ScubaPro KnightHawk -- Surface positioning when inflated

[Contrast]

How is the surface positioning of the knightHawk when it is fully inflated at the surface? Do you do a face plant into the water?

 

[highdesert]

I don't have a Knighthawk, but a similar back inflator from Zeagle. You do not do face plant with a back inflator. You learn that your surface position is slightly different, and you sort of lay back on the wing like laying on a pillow. It's an adjustment that takes about 15 seconds the first time you experience it, then you forget about it.

 

[Contrast]

I don't have a Knighthawk, but a similar back inflator from Zeagle. You do not do face plant with a back inflator. You learn that your surface position is slightly different, and you sort of lay back on the wing like laying on a pillow. It's an adjustment that takes about 15 seconds the first time you experience it, then you forget about it.

Thanks one of the LDS that doesnt sell the knight hawk told me i would do a face plant. Seems like they were just trying to get me to buy something that they carry.

 

[djanni]

How is the surface positioning of the knightHawk when it is fully inflated at the surface? Do you do a face plant into the water?

Fully inflated... as with any back inflate, it will push you forward a bit, but "face plant," no. I think it would be unusual to have it fully inflated on the surface.

As already said it's pretty easy to lean back with a back inflate.

On the surface in very rough water where you need to get your head as high as possible, long surface swims or extended time periods on the surface would be situitions where a jacket style might have an advantage.

Obviously, there is a reason/solution behind the jacket style design. While on the surface is probably one of the reasons.

 

[PalatkaBoy]

I do have a Knighthawk and the weight of the tank on the back allows you to float upright just fine.

 

[wunat]

I do have a Knighthawk and the weight of the tank on the back allows you to float upright just fine.

When using a back inflation BC, you will either get pushed forward or will need to lay on your back. Placing the weights on the tank cam straps will help compensate and balance off the weight. This will allow you to stay vertical on the surface much easier. Don't use the rear weight pockets which comes built-in on many BC these days. That won't help. The weight will need to be on the other side of the air cell.

 

[427Dave]

I don't have a Knighthawk, but a similar back inflator from Zeagle. You do not do face plant with a back inflator. You learn that your surface position is slightly different, and you sort of lay back on the wing like laying on a pillow. It's an adjustment that takes about 15 seconds the first time you experience it, then you forget about it.

Ditto on Zeagle Ranger.

 

[RoyN]

Nope, never had a problem with face down. The knighthawk pretty much lets me lay on my back and I can go back stroke to where I want to go, unless I run into thick kelp or a seal.

 

[Scuba Cowboy]

If you need the BC fully inflated, you're overweighted! Just get used to sitting a little lower in the water, there's no need to be way out of the water. As long as your heads up, all is good!

 

[nivla80]

Nope.. I use back-inflates, and do not have the problem. The trick is, to inflate just enough so that you float comfortably in the water, and not having half your torso above water, as some divers like. Wearing weights as far back as possible helps too. I had no problems with staying upright at the surface, and i find that I don't even have to lean back at all.

Also, if it's safety concerns that you have, remember that a jacket BCD might very well place an unconsious diver in a face down position too. So, it all boils down to personal preference.

Good luck!

p.s. heard pretty good things abt the Knighthawk.