I just got back from a trip to Cozumel. My Zeagle Brigade worked great. My only complaint of it was that it was a bit bulky and hard to pack in and out for dives and travel. Granted I am a big guy and its a XXL BC. Is there a BC (preferably Zeagle) that would be noticeably smaller/lighter for warmer water dives/travel? Or is it time to start thinking about a BP/W type setup? In general, I am looking for ways to streamline my entire setup. Thanks in advance.
Love my Zeagle Brigade but want something smaller/lighter
- Thread starter Jarrett
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sasscuba
Contributor
Not slamming you in any way but I am 250 and use a large Zeagle Brigade. It seems to me if your a big enough guy to take an XXL BC you might want to look into a bp/w to save space?? Just my opinion.
ScottZeagle
Contributor
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If the 35 lb bladder was sufficient, an Escape BC would probably be a good choice as a travel BC. It is much lighter and more compact than the vest and shoulder sections of the Brigade. If you want to go as light and streamlined as possible, put the bladder you have onto a aluminum backplate. You will be sacrificing the integrated weight system and the pockets, but it will achieve your other goals.
Just my 2 cents,
Scott
Just my 2 cents,
Scott
djanni
Contributor
Jarrett:
The Scout or Escape seem to be considerably smaller.
You want find anything as comfortable or that will fit you as well either. But I think you already know that.
After going to ScubaToys today and looking them over, I just can't justify an Escape along with the Brigade. I like the features of my Brigade too much such as integrated dumpable weights/6 metal D rings/pockets/etc. I think I found my solution though... larger luggage! 
Thanks to those who responded.
Thanks to those who responded.There is one cheaper solution than larger luggage.
For $70 you can get a Hammerhead warm water special with STA but as scott said, you would loose the integrated weight system and the pockets but you could get pockets and weight pouches on ebay.
You should be able to bolt on the zeagle wing and you might end up with less weight and can use small weight pouches. The only problem might be you would need to get a soft crouch strap though.
Just my 2 cents.
SangP
For $70 you can get a Hammerhead warm water special with STA but as scott said, you would loose the integrated weight system and the pockets but you could get pockets and weight pouches on ebay.
You should be able to bolt on the zeagle wing and you might end up with less weight and can use small weight pouches. The only problem might be you would need to get a soft crouch strap though.
Just my 2 cents.
SangP
sasscuba
Contributor
Jarrett:After going to ScubaToys today and looking them over, I just can't justify an Escape along with the Brigade. I like the features of my Brigade too much such as integrated dumpable weights/6 metal D rings/pockets/etc. I think I found my solution though... larger luggage!
My Brigade packs alot smaller than my old sherwood but I have a large dive bag with wheels for travel and a large mesh bag for the boat so really size is not an isuue. Comfort and features is what are most important to me.
djanni
Contributor
Jarrett:
Single Tank Adapter - used with most backplates. BP/W users often need those things to hold the tank to the plate.
You have one of the best BCD's available to mankind. If you want something smaller for travel you're just going to have to fork over some moola. I travel with a Stiletto and once I arrive and pull it out of the suitcase a big smile comes across my face and I forget all about the insignificant little items I left behind to make a little extra room for the BC.
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