Scuba-L Cratos(Orion) Back-inflate BCD

[chalerm]

Hi, Your photo's show a different BCD than is shown on the scuba-L website. This must be the new model? I love the colours!
I want to buy one of these great bcd's, is the one shown the Orion or the orion3?
I am 6'2" and 250lbs do you think the XL is the correct size for me, considering I normally use XXL in every thing else?

 

[b1draper]

Hi, Your photo's show a different BCD than is shown on the scuba-L website. This must be the new model? I love the colours!
I want to buy one of these great bcd's, is the one shown the Orion or the orion3?
I am 6'2" and 250lbs do you think the XL is the correct size for me, considering I normally use XXL in every thing else?

Yep this is the new design for 2008. They've phased out the Orion 3 and only make the Orion (cuts down on confusion). They've taken parts of their website down to redesign the site. If you want to order just send them an email and tell them I sent you; they know me.

Sizing, I'd use their chart. I'm a 5' 11'' guy that weighs 230lbs and I too normally wear a XL - XXL in shirts and stuff. My shorty and full wetsuit are XXL. My old Dacor BC was a XL. I'd take all the measurements they list on the size chart and see where you fit.

I took the BC on its first dive Sunday (10+-, 30 min saltwater dive) and I loved it. When walking around with the BC & weights I didn't even feel any pressure from the integrated weights. It's very comfortable. I plan to get a couple more dives in this coming weekend.

 

[rivalpc]

kinda bummed out that i found this post. I bought an Orion way back when they first cam out. I lokk it but now that i see the new style weight pockects i want them

 

[R2K2]

Does anyone know if they are still in business and how to contact them?
I sent them an email and no response, The scubal website does not seem to work either.
I know the previous post the site was only supposed to be down for a month or 2.
I finally found an older model (2006) NIB Orion on E-bay, I just got it in Today and it looks quite well constructed.

 

[b1draper]

I'll try contacting them too. They sponsored my dive series by supplying me with the Orion I have. I haven’t heard anything from them to indicate they've gone out of business.

Does your BC have the roll down side pockets? The pockets are the only thing I've had trouble with, they're difficult to close underwater. They unzip easily but require two hands to zip closed. At times I've needed help from another diver to zip them closed, not because the zipper is hard to use but because the pocket is in an awkward location

 

[R2K2]

Mine are the zip pockets too. I see what you are talking about the location, how you would need two hands to close the pocket. But for the price this thing is built like a tank.

Pls post if you hear anything from them.

 

[Stu S.]

Thanks for all the information. I would be interested is an orion with a crotch strap.

B1drarper... thanks. Let us know when you find out their status. The website they have is only partially working.

Thanks / Stu

 

[Stu S.]

Friends,

I have been unable to get a response out of this merchant. I would like to buy the product. But.... this raises concern that there may be a similar lack of response should I get a Scuba L BC and have problems.

(Tommy D does not have them any more.)

Anyone know the status of Scuba L?

Thanks / Stu

 

[b1draper]

Friends,

I have been unable to get a response out of this merchant. I would like to buy the product. But.... this raises concern that there may be a similar lack of response should I get a Scuba L BC and have problems.

(Tommy D does not have them any more.)

Anyone know the status of Scuba L?

Thanks / Stu

I just received a reply from SCUBAL this morning in responce to the email I sent them May 1st. Yes, they are a little slow to respond your their fair and will work with you. I contacted them about the pocket problem I posted below and they'd like me to send them a video to show them what I'm talking about. They just want to make sure they fully understand the problem. I'll do the video clip tonight and send it to them.

In the mean time I'll make sure they know about you guys trying to get ahold of them.

 

[b1draper]

I was just able to run through the process of "purchasing" an Orion BC through the website. It says the only payment type they accept at this time is a "bank transfer". I received an email from the website confirming my order and asking me to transfer the funds.

I've contacted the company again to see if there's anything I can do to help. I asked if I can help with PR or even become a "dealer" for them. I love the Orion BC I have and would like to see this company do well and maybe become more mainstream especially since they are a sponsor of my dive series.

{shameless plug - I could use more sponsors to help with equipment and travel costs.}

I'll let you know what I can work out with them.