Thoughts on Nighthawk?

[Gombessa]

I was thinking about getting a cheap backup BC to lend out to friends (decent backup, used BCs can be cheaper than used BP/Ws, all ends up meaning more diving for me). There's a local ScubaPro Nighthawk on ebay right now, and just wanted to know what people thought of it, or what a good price for a used one should be.

[RoyN]

I used to have one and would say it is an excellent BC. The front body was really empty as all the bladder was in the back, it had lots of good webring to clip stuff on the BC also. The pockets, I didn't really care.

The only thing I didn't like about it is because it was more expensive then the rest. Also it doesn't have a rivet hole to mount a knife, but I heard the K3 scubapro knife will work, but never saw it in action.

I bought mine a year for $700 dollars. And I just recently upgraded to the Apek for $700 dollars. My little nephew use it for his marine biology class so its a keeper!

Cheers!

[CompuDude]

They're decent back-inflate BCs. I nearly bought one before I went bp/w. I'd rather have a Zeagle, but I wouldn't turn down a super cheap Knighthawk, used for the purposes you're describing. They're ScubaPro, so resale value tends to be a little higher, as well, due to name recognition.

Zeagle has a much better warranty, however, although I've never investigated whether they transfer or not.

[hoobascooba]

the Knighthawk will be my next to buy. To start out, I bought the Aeris Caribe BC from ST. It was cheap and similar to the SP Pilot, which my LDS uses to rent out. When I finally buy the Knighthawk, I will either sell the Aeris to my brother, or to someone else in need.

I particularly like the quick release weights and roll-out pockets!

I'd pay no more than $500 for a good deal. But for one that's never been used? I'd say: Prove to me you never used it... and I'll think about the $600 you're wanting.

[CompuDude]

Wait... $500 for a used BC? I thought you were getting something cheap for a loaner. You can definitely get a used bp/w cheaper... even if you have to buy the wing new here at ST. That's the route I would go.

Heck, there are companies that have specials all the time for complete, new bp/w systems for $400, sometimes even less.

[hoobascooba]

Originally Posted by CompuDude

Wait... $500 for a used BC? I thought you were getting something cheap for a loaner. You can definitely get a used bp/w cheaper... even if you have to buy the wing new here at ST. That's the route I would go.

Heck, there are companies that have specials all the time for complete, new bp/w systems for $400, sometimes even less.

yeah i was thinking he wanted a cheap, decent, and used BC. Heck, for one, the Knighthawk is NOT cheap. Even from ebay.

If you want cheap AND decent, go with something Oceanic or Aeris.

[Gombessa]

I missed out on the one I was bidding for. Used, looked like it was in excellent condition, went for $175. Oh well, as a backup I'm in no rush...

Thanks all

[CompuDude]

If it's any help, DiversDirect has Zeagle Scouts on sale for $200 (new). I'd go that direction before picking up the used KnightHawk.

Give ST a chance to meet the price, of course.

[hoobascooba]

Originally Posted by CompuDude

Give ST a chance to meet the price, of course.

you beat me to it.

[RoyN]

Originally Posted by Gombessa

I missed out on the one I was bidding for. Used, looked like it was in excellent condition, went for $175. Oh well, as a backup I'm in no rush...

Thanks all

175?!? I let my old one when the BC was too large for 300 something.