Scubapro Package

[jjach]

I have been researching dive equipment since I got certified several months ago. I have been religiously reading scuba board, trying to get as much info as possible. I have been to about half a dozen dive shops talking to them about their equipment, and of course what ever they sell is the best for the money. So today I went back to the dive shop where I got certified, a scubapro dealer. They have a package that they have been pushing me to buy.
Knighthawk BCD
MK17/R395 Regulator
Aladin Prime 3 w/Q.D. all for about $1550.00
I like the BCD, and the mk17 first stage. I am a little concerned about the second stage. From what I have read here and in the scubapro book it is a lower end second stage. Would I be better off upgrading to a better second stage. I should include that I plan on diving quarries in Illinois, hopefully Lake Michigan, and 2 trips a year to the warm waters of the Caribbean. No cave diving or wreck diving, yet. Also is that price reasonable for the Chicago area or can I get a better price.
I am not buying just for myself, my wife is also newly certified, so double the price. I want to stay on good terms with this LDS because they are very helpful and just good people, but I also don't have unlimited funds so I want the most bang for the buck.
Thanks

 

[goodeatsfan]

IMHO the Regulator is gonna be fine. Its still a great reg, loads of folks are still using the older and (lower range) R190's and still love 'em. Not familiar with the nighthawk but the aladdin prime is serious gold on the wrist. Again, it's just my opinion.

I don't know about pricing in your area, but from where I'm at, the price sounds just about right for a package deal.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

The Knighthawk is a very good back inflate BC and the MK 17 R395 is a solid performing regulator.

The Mk 17 is an exceptional first stage and is ideal for both cold water use and dive travel as it is fully sealed, easy to rinse and bullet proof in cold water.

The R395 has been discontinued, but it is preferable to it's non flow vane equipped R295 replacement and both use the same internal parts and unbalanced donwstream poppet. If properly adjusted they are capable of delivering good (not great but good) performance. To take full advantage of the Mk 17's performance it is best paired with a balanced second stage.

Scubapro packages the Mk 17 with the S555 and X650 balanced second stages. The S555 is more or less an R395 with a better performing balanced poppet, while the X650 uses a similar balanced poppet in a differrent case that allows for slightly smoother airflow.

But your SP dealer can order a Mk 17 for you with any SP second stage. Personally The Mk 17 G250HP and Mk 17 S600 make the most sense to me as regulator combinations. Both share the same balanced poppet as the S555 but have a diver adjustable inhalation knob. They differ in that the more expensive S600 uses a smaller case than the G250HP, but both give identical performance.

I am not a big fan of any Uwatec computers. In my experience, they seem to need to go back to the facotry for service a lot, although Uwatec has finally caught up with the rest of the industry in terms of using user replaceable batteries. They are however still over priced for the features they offer.

My advice would be to invest in the reg and BC you prefer and then look at a less expensive Sherwood or other brand of pelagic computer offering a console mount and nitrox capability.

If you may be tech inclined, a two gas computer may be a good idea (like the Aladin Tec) but for not much more money you could get a trimix capable computer. Although in all reality, you will be diving tables and using the computer only for backup if you are an intelligent and properly trained tech diver. In that case an SPG and depth gauge are more than adequate to back up an automatic bottom timer, so I'd still recommend a basic nitrox computer in a 2 or 3 gauge console.

Another consideration if you may be tech inclined would be to consider a BP/Wing rather than a Knighthawk as the BP/wing would not be obsolete overnight if you go the tech route. The BP/wing approach is also very modular and adaptable to whatever type of divng you do and it is very travel freindly if you go with an aluminum backplate.

Another option if you are tech inclined, would be a rec/tech crossover BC like the Geneis Recon which at least offers decently placed and suitably strong D-rings for tech use. Many tech instructors will not be thrilled with it, but it will get you through advanced nitrox and deco procedures courses.