New BC what to look for?

[aquaticartist]

Looking to purchase a new BC, what brands and what features would you guys recommend?

 

[daplatapus]

What kind of diving do you do? Plain recreational or some tech? If you want to get into (or are into) wreck diving, cave or some other type of specialty, you'll probably have some specific needs.

 

[aquaticartist]

Just recreational, warm tropical waters. Scubapro Knighthawks any good?

 

[ousnakebyte]

I own the Scubapro Knighthawk, and I really like it. It's a back floatation, so while you are bobbing up and down on the surface, you will be pushed forward, face down - which can be annoying. But, I don't spend that much time on the surface, so it doesn't really bother me.

I do work closely on coral under water, so I like that it is relatively free of "stuff" on the front side, allowing me to get close without raking the coral with my BC.

There are four air dumps, so whether I am horizontal, up or head down, I can easily dump air without having to alter my body position - a REAL must for me if I am doing fine, intricate work and don't want to reposition. It's also fairly light, which makes for nice travel - not THE lightest on the market, but light enough.

I also have the Air 2 installed, which is nice for getting rid of the extra hose.

Get it serviced once a year, and you gotta love the lifetime warranty...

If your local dive shop allows it, I suggest demoing several different types in the pool, so you can find which is best for you.

Cheers
Mike

 

[ackee]

I have a Zeagle Scout, very streamlined, light, and tough as nails. I travel frequently and the Scout packs away easily. It's extremely efficient, and you hardly know you're wearing it. It's made in the US by exceptionally reliable and ethical people who stand behind their products better than any Scuba company I've ever dealt with. It's a beautiful, simple product, no silly bells and whistles. I've used one for years. Quite reasonably priced. It's also a back inflate, a vastly superior design, imho. There is no tendency to float forward that I've ever noticed.

 

[jefft72]

If your dive shop sells backplate and wing combos it might be worth checking into.
Some benefits/advantages over the standard vest style:
- aluminum backplate weighs 2lbs and the wing breaks down apart from the backplate and harness for easy packing
- harness rig is 2" webbing and is simple and straight forward.

 

[bryanh]

If your dive shop sells backplate and wing combos it might be worth checking into.
Some benefits/advantages over the standard vest style:
- aluminum backplate weighs 2lbs and the wing breaks down apart from the backplate and harness for easy packing
- harness rig is 2" webbing and is simple and straight forward.

x2

Backplate and wing combo is the way to go.

 

[SawdustInTank]

I have a Zeagle Scout, very streamlined, light, and tough as nails. I travel frequently and the Scout packs away easily. It's extremely efficient, and you hardly know you're wearing it. It's made in the US by exceptionally reliable and ethical people who stand behind their products better than any Scuba company I've ever dealt with. It's a beautiful, simple product, no silly bells and whistles. I've used one for years. Quite reasonably priced. It's also a back inflate, a vastly superior design, imho. There is no tendency to float forward that I've ever noticed.

+1
I really enjoy my Zeagle Stilleto. Being a bit of a plus sized gentleman, I am very glad I purchased it. It fits like a glove.

 

[Shu13]

+1 Knighthawk w/ air2

try on and test in pool to make sure which ever BC you decide fits and you are comfortable working w/ it under water...

 

[aquaticartist]

Well, I went with the Knighthawk with the Air 2, and I love it! With the back inflation, it truly gives you so much freedom. I'm very happy with my decision. Thanks everyone for your suggestions.