Best Brigade Accessories

[dvinnola]

Sorry if this is a re-post, but it is hard to pull this out of all the threads. I just received my Brigade today, and already dig it. So, what are the best accessories to add? I am brand new to diving (20 dives total), so don't have too much besides the Brigade and a computer. What is the best knife to attach? What else should I look at? Thanks for the time...

[cbope]

The rear trim weight pockets are a good idea, they will help you maintain good trim in the water and help keep you more vertical on the surface with a fully inflated BC. You might also want to consider the "weight thingies", yellow weight pouches that hold your loose weights so that you can easily remove them from the BC weight pockets. These are on my wish list, I forgot to get them with my Brigade.

I also plan to get the lumbar pad.

This is what I love about Zeagle BC's, they are modular and you can easily customize them. And if you ever need more lift than the standard 35lb bladder, you can buy a higher lift bladder for it.

I have a Technisub Mini-Zak knife zip-tied to the right upper shoulder strap on my Brigade. It's a reasonably small knife and fits perfectly. The handle points down so I can easily remove it with either hand.

[Splitlip]

Don't over "accessorize". Keep it clean and simple. Or you'll end up in Mick's camp.

[5513]

Originally Posted by Splitlip

Don't over "accessorize". Keep it clean and simple. Or you'll end up in Mick's camp.

Darn he probably doesn't need any weights. How does he get a seal with that stach?

[dvinnola]

I think my budget precludes me from Mick's camp right now, but it gives me a target to shoot for...

Does anyone use that quick deploy signal marker?

I have a 6 inch long bungee connector. I was thinking of clipping my dive computer to one of the strap d-rings. Does anyone use the lower ring for that?

[Splitlip]

Originally Posted by dvinnola

I have a 6 inch long bungee connector. I was thinking of clipping my dive computer to one of the strap d-rings. Does anyone use the lower ring for that?

Depending on the dive, I use something similar. Clipped off to the right chest d-ring.

[Zenagirl]

Honestly, I'd say to put a lumbar pad on the top of your list. Although I don't dive a Brigade, I added a lumbar pad to my (already comfortable) Zena and couldn't believe the difference. Plus, it's neutrally buoyant so although you're adding padding, you're not adding lift.

[Flatliner]

On the knife,

I'm not a Brigade diver so no advice on mounting BUT I will say that the Titanium is WELL WORTH the money!

[fisheater]

I use a heavy HP120 and would find my Brigade riding up a bit, with the reg hitting the back of my head when I looked up. I added the saddle straps and been very happy with them.

[dvinnola]

Thanks for the suggestions. I was thinking about the lumbar pad.

I gotta say how much lighter the BC is than I expected. I really think I can travel with this. I think I made the right decision.