Zeagle Escape Vs. Scubapro Knighthawk

[SoCal Scuba]

I'm looking to get my first BCD because I'm tired of renting all the time. I know I want a back inflate but I am having a hard time deciding which one to go with. I like Zeagle because as far as I know they are made in the US. I can get a Zeagle Escape for $400 which is a great deal, I've also been looking at the Scubapro Knighthawk which is a little bit more but looks like less of a travel BCD. Does anyone have thoughts on either of these BCDs? I'll be mainly diving around Southern California but may travel once a year for some diving in warmer waters.

 

[ColinB]

I haven't used an Escape, but I own a Knighthawk, and I've been very happy with it. I find it very comfortable. It's not small, so it will eat a lot of room in you pack if you travel with it, but for ocaisional trips I don't think it's a big deal. An alternate I would recommend looking at is the Seahawk from Scubapro, which has a similar fit to the Knighthawk, but has better pockets. I haven't dived one yet, but I know several people who use them and are very happy with them.

good luck w/ the decision,
-c

 

[IDS3]

I have dove with the Knighthawk for many years. The weight system is very easy to use, even on a rolling, pitching boat. It has travelled with me all over the world and I have never found it's size to be a problem.

 

[claymore]

Look into the Zeagle Express Tech. It travels very well, light compact, is very customizable, comfortable and inexpensive. Add some D rings and XS Scuba and or Zeagle weight pouches on the webbing and you are set to go for about $300 with the 24# wing, add a few bucks if you get a bigger wing when you order it which may be appropriate for your So. Cal location.

 

[Hatul]

I use an older model of Escape which is more like the current Stiletto. I think the parachute system of the Stiletto is preferable to the Velcro of the Escape.

Adam

 

[SoCal Scuba]

Thats all great info, I also just stumbled upon the Zeagle Brigade, looks to me like the best of both worlds. I'd love any input before I buy.

 

[PiranhaChris]

I dove pretty much all the back inflates out there and you gotta go Knight (or the new Sea) Hawk. I defiantly have to say the top 2 are the Scubapro Hawks or the Aqualung Balance.

If you're looking for a Travel, Aqualung Zuma. Only problem I've heard is it doesn't give enough lift for bigger divers. If you're bigger then the Cressi Travellight (although it's a Jacket inflate) or the LightJac (Light back inflate).

 

[BKP]

If you're looking for a Travel, Aqualung Zuma. Only problem I've heard is it doesn't give enough lift for bigger divers.

???
I don't follow you with this... The extra lift comes in handy if you're diving doubles or big LP tanks, or going deep in cold water with lots of lead and neoprene. Has little to do with the size of the diver. If you're going recreational, with single 80's or HP 100's, you're fine with a nice 20lb. or 30lb. donut that won't taco.

I have an old Zeagle Escape (love it for travel), a DiveRite TransPac and Voyager wing (which rolls a bit more than the Escape), and I'm looking at the KnightHawk (never had a need for huge pockets -- you should be able to clip your accessories, unless you need to stow a snap snorkel or 2nd mask, in which case I'd suggest a thigh pocket). I also don't need the extra lift of the SeaHawk. Going to test out the KnightHawk come spring. I tried BP/W, and prefer the comfort and convenience of the full back-inflate BC's. If I decide to go doubles I'll go back to the BP/W's. The Zeagle Stilleto or Brigade are also excellent choices. Zeagle's service is fabulous.

My $.02.

Enjoy...