Zeagle Stiletto Vs. ScubaPro Knighthawk

[JackSpearo]

I came very close to buying the Knighthawk, but I've read that many people don't like the fact it's hard to dump the air from the bladder. So I started looking at the Stiletto...and now I'm drawn between two BCs!

so after reading as much as I could about both of them, I thought I would specifically ask which do you all prefer and why?

I'm looking for a light, travel BC for warm water use...

thanks

Jack

 

[CompuDude]

The Stiletto is smaller and travels better.

It's also a VERY well-regarded BC. (As is the KnightHawk.)

Given your stated needs, however, is seems the first points should settle the issue.

The Zeagle also has a better warranty. It will be harder to find warranty service worldwide, however.

 

[Splitlip]

Zeagles are modular. You can get a wings from I believe 25 # and up.
The Knighthawk for anything above exta small only comes with something like a 47# wing.
package trying to cover an entire range of divers and gear configurations I guess.

 

[jsmharley]

I have the Knighthawk and so far have not had any problems venting the wing. It is very comfortable while diving, but I have also heard very good things about Zeagles.

 

[MBH]

Hard to dump air from the KnightHawk???

I have a KnightHawk and it has a left shoulder air dump, An inflator hose pull dump, a right shoulder air dump, and a right bottom air dump. For a BC it can't get much easier than that!

 

[scubajcf]

Both are good BCs.
Why aren't you considering other BCs?

 

[JackSpearo]

I dunno...I just want a back inflate, and something with some pockets for my underwater camera and/or something else...

BP/Ws are so confusing...I have no idea where to start with those, all these pounds, and all this harness stuff...it's just complicated for a noob like me

so I thought I would get the Zeagle, because everyone says it's great and durable, plus the warranty rocks my socks off...

 

[SharkDZ]

I dunno...I just want a back inflate, and something with some pockets for my underwater camera and/or something else...

Also consider the Mares Icon. It's back inflate with right/left side air dumps along with the lower right location on the back. The ability to fold it in a compact manner is a cool feature along with the releasable weight pockets that slide in easily. Only one pocket however, but I usually just clip my camera to one of the many D rings.

 

[Rhino_Portland_Oregon]

I struggeled between the Knighthawk, and the Zeagle Ranger LTD. I ended up with the Zeagle, and couldnot be happier. It is the best BC I have ever owned. The quality is outstanding, and so it the comfort. There is no doubt that scubapro is a great brand, and VERY out there, but I would not trade my Zeagle.....

Good luck with your decision...

 

[Peter_C]

I dunno...I just want a back inflate, and something with some pockets for my underwater camera and/or something else...

BP/Ws are so confusing...I have no idea where to start with those, all these pounds, and all this harness stuff...it's just complicated for a noob like me

I just switched from a Knighthawk to a BP/W. The Knighthawk is a very nice BC, but after simplifying my rig by using a plate and a wing, I could never go back. Neither system has pockets, since the Knighthawk has only a tiny one, and a fold out mesh pocket. My drysuit has a pocket glued on. If my wetsuit, for warm water, was only used for one thing, then it would have pockets glued on it too, but it's not, so I picked up some of the new, old stock X-shorts (No longer made).

So far there were three of us that just switched to www.pacificcoastmarine.net backplates with Oxycheq wings, from Knighthawk's/Ladyhawk, and all of us are super happy. Many others in our local club also switched to Freedom Plates. My gal is going straight into a Freedom Plate, for her open water training, since she has seen and heard us talk about the benefits.

What more than a few of us do with our cameras is just clip them off to our chest strap D-ring. If you are using a smaller camera and a factory case, it will float nicely tucked under your arm. Everything else, like whistle, SMB, shears, and any other specifics you would carry, go into a pocket. They do make 2" webbing pockets if you so desired. Diverite makes some, and I bought my gal a Diverite pocket http://www.diverite.com/Products/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=BC2714 but here are the rest of their pockets http://www.diverite.com/Products/productslist.aspx?SubCategoryID=41&CategoryID=3

There are many reasons a B/PW are superior. For instance they are more streamlined. Easier to wash. No plastic buckles to fail. Being able to carry the weight on your hips, utilizing a welt belt has it's benefits, especially when hiking to a dive site (We dive rugged terrain here). Along with a bunch of other benefits.

No comments from me on the Zeagle, as I have not used one.