alot different in that manner than my OMS or other rear inflates I've used. Just a personal observation is all. Could have been the fit or something else. I ended up selling it to a friend who was taking classes and they enjoy it now.

Nothing wrong with rear inflates at all just depends on what type of diving you are doing and whats comfortable to you.

 

[neojava]

A few weeks ago I was going through the same decision making process. It was time to replace my Scubapro classic that I bought used after I got certified. The first BC I looked at was the Knighthawk. It's a great BC and people like it. There were a couple of drawbacks. There aren't real pockets. Normally I like to stash some stuff in my BC like an extra flashlight. It's hard on the KnightHawk. Also the BC seemed kinda bulky. It does not look like something that packs well.

I ended up ordering a Zeagle Stiletto from ScubaToys. It has great design, features, pockets, and packability. One of the cooler features is a quick disconnect for the BC inflator. The BC inflator screws onto the BC using a standard garden hose thread. So when you get home you can unscrew the inflator and attach a hose and flush the BC bladder. It's a whole lot simpler than the aerobatics I had to go through to clean my Scubapro classic.

I was particularly impressed with Zeagle's service. If you check out the Zeagle manufacturers forum and read some of the posts they really seem to care about the customer. It's nice to know that if you have a problem or question you can talk to someone. Also the owners really seem to like them. They reminded me of Mac users, they had the same loyalty.

Both are great BCs and I'm sure either will work out.

Cheers,
Adam

 

[djanni]

A few weeks ago I was going through the same decision making process. It was time to replace my Scubapro classic that I bought used after I got certified. The first BC I looked at was the Knighthawk. It's a great BC and people like it. There were a couple of drawbacks. There aren't real pockets. Normally I like to stash some stuff in my BC like an extra flashlight. It's hard on the KnightHawk. Also the BC seemed kinda bulky. It does not look like something that packs well.

I ended up ordering a Zeagle Stiletto from ScubaToys. It has great design, features, pockets, and packability. One of the cooler features is a quick disconnect for the BC inflator. The BC inflator screws onto the BC using a standard garden hose thread. So when you get home you can unscrew the inflator and attach a hose and flush the BC bladder. It's a whole lot simpler than the aerobatics I had to go through to clean my Scubapro classic.

I was particularly impressed with Zeagle's service. If you check out the Zeagle manufacturers forum and read some of the posts they really seem to care about the customer. It's nice to know that if you have a problem or question you can talk to someone. Also the owners really seem to like them. They reminded me of Mac users, they had the same loyalty. Both are great BCs and I'm sure either will work out. Cheers, Adam

That's similar to the story of my first BC puchase. My LDS carried Scubapro and yet I was also considering Zeagle. I had almost decided on the Knighthawk but the pocket design was holding me back. We were diving in Hawaii and getting our AOW Cert while there. Our Instructor used a DiveRite BP/W. During the trip a couple joined us on the boat and were using Zeagle Rangers. Our Instructor gets all bubbly and starts talking about Zeagle products. He said he was getting a Ranger for himself. Couldn't wait as he would be using it next week. He said it's time to shed this backplate for something better and he thought Zeagle was the best made and best designed BC's on the market. That single comment influenced my decision the most and I bought a Stiletto from Scubatoys the week we got back. It's a great BC!!!

I'm sure the Knighthawk is a great one too.

 

[Splash-X]

[Knighthawk]There were a couple of drawbacks. There aren't real pockets. .......

[Zeagle Stiletto] One of the cooler features is a quick disconnect for the BC inflator. The BC inflator screws onto the BC using a standard garden hose thread. So when you get home you can unscrew the inflator and attach a hose and flush the BC bladder.

EXACTLY why I suggest people shop around at different dive shops before deciding on a brand and a model. These little extras you describe make a HUGE difference after the fact. Its much better to find these things out by renting, shopping around or asking on the forum then showing up on a dive boat with new gear and end up envying the person sitting next to you.


My Knighthawk was the 2008 model. It did have a small zipper pocket on the bottom to store a bottle of "spit" or such. Nothing big enough for a flash light really. I say this because my wife was upset that her Ladyhawk did not have one but the Knighthawk did.

 

[merxlin]

I use a Knighthawk for my everyday BC (3+ years old, 200+ salt water dives, still looks new) and love it, but bought a Stilletto to travel with. It packs much better. And I have never had to readjust my BC after being upside down for photos. And I only feel slightly "face forward" on the surface with the bladder completely inflated, which isn't necessary. Although if you do you can lay up on it like a raft! With care it will perform for years and years for you. BUT, make sure it fits you and the type of diving you do.

 

[Splash-X]

I have never had to readjust my BC after being upside down for photos.

My comment about photography is more geared towards a jacket style full wrap being able to transfer the air in the BC to any position you move to, not just upside down. I fine a jacket style much easier to work with when shooting photos. That isn't to say a Knighthawk can't do a good job, because it will. I just liked a jacket style better for that purpose.

Personal preference is the key.