ScubaPro T-Black....

[kbrembo]

G'day

I am a "joe average" diver living in West Australia and just got back into diving

I am looking at new gear and today tried a 2007 Scubapro T-Black

Can't find any reviews on it....Any one seen or used it.

The T-Black felt very comfy and seemed well constructed.
I have been looking at the oceanic Probe LX and seaquest PRO QD+

The Scubapro Package was very well priced and came with MK17 R395 reg and air2 which I did not like. It also included a Suunto Cobra for total $2500 australian.

Any opinions on the MK17 and R395. Only other reg I have tried is the TITAN XL

Any opinions welcome.

Thanks in advance

Keith

 

[asckar]

I currently dive the Oceanic Probe and I like it a lot but am now in the market for back inflation. Problem with the Probe is that when inflated, like most jacket BC's you get the squeeze and also the pockets are a little hard to get into. I don't know anything about the SP model your talking about but I did try on the SP Knighthawk. The Knighthawk is a very popular and comfortable back inflate BC. I am also considering the Genesis Recon which will allow me to grow a bit and even add doubles in the future (I know I'm crazy but I prefer a BC over bp/w - it's just a personal choice). As for the Suunto Cobra, I just bought a Viper (the Cobra's big brother) and I really like it alot - big numbers and eazy to use with just a quick glance at the instructions. Decided to go for a wrist unit rather than console.

Anyway, hope this helps. Good luck with your decision and safe/happy diving.

 

[RoyN]

Probably want to try out back and jacket BC in the pool with an instructor and see which one you like best. As a beginner myself, I was into the looks, style, and coolness of the BC and when it worked, it wasn't that comfortable especially a jacket style BC which lead me to choose the knighthawk instead. For the computer also, might want to ask them to let you test it in the pool along with the regulator. Sure it looks like a great wonderful deal, but I think its best to do some research and check out other gears before shelling out the money.

 

[MarkUK]

We just did a group test of BCDs and the T-Black was in the top-priced bracket. It came out very well with our testers (in fact, one liked it so much they bought it!). It is an evolution of the Glide 2000 jacket, which was a good BCD in itself, and has plenty of lift, is comfortable, doesn't make you feel too cluttered around your front, you can actually access the pockets when you are wearing the jacket AND using the integrated weights, the power inflator is one of the best on the market, and it looks good too!

Mark

 

[kbrembo]

Thanks...I bought the T-Black AIR2,scubaproMK17&R395,Scubapro 5mm wetuit,suunto cobra.......I will let you know how it all peforms!!!

Is it true scubapro is still made in Italy?

Thanks

Keith

 

[drew52]

Yes. They have factories in Italy and the States.

 

[MarkUK]

They do have a US and an Italian base, although it was interesting to note that when I tested the Knighthawk – a US-jacket that has now been run-out worldwide – it said 'Made in Mexico'...

Mark

 

[scubadejan]

Hi Kbrembo...
I want to buy the Scubapro T-Black BDC? How are you satisfied?

 

[LGH]

Hi Kbrembo...
I want to buy the Scubapro T-Black BDC? How are you satisfied?

I owned a ScubaPro T-Force - very similar to the T-Black - until a few weeks ago. I was quite pleased with it, but it required more lead to weigh me properly than with any other BCD I have used. It feels a little "lifty" in the water. Quality is good and I like the ScubaPro inflator too (not all people do). Also, the weight system is one of the few ditchable weight systems that actually work without being overly complicated. It's simple and it works, and I have never dropped a weight pocket with this BCD.

I also think the T-Black adds a lot of "fluff" that doesn't really do anything to enhance your diving experience, so if you can find a T-Force I suggest you go for that model instead.

Finally, I wouldn't recommend the T-Force or T-Black for use with a drysuit since at least the T-Force requires a lot of lead. In warm water diving where you're likely to use aluminium tanks, wetsuit and a lot less lead it doesn't really matter much.