Zeagle Scout BCD vs. Oceanic Islander

[divad]

It could be cut off, or folded back and not used. I don't think the OP minds the cummerbun so it's moot.

 

[Scubastud16]

I'm a big fan of my Islander. I have no experience with Zeagle products, but I love my Islander. Wish it had stationary D-rings (made up for that), but other than that, absolutely no complaints. Let me know if you have any specific questions. I've worn it with a rashguard in Key Largo, and a full 3mm Henderson and 5mm hood in Blue Springs (warm vs. cold water perspective). If you're a bigger guy and need more than about 14 lbs of weight, you may want to reconsider. I think it will do 14 or so in the pockets, and a few more lbs in the non-ditchable trim pockets on the tank band (newer models).

Danny

 

[MikeM_scuba]

I'm a big fan of my Islander. I have no experience with Zeagle products, but I love my Islander. Wish it had stationary D-rings (made up for that), but other than that, absolutely no complaints. Let me know if you have any specific questions. I've worn it with a rashguard in Key Largo, and a full 3mm Henderson and 5mm hood in Blue Springs (warm vs. cold water perspective). If you're a bigger guy and need more than about 14 lbs of weight, you may want to reconsider. I think it will do 14 or so in the pockets, and a few more lbs in the non-ditchable trim pockets on the tank band (newer models).

Danny

Danny, why do you want stationary D-Rings? I checked my local store they sell D-Rings for $3.95 a piece. If you want you can buy plenty of them and attach them anywhere you want. The reason I'm asking is that I'm thinking about buying this BC too but I have never seen it. My store doesn't carry Oceanic brand. I'm trying to choose between Oceanic Islander, Zeagle Stelletto(?) and Aeris Reef Rider.
Need BC for travel, easy to set up and doesn't take too much space in the bag.
Thank you in advanced for response.

 

[Scubastud16]

The Islander is a great travel BC, it folds up pretty small.

As far as D rings go, the Islander comes with two of the rock crawling clips (caribeeners...no idea on spelling) that you can move to different points on the BC. There is no way to attach stationary D rings to it. I've attached a few stainless steel split rings and other clips on there for to clip off my SMB, etc.

The small pockets are nice. I can fit my slates in there, tables, my SL4 light, etc.

I'm moving towards a BP/W hopefully!

Danny

 

[diver 85]

I'm looking for a travel BC and have been checking out these two. I'm trying to find out how they really compare from people who have used them. The Oceanic is about twice as expensive as the Zeagle -- is the difference between the two worth the price?

I'm a warm water diver who has to fly for all of my dives.

Thanks

I bought a Scout in June, have about 50 dives with it & love it....great for traveling & very comfortable in the water--max weight I have used was 12 lbs, 6 on a belt(I love belts) & 6 in the back of the BC.......btw, it does have a removable cumberbund, so you get the best of both worlds....paid $215 for mine @ Scuba.com in June '07......You will not regret this BC IMO...btw, my wife loves it also, here she is in it @ Little Cayman J

uly '07

 

[MikeM_scuba]

Does scout has any lumbar support? Are back weight pockets releasable? I'm trying to consider between Scout and Stiletto but can not find Scout in stores, just on the Internet.
Thanks in advance.

 

[divad]

Does scout has any lumbar support? Are back weight pockets releasable?

Yes and yes.

 

[DelightedDiver]

Thanks to everyone for all of the info. It sounds like the Scout for me.

 

[highdesert]

Here's another thought if you're looking at Oceanic vs. Zeagle...

Oceanic warranty: 2 years

Zeagle warranty: lifetime

 

[Scuba.com]

The Zeagle Scout BC currently has free ground shipping:
Integrated Rear Mounted Weight System - 20lb capacity (non-diver releasable)
24-lb lift low profile bladder with elastic retractors
Twin tank bands for single tanks included
430 Denier Material
Adjustable Cummerbund
Two hidden utility pockets
Four Stainless D-rings
Adjustable Sternum Strap
SIZES/LIFT: Small/24, Medium/24 , Large/24 , XLarge/24
Buy Zeagle Scout BC 7108VK and other scuba diving gear at scuba.com