Stiletto or Lighthawk

[Jaeger62]

So I am looking at 2 used BCDs at prices I can afford and still allow me to pick up a wetsuit, light, etc.

There is a Zeagle Stiletto for $175 that looks to be in good condition. This looks more sturdy than the Lighthawk, but I don't know much about the ripcord system. The Zeagle only has the 1 shoulder dump valve as well, is this an issue?

The Lighthawk is $290 and is a 2016 model with the older model Air2 and also has the add on ditchable weight pockets. I did my OW course in the Lighthawk and that was my only gripe, not being able to get much weight in it. I have a new Scubapro octo reg, so really wouldn't use the Air2 as a reg. I'd probably look for a standard Scubapro power inflator if I went that route.

I will be diving 90% of the time on yearly vacations to Mexico in warm water.

 

[snowdog61]

I have used a Stilletto since 2010 - just got the GF a Ladyhawk so will assume it's fairly similar to the Lighthawk. AFA the shoulder dump - I'll use it initially on descent via internal pull if i'm not going in negative. During the dive, I only use either of the rear hip dumps (the bladder is a horseshoe). I believe the Lighthawk is a torus/doughnut so a slight roll will put the air onto the dump. My only comment about that additional shoulder pull is that I have seen the pull knob get hung around the strap and activated (trapped) during donning more than a few times to the surprise of the diver. Easily avoided but still......

Ripcord system makes the package a bit less bulky IMHO as there's no additional pockets/velcro/etc - just a zipper (just don't pull it as it is a pain to re-thread). There's 2 additional non-ditchable pockets in the back but they are low on the tank (wish they had put them high). I don't think you'll be disappointed in either. That said, they are both back inflate BCs so I wouldn't overlook a BPW....... if I had to do it over again.......

 

[Belzelbub]

I have a Stiletto that I've used for the past couple years. Also got my daughter a Lazer (discontinued ladies version of the Stiletto). Stiletto has held up well to several years of spearfishing, which is one of the reasons I bought it.

I also wanted the ripcord weight system, but it does require a bit more time to re-thread if you ever need to deploy it. But, that's not a big deal as it can be rethreaded in a few minutes. There are a couple benefits in my eyes to the ripcord system that the other solutions don't offer. You can dump both weight pockets with one hand. It's not hard to imagine where in an emergency situation you may have a hand occupied. A quick pull of the cord dumps both. Also, you don't need any proprietary pockets. They do sell "yellow thingies" to hold the weights together, but that's really not needed. Again, in the event of needing to dump weight, you can have your BCD ready to go with any weights. With the other system, you'll have to get replacement pockets unless someone has retrieved yours.

I've also heard plenty of stories where weight pockets released themselves with some of the other systems. If threaded properly, the Zeagle system is foolproof.

 

[GreggS]

Is there any reason other than price you are looking at these 2 BCDs. If that is your only factor, you can buy a brand new Aeris 5 Oceans for about the same price as the Zeagle you are looking at. Although this BC is now discontinued, here is a link to Coral Seas Adventures that still has some in stock. They have limited sizes available, but you don't say what size you need. Aeris 5 Oceans BC blue

My wife has this BC and really likes it. It is a back inflate with weight integrated pockets and trim pockets on the tank strap. It is compact and lightweight for travel.

Just thought I'd mention this to you in case you are interested.

 

[The Chairman]

The Zeagle Stilleto is an awesome choice. I dove one for years and would still be diving it if they hadn't come out with the Express Tech. All the benefits of a BP&Wing with no drawbacks. The weight dump is solid as a rock, yet easy to use. Add a crotch strap and you can't go wrong.

 

[BDSC]

I just bought a Litehawk last fall and have now dove it on two trips. One trip to Palau and one to Cozumel. I liked it so much that I just sold my SP Seahawk and will likely dive the Litehawk for many years to come. It's a great travel BC and weighs about half of what my Seahawk weighed. Not sure how much weight you need but it's absolutely no problem to get 16 pounds in it if you need to. A four in each of the back trim pockets and a four in each of the two small side pockets.

Mine has the AIR II. A really good quality BC from SP.

 

[Belzelbub]

One other thing about the Stiletto that I forgot to mention. Not exactly sure when they started it, but I'm pretty sure all Zeagle BCs now come with the BX coupler. This makes cleaning the inside of the bladder a simple task. On the corrugated hose, there is a threaded connection. You simply unscrew your inflator (or Octo-Z, etc.) and screw a garden hose on. When I clean it, I run a bit of Salt Away solution through the hose, then rinse with clean water after a few minutes.

Check the used one you are looking for to see if it has this type of connector.

 

[Jaeger62]

Too many choices!

 

[stuartv]

I'm a BP/W person, myself. I have never owned an integrated BCD and have not even used one since the last dive of my OW certification. That said... $175 for a Stiletto in good shape seems like a no-brainer, if you want an integrated BCD.

Is there any reason other than price you are looking at these 2 BCDs. If that is your only factor, you can buy a brand new Aeris 5 Oceans for about the same price as the Zeagle you are looking at. Although this BC is now discontinued, here is a link to Coral Seas Adventures that still has some in stock. They have limited sizes available, but you don't say what size you need. Aeris 5 Oceans BC blue

My wife has this BC and really likes it. It is a back inflate with weight integrated pockets and trim pockets on the tank strap. It is compact and lightweight for travel.

Just thought I'd mention this to you in case you are interested.

Coral Edge is my LDS and who I've done almost all my training with. If they don't have the size you want listed on their website, be aware that their in-store inventory is a separate database from their online inventory. So, if they don't have the size you want on their website, sometimes you can call the store and they have other sizes in stock in the showroom that they will still sell you for the price they have it listed for on the website.

 

[GreggS]

Good to know, stuart. I'll keep that in mind.

But I would imagine that the quantities shown for this particular BCD are accurate since this is a discontinued item. But you never know.