Zeagle Escape or Brigade? (everything equal)

[tie]

I can get the Zeagle Escape or Brigade for almost exactly the same price (+/- $5), from authorized dealers. I mostly dive local (California), with a couple tropical trips a year.

I think I'd prefer the Escape for its smaller size, and thus easier packing. Especially since I'm also carrying my UW camera gear, smaller is easier.

But, for the same price, is the Brigade a better buy? (The prices are so close because the Brigade would be from Scubatoys, while the Escape would be from a semi-local DS.) How much more bulky is the Brigade, really?

Also: Regarding sizing, I think I am right on the border between small and medium BCs (5'10", 145). Since I dive with a 7mm wetsuit, should I go for the medium, or will small be okay? I can't try them on.

A third option is the SeaQuest Balance, but that is another step up in price, has only the one pocket, and I'm saving for a drysuit.

(Yes, I've run a search, and even seen the same question asked -- but in a different context. I'd appreciate any insights.)

 

[Jarrett]

It's a toss up. I like the Brigade.

 

[MtnDiver]

I had the same dilema when I bought my Brigade earlier this year.

I talked to Larry @ Scubatoys and he said it was almost a toss-up between the two as far as "packability". The Brigade does have the sturdier Ranger harness and Steel D-Rings so I went for the Brigade. I have flown to Hawaii and SoCal with mine so far and am very pleased at how well it packs up and also with how comfortable it is to dive.

 

[Firefyter]

I've had both. The Escape is definitely easier to pack, but the pockets are almost nonexistant. The Brigade's vest is heavier duty with more pocket room, but is harder to pack due to the difference in size. You just have to decide which suits your needs better.

 

[Blue Moon]

I can get the Zeagle Escape or Brigade for almost exactly the same price (+/- $5), from authorized dealers. I mostly dive local (California), with a couple tropical trips a year.

I think I'd prefer the Escape for its smaller size, and thus easier packing. Especially since I'm also carrying my UW camera gear, smaller is easier.

But, for the same price, is the Brigade a better buy? (The prices are so close because the Brigade would be from Scubatoys, while the Escape would be from a semi-local DS.) How much more bulky is the Brigade, really?

Also: Regarding sizing, I think I am right on the border between small and medium BCs (5'10", 145). Since I dive with a 7mm wetsuit, should I go for the medium, or will small be okay? I can't try them on.

A third option is the SeaQuest Balance, but that is another step up in price, has only the one pocket, and I'm saving for a drysuit.

(Yes, I've run a search, and even seen the same question asked -- but in a different context. I'd appreciate any insights.)

Larry's story about the Brigade is pretty convincing...He owned and dove both the Escape and Ranger. The Brigade was conceived to be the best of the Ranger and Escape.

I've been diving mine for the past year and love it. All of my diving requires getting on a flight and more often than not, an international flight... My Brigade packs really well. I fold my wetsuit, skin, and a few t-shirts and shorts inside the Brigade for travel and have never had a problem getting it and the rest of my gear into a small checked dive bag.

I carry my regulator, u/w camera, dive PC, notebook PC and Bose headset in my carry on and I'm good to go...

One thing to consider between the small or medium will be where the pockets are when you either expand the small to the max setting or tighten up the medium... You want to make sure that you can easily access the pockets... The only complaint that I have ever seen on SB was someone that could not reach his pockets and I expected that the BCD just did not fit correctly as my pockets are very easy to reach....

Scuba Toys also lets you change out the top and bottom (shoulder/vest) portions of the unit as they come apart... I have the large shoulder and medium vest to fit my sculpted athletic bod...

Getting it custom fit did not cost any more and it made all the difference in the world... Check out the sizing on the above link to see what would fit you the best and have the boys at ScubaToys send one out to you to try on... They have a great return policy for fit; just don't get it wet in the process....

Make sure you get the yellow weight pockets... Enjoy.

Blue Moon

 

[Divedoggie]

I have the Ranger, and then I bought the 35 lb bladder from Larry at Scubatoys, which converts it to the Brigade. I switch the bladders back and forth depending on the conditions. When I dive dry and with extra weight, I use the 44 lb bladder. Tropical diving, I switch to the 35lb.

The shoulder straps are interchangeable, and that really helps with the custom fit.

You can remove the bladder and pack it separatlely if you are REALLY concerned about packability.

My vote is Brigade.

 

[BIGG_BUDD]

I own a Brigade, and it travels fine. I like the ballistic nylon, the big pockets, and the heavy duty D-rings are also very handy.

Hasn't Zeagle stopped making the Escape, and replaced with the Stilletto? I was in ScubToys the other day, and that's what the sales guy told me...

 

[scubatoys]

I own a Brigade, and it travels fine. I like the ballistic nylon, the big pockets, and the heavy duty D-rings are also very handy.

Hasn't Zeagle stopped making the Escape, and replaced with the Stilletto? I was in ScubToys the other day, and that's what the sales guy told me...

You are correct... I'm sure Scott will chime in here, but yes, the Escape is past tense... But they are still a nice BC, and there are still some around, but I like the versatility that the Brigade gives me in more D rings, heavier shoulders, the ability to swap bladders... but either way, you'll be happy with a Zeagle product.

 

[Mike126]

I looked all of the Zeagle BCs a couple of months ago. (Drove Scott Z. and the guys for ScubaToys crazy!) For the money I felt that the Brigade was the best for me. I was willing to pay more for a Ranger but a 44# bladder is overkill for recreational diving. Besides, if you need a larger bladder you can always buy one. I compared a Stiletto against a Ranger and from a packability standpoint I could not see much difference. I doubt the Brigade vs. Escape is going to make a huge difference either.

I also considered the SeaQuest. It did not look as nicely made.

I'm surprised the BP/W crew has not shown up to convert your evil ways.....