Brand Names

[TxFltMedic]

I have just finished my OW class and must say that the diving bug has bitten me hard. I'm trying to do my homework and buy smart. Money is not totally an issue, I don't mind spending money on good equipment, but don't want to just throw money away either.

I have used a Nighthawk by Scubapro during class and really thought it was comfortable and intuitive. Is this a good brand? Are there better brands?

I appreciate your thoughts and comments....

[Diver Kat]

Congrats on your Cert! As for gear .... you will find out quickly, everyone has their favorites. (We're a Zeagle family when it comes to BCDs.) Best advise is to try out different types and brands, and then purchase what fits and works best for you!

[TRACI]

I agree to try out different types and brands, or you may end up buying twice, sometimes 3 times, like me.

[Vercingetorix]

Some Saturday, hop on northbound I-35. Drive a few hours. When you get to Dallas, go two exits past I-635 and you'll be at ScubaToys. They have a whole bunch to try on. If you do that during the summer months, you can buy your stuff, then head over to Terrell (one hour) and try out the new toys at Clear Springs Scuba Park.

Checkout the Zeagle Brigade. Nice rig at a nice price ($360 after forum discount).

Tell us when you're coming up.

[MSilvia]

Originally Posted by TxFltMedic

Are there better brands?

It's not only subjective, but can vary from item to item. Some of the manufacturers that make my favorite pieces of gear also make stuff I wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole. Also, some gear that is excellent for one kind of diving might not be appropriate, or might be overkill, for another. Someone who does cave penetration diving in 80 degree fresh water will likely have a very different notion of what constitutes "the best gear" than will someone who dives in near freezing conditions in the open ocean, or someone who only dives while on vacation and has to consider airline weight limits.

Instead of thinking in terms of "Who makes the best scuba gear?", you might consider thinking in terms of "Which fin/BC/regulator/etc. will best meet my needs, considering my budget and the kind of diving I want to do?"

I recommend taking any recommendation that doesn't account for your specific needs with a BIG grain of salt. I realize this doesn't make your task any easier, but feel free to ask... we're always happy to shovel opinions at you.

[Damselfish]

Pretty much any major major brand makes good gear, though some are more noted for one type of gear or another. For a BC stuff like fit, comfort, features really matters more to you than the brand. ScubaPro makes very good gear, although many are of the opinion it's somewhat overpriced and you are paying partly for the name. I have a LadyHawk and like it. But the only real way to know for sure is to look at and if possible try some other BCs. If you are using a Knighthawk as rental gear from the shop you're being certified through, there's a good chance they are a heavily Scubapro shop and you might not have had too much chance to look at other brands yet. (Just guessing.)

[ReefHound]

What they said, just to answer your specific question the NightHawk is an excellent and popular BC, near the upper end (including price). I know many divers who have the NightHawk and love it.

[kjvander]

i like the Zeagle line of products....good quality and good price....most of what i own....so i have a slightly biased look on it.

[Lulubelle]

The Brand name that is the best is of course the one that a shop is selling to you. And also the one that no one else in the area IS selling.

Personally, I'd recommend renting for a year or so, try a bunch of different stuff on different dives. You'll start having some opinions. I did this and my ideas about what I wanted changed quite a bit from the time I did my OW. I'm glad I waited.

[TRACI]

When I got certified, my LDS really stressed the idea that the brands they sell are the best, and all others have no comparison, but I know they are in business to make $$.