Aeris Atmos XT vs. Aqua Lung Malibu RDS vs. Zeagle Brigade BCD

[JJP161]

I just recently replaced my Malibu with a Zeagle Stiletto. With my 3mil 2 pc suit I was able to shed 4 #s of weight when I went to the Zeagle because of it's lack of inherent buoyancy. The wings on the Zeagle tuck in tight even when inflated. (no taco wing like I had on Malibu) The Zeagle has superior fit because it is "infinitely" adjustable. The Zeagle pockets are much more useful than the Malibu's change pocket. I can carry light, safety sausage, shears, 100 ft spool and whistle in the Stiletto. With the Malibu, I could carry a whistle.
The Zeagle has large trim weight pockets from which you can ditch weight while wearing the BC.
The Zeagle has a soft packpack whch allows you compactly fold up the BC.
Loading and unloading the main weights in the Zeagle is easy. Unzip the integral weight pocket and insert weights. To remove weight reverse the procedure. To do this with the Malibu and most other WI BC's you have to remove the weight pockets from the cumberbun, essentially "ditching" your weights. (Try doing a weight check with a buddy while on your hang).
The Zeagle has two tank bands. I prefer my trim weights higher on my back so I added two small trim pockets to the band. Instead of removing the Zeagle weight pockets on the lower band, I now use one to carry a large DSMB. Remember these trim pockets are designed to allow weight to be ditched, so I can easily reach back pull open the velcro closure and access my DSMB.
Zeagle has a great reputation for customer service and for me anyway they are "local". Made in Florida.
Don't get me wrong, the Malibu is a great BC, very comfortable and gave me great service for 4 years. The Zeagle is just better in my opinion.

Splitlip,

Thank-you for a very good and in depth review. I'm starting to definitely lean towards the Zeagle or at least the Aeris. Any idea how the Brigade and Stiletto differ.

Joe

 

[Splitlip]

There is post on the board right now about Stiletto v. Knight Hawk where the actually make comparisons between the Stiletto and the Brigade. Also if you do a search, you will see number of threads regarding the two. That is what I did before I purchased miine. I think the Brigade is basicly a Ranger harness with a smaller bladder which Zeagle makes for Scuba Toys. The Stiletto is a from the ground up new product.
I also forgot to mention in my earlier post that the Zeagles are constructed of sturdier material than my Malibu. And the Stiletto is still only 6.5 lbs.
Good luck.

 

[JJP161]

There is post on the board right now about Stiletto v. Knight Hawk where the actually make comparisons between the Stiletto and the Brigade. Also if you do a search, you will see number of threads regarding the two. That is what I did before I purchased miine. I think the Brigade is basicly a Ranger harness with a smaller bladder which Zeagle makes for Scuba Toys. The Stiletto is a from the ground up new product.
I also forgot to mention in my earlier post that the Zeagles are constructed of sturdier material than my Malibu. And the Stiletto is still only 6.5 lbs.
Good luck.

Thanks again, I found the thread you were referring to and it explained everything. At this point I'm probably going with the Brigade unless I absolutely love the Aeris I'll get to try out in a couple of weeks.

 

[Mr. Brown/Scuba]

JJP,

I truly wish you could visit us in Dallas and try both the Zeagle and da XT in the pool.

I have worn Zeagle rangers for years and love them. The Brig. is a ranger with a smaller bladder.

Last year I started using the XT. Fits just as good as the ranger on me and has a 70-30 bladder witch I really enjoy on the surface when dealing with students.

These are both very very good bc's and you cant go wrong with either, but as with anything YOU must try them both. Fit is everything is a bc.

 

[ScubaSarus]

My resuce instructor was wearing an old ranger and it was serving him pretty well for many years. Thes rangers are workhorses and just have remarkable wearability.

 

[RoadWarrior]

I'm looking for a new BC. I have to replace my Seaquest Balance and have narrowed it down to the following three and would really appreciate any guidance, comments or suggestions. I am a recreational diver and will be diving Ohio Quarries, NC wrecks and travelling to numerous tropical destinations. Thank-you.

1. Zeagle Brigade BCD
2. Aeris Atmos XT
3. Aqua Lung Malibu RDS

Three true stories for you:
2 years ago - Puerto Advanturas - A week of diving with the same crew. The Dive Master was probalby 60. Said he'd been diving all his life. I asked "what would you buy first; the BC or the Reg? The BC he suggested and followed with his reasons. Which brand would you recommend? "Zeagle" he says. Probably the best made BC's in the world.

1 year ago - Hawaii - A week diving with the same crew. The Dive Master was 45/50 'ish. Talked a lot about his Navy Frogman days. Wore a salty, faded old Dive-Rite Trans Pac but when asked "what brand would you recommend? "Zeagle" he says. Never knew anyone who didn't like 'em and when I replace this old one it'll be a Zeagle.

This week - I ordered a Zeagle Stiletto. Why: A. Perceived quality. B. The source of the recommendations.