SeaQuest Black Diamond vs. ScubaPro Knighthawk

[Tanker299]

Hi all,

I've narrowed down my choices to these two BC's. I know I may be comparing apples to oranges (or kiwis) but I really like the feel of both.
Most of my diving will be in the North East US with the added bonus of a caribean trip once in a while.
I'm leaning towards the SeaQuest ... seems sturdier.

Any comments about either one? Positive/Negative?

Thanks !

Tanker299

 

[AlaskaDiver]

Husband has the black diamond. It is very sturdy. He loves it. It should be about your personal fit though.

 

[Tanker299]

Thanks AlaskaDiver
I did speak to several shops as well; I'm going for the Black Diamond

Tanker

 

[bolantej]

I have the Knighthawk and love it. It's very comfortable and streamlined. Not many pockets, though.

 

[diveprof]

I have dove them both.

Black Diamond- tough material, pockets, nice d rings, a bit bulky, better have a big dive bag to pack it as it is not the most compact BC for travel (better of putting it in the bag first, then putting in your wetsuit and other stuff, then closing the bc over it - so the bc wraps around everything). Try one on and make sure it fits. I ended up being between sizes.
KnightHawk - I own a Seahawk (previous incarnation of this BC) and was set to buy the Knight Hawk. It is a much lower profile than the BD. It packs easier. But no useful pockets (yeah a rollout, but not very useful). The older Seahawk had better pockets.

As you can see, both have pluses and minuses.

You could make the better decision (as I did since I didn't like the lack of pockets in the Knighthawk) and go with the backplate and wings. If you are doing singles, consider the lower lift 30lb wings (unless drysuit suit diving then maybe look at a little larger lift). I dive a 7mm jumpsuit and use a stainless steel BP with the Dive Rite Venture Wing - plenty of lift for this with a 100CF steel tank. I use the DR pockets (actually very useful pockets for their size). This setup is very tough, very streamlined and low profile. I like the adjustability and ability to adapt it to your needs (diving doubles, just add a larger wing). Oxycheck, Halcyon and Tobin (Deep Sea Supply) also make good products.

 

[AlaskaDiver]

My husband has been asking about the Halcyon backplate style too. I have the Halcyon one. I dive cold water and warm water and the backplate is quite sturdy and appropraiate for both. Key is that you must have a pocket for all your dangly stuff(lights, whistle etc). The Black Diamond has lots of nice pockets including a really big one. I made my own pocket on a wetsuit and had one added to my drysuit. My husband only dives warm water (1- 2 trips per year). For him the Black Diamond is perfect because he does not have to learn an entirely new set up for diving.