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ScubaLab: BCs - SCUBAPRO Seahawk

By Scuba Diving Partner | Published On June 4, 2010
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ScubaLab: BCs - SCUBAPRO Seahawk


SCUBAPRO Seahawk

Specifications

Style Back Buoyancy
Warranty Limited Lifetime
Size/Buoyant Lift (in lbs.) S-56, M-56, L-56, XL-56, XXL-56
Integrated-Weight System Yes
Dry Weight 8 lbs., 3 oz. (Size M)
Price $604; $725 w/Air2
www.scubapro.com

Features:

  • 1,000-denier nylon construction
  • Compression strap air cell system
  • Super Cinch stainless-steel tank-strap buckle
  • Swivel shoulder buckles
  • Soft neoprene neck roll and backpad
  • Molded carry/lift handle
  • Six stainless-steel D-rings, four prebent

Performance:


The favorite back buoyancy BC in this year’s General Purpose category, the majority of test divers went gaga over Scubapro’s Super Cinch stainless-steel tank-strap buckle which, once adjusted to the diameter of the tank, lets you lock it down with a single hook-and-clamp maneuver. That, combined with a molded carry handle and tank-positioning strap, earned the Seahawk a top score for Assembly. The Seahawk also aced the Comfort category. Test divers found the thin backpadding comfy and the neoprene neck roll first rate. With the contoured shoulder straps and swivel buckles that allow straps to be routed under the arms, test divers were able to pull the rig in close to the body for a snug fit and a stable ride at depth. The integrated-weight system loads easily when wearing the BC and secures with a pair of low-profile squeeze buckles. Two rear trim pockets balance out front weights to maintain a comfortable swimming position. Cargo pockets are a good size for a back-buoyancy design and are easily accessible.

Bottom Line:

The Seahawk is a do-it-all back-buoyancy BC. The Super Cinch tank-strap and weight system take some getting used to, but once you do they become got-to-have systems on a got-to-have BC.


June 2010 Issue Scuba Lab Review Quick Links
General-Purpose BCs
---
While they can be used for any type of diving, general purpose BCs are designed primarily for temperate- and/or cold-water diving with 7mm wetsuits or drysuits. General Purpose BCs tend to offer lots of buoyant lift across their size ranges along with heavy-load integrated weight systems. They often have large cargo pockets and larger D-rings for attaching additional gear.
Aeris EX100| Aeris EX200
Aqua Lung Pro QD| Aqua Lung Pro LT
IST J-1000 Alpha| IST J-1200 Hydro D
ScubaMax Versa 3000| SCUBAPRO Seahawk
SeaSoft Sealion| Sherwood Tortuga
Zeagle Tech 10|
Travel BCs
---
Travel BCs are lighter and more compact than General Purpose BCs. Many are designed to fold or stow in handy storage pouches for easy globe-trotting. Travel BCs tend to offer less buoyant-lift capacity and smaller weight pouches to suit warm-water diving scenarios.
Aqua Lung Zuma| Cressi Aquapro 5
SCUBAPRO Geo| SCUBAPRO Litehawk
SeaSoft Travlite| Zeagle Express/Deluxe
Women's BCs
---
Women are shaped differently than men, so it makes sense that a women’s BC would be shaped differently too. Women’s BCs are often cut higher along the waist and are more expansive in the chest area. Straps and adjustments accommodate shorter, narrower torsos, and power inflators are ultracompact to fit comfortably into smaller hands.
BARE Curve| Sherwood Luna
Tusa Selene II|

Specifications

Style Back Buoyancy
Warranty Limited Lifetime
Size/Buoyant Lift (in lbs.) S-56, M-56, L-56, XL-56, XXL-56
Integrated-Weight System Yes
Dry Weight 8 lbs., 3 oz. (Size M)
Price $604; $725 w/Air2
www.scubapro.com

Features:

  • 1,000-denier nylon construction
  • Compression strap air cell system
  • Super Cinch stainless-steel tank-strap buckle
  • Swivel shoulder buckles
  • Soft neoprene neck roll and backpad
  • Molded carry/lift handle
  • Six stainless-steel D-rings, four prebent

Performance:

The favorite back buoyancy BC in this year’s General Purpose category, the majority of test divers went gaga over Scubapro’s Super Cinch stainless-steel tank-strap buckle which, once adjusted to the diameter of the tank, lets you lock it down with a single hook-and-clamp maneuver. That, combined with a molded carry handle and tank-positioning strap, earned the Seahawk a top score for Assembly. The Seahawk also aced the Comfort category. Test divers found the thin backpadding comfy and the neoprene neck roll first rate. With the contoured shoulder straps and swivel buckles that allow straps to be routed under the arms, test divers were able to pull the rig in close to the body for a snug fit and a stable ride at depth. The integrated-weight system loads easily when wearing the BC and secures with a pair of low-profile squeeze buckles. Two rear trim pockets balance out front weights to maintain a comfortable swimming position. Cargo pockets are a good size for a back-buoyancy design and are easily accessible.

Bottom Line:

The Seahawk is a do-it-all back-buoyancy BC. The Super Cinch tank-strap and weight system take some getting used to, but once you do they become got-to-have systems on a got-to-have BC.


June 2010 Issue Scuba Lab Review Quick Links
General-Purpose BCs
---
While they can be used for any type of diving, general purpose BCs are designed primarily for temperate- and/or cold-water diving with 7mm wetsuits or drysuits. General Purpose BCs tend to offer lots of buoyant lift across their size ranges along with heavy-load integrated weight systems. They often have large cargo pockets and larger D-rings for attaching additional gear.
Aeris EX100| Aeris EX200
Aqua Lung Pro QD| Aqua Lung Pro LT
IST J-1000 Alpha| IST J-1200 Hydro D
ScubaMax Versa 3000| SCUBAPRO Seahawk
SeaSoft Sealion| Sherwood Tortuga
Zeagle Tech 10|
Travel BCs
---
Travel BCs are lighter and more compact than General Purpose BCs. Many are designed to fold or stow in handy storage pouches for easy globe-trotting. Travel BCs tend to offer less buoyant-lift capacity and smaller weight pouches to suit warm-water diving scenarios.
Aqua Lung Zuma| Cressi Aquapro 5
SCUBAPRO Geo| SCUBAPRO Litehawk
SeaSoft Travlite| Zeagle Express/Deluxe
Women's BCs
---
Women are shaped differently than men, so it makes sense that a women’s BC would be shaped differently too. Women’s BCs are often cut higher along the waist and are more expansive in the chest area. Straps and adjustments accommodate shorter, narrower torsos, and power inflators are ultracompact to fit comfortably into smaller hands.
BARE Curve| Sherwood Luna
Tusa Selene II|