Scout or BP/W

[Gibbon]

Hey everybody.

Does anyone here have any experience with the Zeagle Scout?

I'm wanting to get some gear sometime soon, but money is an issue.
I'm trying to look at a BP/W set up too, but can't seem to find good info on them (as in where to get everything), and the price of the wings I've seen (not many) are almost as much as the Scout.

Any info would be apreciated.
THX.

 

[OneBrightGator]

You're local, you can check out BP/wings at Lloyds.

You can pick up a complete Dive Rite setup for about $500, I know it's expensive up front, but if you're serious about diving it'll pay off.

If you make it down to Gainesville often drop me a PM and you can check out my rig.

Ben

 

[herman]

I have a Scout and like it. It's small, light weight weight and well built. The "weight system" is a little strange, it's basically 2 trim pouches beside the tank. If you need 10 lbs or less they work ok but if you need more then you need to add a weight belt. Extreme Exposure is located in High Springs and they are a big BP dealer. I think they rent BP's if you want to try one. http://www.extreme-exposure.com/

The Scout is fine as warm water and travel BC. It's inexpensive as well, $220 on line.
If you intend to go on to doubles and or into tech diving then the BP would be a better choice. Best advise, try both and see which you like best.

 

[Big-t-2538]

You can checkout

www.covci.com

Chris has whole set-ups on there for under 500$ which includes shipping.

 

[bedazzle410]

I have the escape which is a scout with integrated weights not much more from Leisure Pro. It is a very nice BC. Just came back from Coco Veiw and used it and loved it.

 

[pipedope]

It depends a bit on where you are going with your diving.

If you are going to go the GUE/DIR route then you will need BP/wing. If just sport diving then there are other options.

I might be able to make you a deal on a Scout in great shape and some other stuff too. It looks like I am not going to be able to dive anymore due to health problems so I am on the verge of selling some gear. :frown2:

 

[Gibbon]

Thx for the replies.
I don't think I'll be doing any real tech stuff (especially not anytime soon), and with the prices I'm seeing, I'll probably go with the Scout.

Of course, all things are not permanent, so we'll see over time.

 

[gj62]

FYI - I just ordered 2 Escapes (as mentioned earlier, similar to the Scout with front weight pockets) from www.diversdiscount.com - they are a Zeagle dealer and will match the lowest price, even from LP! I ended up getting mine for $289 - about $200 less than a BP/W rig... You should be able to get a Scout from them for $215 - that's what LP has them advertised for. Call diversdiscount - they're very friendly...

 

[Wendy]

Thx for the replies.
I don't think I'll be doing any real tech stuff (especially not anytime soon), and with the prices I'm seeing, I'll probably go with the Scout.

Of course, all things are not permanent, so we'll see over time.

Since you are in High Springs why don't you rent a bp/w from EE or over at Ginnie and try it out. I think you would be happy with it even if you never plan on doing any 'tech stuff'. But living in High Springs it will be hard not to get bitten by the cavern or cave bug.

 

[caveseeker7]

Escape ... I ended up getting mine for $289 - about $200 less than a BP/W rig... You should be able to get a Scout from them for $215

Not everyone uses a Halcyon bp/w. I paid $20 for a used DiveRite alu bp, $220 for an Oxycheq wing, $50 for DiveRite harness & hardware, and spend another $50 on DUI W&T. About the same you paid for the weight integrated Escape. Pull-out pouches or Ripcord. The latter is better as you won't loose the weights as easily down the line. The W&T uses a like system. The alu bp works better for me as I dive a Scubapro 72 steel tank which is very negatively bouyant even when empty. The circular wing dives well, and it's all very low profile. After diving a heavy Ranger with 16# of lead for years I enjoy having a seperate weight harness with 14# and a lighter rig. While the Escape probably isn't heavier (on land) than a bp/w, I'd go with a Scout and W&T. Not having the lead in the BC makes hauling it around, donning and doffing much more comfortable.