Zeagle Escape vs. Aqualung Malibu

[AikiPapi]

O.K., please forgive the newbie (me) if I re-hash some previous posts here but I can use all the advice I can get at this point. After boiling my initial BC purchase down to these two, I thought I'd throw it out to "the committee".

Both appear similarly priced and technically sufficient. Really just looking for a weight-integrated set-up compact enough to pack easily for trips to warmer water (where I plan on doing most of my diving)...

Thanks in advance!

 

[BigboyDan]

Here's all the advice that you'll need: try both of them at the shop pool before you buy. Which ever one that you like more, buy that one.

 

[crpntr133]

Personally I would go with the Zeagle. About a year ago I went through the same thing and a DB of mine had a Malibu, didn't like it. While here I found out about the Zeagle Brigade and went with it. One major issue for me was that ability to change the Zeagle around to fit ME, not me fit the BC. Zeagle also has great customer service, Scott took care of me a couple of weeks ago.

 

[AikiPapi]

Personally I would go with the Zeagle. About a year ago I went through the same thing and a DB of mine had a Malibu, didn't like it. While here I found out about the Zeagle Brigade and went with it. One major issue for me was that ability to change the Zeagle around to fit ME, not me fit the BC. Zeagle also has great customer service, Scott took care of me a couple of weeks ago.

Thanks for the insight. This is the direction I have been leaning lately (Zeagle) but I think I had just reached the saturation point in my research...no dive pun intended, of course.

It doesn't help that I've had a hard time tracking down anyone that carries the Malibu either!

 

[gfisher4792]

I owned a malibu, and while it was alright as a BC, it wasn't all that great traveling with, and that stupid itty bitty cummerbund pocket (basically sized to carry spare change) didn't help much either.

 

[crpntr133]

It doesn't help that I've had a hard time tracking down anyone that carries the Malibu either!

I think that in its self would make up my mind. I am not saying that it is a bad BC, just makes you wonder why nobody carries it.

 

[saying]

Aiiiiiiiiiiii!

Papi loves Zeagle beagles.

 

[Grummpy]

I use a Zeagle Brigade and have no complaints with it at all.Nice and small for travel for to warmer parts.

Grummpy

 

[crpntr133]

I wonder where Walter is to tell you that the Brigade is a design flaw?...LOL

 

[AC Boy]

Personally I would go with the Zeagle. About a year ago I went through the same thing and a DB of mine had a Malibu, didn't like it. While here I found out about the Zeagle Brigade and went with it. One major issue for me was that ability to change the Zeagle around to fit ME, not me fit the BC. Zeagle also has great customer service, Scott took care of me a couple of weeks ago.

would second what crpntr133 and grummpy said. got my zeagle brigade from scubatoys last year, and have no complaints abt it whatsoever.

i've got quite a lanky frame and had some difficulty finding a BC that could fit me nicely. with zeagle's personal fit system (PFS), i was able to play around with the vest and shoulder sizes to ensure a perfect fit.

i chose the brigade partly 'cos of its proven durability (uses a zeagle ranger harness) and it was able to pack light (using a zeagle escape bladder).

hate to throw a spanner in the works, but you might wanna check out zeagle's new BC - stiletto. it's essentially a brigade but comes with lumbar support and a more durable bladder.