Scubapro's SeaHawk
NOT JUST FOR TEKKIES
Text and Photography by Bonnie J. Cardone
No one disputes that tech diving is different; more difficult and more
demanding, it requires special training and equipment. The Scubapro SeaHawk was
designed for tech diving, with loads of special features. Tekkies, however, are
not the only ones who will appreciate the SeaHawk's integrated weight system,
back flotation and modular construction; these features make this BC suitable
for a whole range of diving conditions. (And, there's no law that says you must
show advanced or specialty certifications to buy it!)
You'll know the SeaHawk isn't an ordinary BC at a glance. The first clue is the
stainless steel D-rings on the front. Then you're likely to notice that
although the SeaHawk resembles a jacket BC, it is actually a back flotation
device. The front of the BC (harness) and the back (aircell/ backpack) are
separate pieces, held together by an ingenious arrangement of straps with
quick-release buckles and a zipper. While you're scrutinizing the SeaHawk, the
gray handles on either side of the cummerbund are clues it's got an integrated
weight system.
THE HARNESS
The front part of the BC; the harness; comes in four sizes, small, medium,
large and extra large, designed for divers weighing from 115 to 300 pounds. It
has a jacketstyle front that also features adjustable quick-release buckled
straps. These latter thread through the backpack, providing two of the five
attachment points.
Out of sight between aircell and harness are two elastic straps with
quick-release buckles. They keep harness and aircell together but since they
stretch, they don't prevent the aircell from inflating fully. The aircell also
attaches to the harness via a sturdy Delrin zipper, which runs along the top of
the shoulders.
The harness can be adjusted to fit the diver via a chest strap and
quick-release buckle along with a touch-fastener closing cummerbund.
The SeaHawk harness contains a total of six pockets; three on each side. The
two with the Scubapro logo are regular pockets, the two pockets next to them
are intended for accessories (perhaps an extra mask) and there are two more
pockets for weights. The latter pockets are behind the pockets already
mentioned and close with a zipper along the top. These large pockets (11 inches
long) can hold up to two, 5.5 pound weights. When the gray handles are pulled,
all the weights in these pockets will be dumped. If 11 pounds of weight are not
enough, you can also add two mesh counterweight pockets (holding up to 5.5
pounds each) to the tank band.
Scubapro's own weights are probably best for use with the SeaHawk. Known as
Eco-weights, they come in 5.5 and 2.2 pound units and consist of lead shot
double sealed in heavy duty plastic bags.
Besides the four stainless steel D-rings on the chest, the harness has two more
on the bottom of the cummerbund as well as four female plastic fittings that
can be used for an optional crotch strap or accessories with male fittings.
The Aircell/Backpack
It is the SeaHawk's aircell that provides buoyancy. It comes in three sizes
with lift capacities of 32, 48 and 72 pounds. The doughnut shaped aircell is of
single bag construction. Because of its shape it provides flotation all around
the backpack, preventing air shifts; and balance changes; when the diver
changes position. The aircell is gusseted on the sides, which allows the
aircell to fold when deflated for a low profile and less drag. The two stretchy
straps that attach it to the harness also keep it low profile when uninflated.
The aircell has two overpressure relief/manual dump valves, one on the top
right shoulder and another at the bottom right back. The inflator hose is also
attached to the aircell. Scubapro BCs do not come with inflator hoses but the
buyer can choose either an Air 2, which is a combination octopus/power inflator
($214) or the Balanced Power Inflator ($80).
The sturdy plastic backpack has two parts and the aircelI is sandwiched between
them. Two stainless steel bolts keep the assembly together. The backpack has a
retractable carrying handle at the top and a nylon webbing tank band with
stainless steel buckle. An optional Bibo kit, available for $64, adapts the
backpack for use with doubles (excluding twin 95s).
The backpack allows the tank to be positioned in two heights according to the
owner's preference.
Materials
A high tech BC, intended for hard usage, requires super sturdy materials. The
SeaHawk's outer surfaces are 820 denier polyurethane coated nylon packcloth,
the surfaces that go next to the diver's body are 420 denier polyurethane
coated nylon packcloth. All edges are radio frequency sealed and finished with
nylon seam tape.
Just because it's a tek BC doesn't mean the SeaHawk is uncomfortable. The tops
of the shoulders are padded and there is padding inside the harness to cushion
the diver's body from the backpack and attachment buckles.
Conclusion
The SeaHawk retails for $572 assembled or you can buy the harness and aircell
separately and assemble them yourself. If you think the SeaHawk might fit your
diving needs and conditions, check it out at your Scubapro dealer. For the name
of the dealer nearest you call (800) GO SCUBA; in Canada the number is (905)
634-0023. For a preview of Scubapro's complete line of equipment, an interactive
CD-ROM and the location of the dive center nearest you, you can also visit the
company's Web site at http://www.jwa.com.