Probably been beat to death.

[dogpaddler]

Hi,

New to board, I've been licensed for 18 years but dove infrequently in the last 6. I'm trying to get more involved since a recent trip to Cazumel has re-awakened my "inner diver".

I'm not looking to rent anymore. I liked scubal.com and reading as many threads as possible. quick question. Has anybody ordered from the international line? Whats the differance between the Orion or the Orion 3 and the Cratos? Can I order the hybrid suit (not custom) from the US?

 

[Sasquatch]

A warm SB welcome to you but, no, I can't help you with your questions. You'll have no trouble gathering information here though.

Sea ya!

 

[NadMat]

Another welcome, with no ability to help you, other than to recommend using the search feature for finding previous posts/threads dealing with your issues. Also, If you put a bit more info in your profile, it will help others to formulate their answers to be more helpful to you (some answers tend to be location or experience specific)
Welcome again, I to was 're addicted' to diving after a recent trip to Cozumel. Funny how the warm blue waters will do that to you.

 

[Marek K]

Hi, and welcome too!

Several member of ScubaBoard have Triple-L/ScubaL equipment. Most have been very happy with the stuff; I've also heard of one or two problems -- but that would probably be true of any product.

I've got a Stratos, and we've got two others in the family. Very happy with it. Extremely well-made, particularly considering the price. Heavy-duty materials, making it a rather heavy piece of gear. Only problem I had was the silly elastic strap over the cummerbund... I like my straps to be solid, so I replaced it myself with a normal web strap, sewing it in with an awl.

There was a potential problem with the size chart, at least when I was ordering it last year. According to the chart, I supposedly took an XL. However, I'd heard the chart ran big, so I took a chance and ordered a Large. Good call. I have no idea whether they adjusted the chart since then.

The Stratos is a conventional jacket-type BC, with the air chamber extending around your sides. It's weight-integrated.

The Orion, in contrast, is back-inflate; with all the air behind you. I'm sure you'll hear a lot of preferences.

I don't think there's such a thing as an Orion 3.

Yes, the custom suits can be ordered from the States. As you may know, they only offer the hybrid material in their custom suits. Problem will be, they make them at their factory in Vietnam; and the shipping costs are extremely high. You find out about that as you're ordering.

--Marek

 

[Humuhumunukunukuapua'a]

I dove an Orion for about a year. It's a pretty nice rig. Downsides are that it's bulky, heavy, the wing comes detatched very easily on one side, and when the bladder ruptured after a year, they charged me 30% of cost rather than replace it outright. Travelling with an Orion is no fun.

I upgraded to a DSS single-tank BP/W rig and the difference is phenominal. Really worlds apart. I'd look at a DSS and try a BP/W before deciding anything. So much better for travel and worlds better for diving.

www.deepseasupply.com

With ScubaL, you get what you pay for. In some ways, they are very well-built BCs, and in other ways very lacking. Same with their wetsuits. My brother and I have seen so many of those zippers break. Personally, I don't buy from ScubaL any more. The equipment I buy from now on, I want to be quality. But when I was getting started, it did help me get into some gear at a low price.

Good luck!

Gregg

 

[zimpod]

My wife uses a Scubal Instructor BCD (similar to the Stratos, except for a couple of extras), and a regular wetsuit. We also have a few Scubal bags and various accessories (tank straps, SMBs, etc.). All are extermely sturdy and appear well made (provided, we have only used them a few times so far - so no long term experience). Very cheap way to get into mid-level-quality gear. There are better, and more expensive options, (I would second the BP/W comment above) but for accessories and entry-level gear, you can't beat the prices.

 

[dogpaddler]

Thanks for the great replies. I totaly forgot about the profile and will add to it soon. I did like the idea of scubal due to the bang for the buck features.
i want a back fill because jackets always rise up up on me no matter what size or how tight the cummberbund is. Guys check out the international page for Scubal. They have different bcd's and offer the hybrid suits without the custom features.
I was about to order the tripleL version of the orion when I opened the international page. The Euro Orion is called Orion three and they have an enhanced Orion called Cratos. Both for 169.99 while the U.S Version is 199.99. The colors are different and u get hit with the delivery charge. confusing, but I guess I could be confused about worse.

 

[dogpaddler]

Ok. I ordered from the triple L Cratos bcd from the international website. I like their inflator better than the Orion on the US version. I know Its bulkier than BP/W designs. But I'll be doing strictly rec in the immediate future. So a little drag from the cummbermbund isn't going to bother me. I think it be a nice into to rear win diving. It was a great price too.

 

[diveman7683]

Welcome to the board.

 

[dogpaddler]

Thank you,

Divers are a great community, People here are as friendly as divers I've met in person