Zeagle Escape Questions

[DiverBob]

I am looking at the Zeagle Escape to use for travel to the Carib. My Mares Pegasus jacket style is reliable but bulky as heck to pack. After reading reviews of back inflation vs jacket style, I want to try the wing style Zeagle. Any proud Zeagle Escape owners out there? I have a couple of questions...

1. Not that I really want the need to use it, I have heard the weight dump system can be a pain to rethread. True?

2. How well does this BC do on the surface if not overinflated and properly weighted?

3. I know Zeagle's reputation is outstanding craftsmanship, I assume that holds true for the Escape?

Thanks for your reponses in advance!

[deepdiver47]

[quote=DiverBob;30203]I am looking at the Zeagle Escape to use for travel to the Carib. My Mares Pegasus jacket style is reliable but bulky as heck to pack. After reading reviews of back inflation vs jacket style, I want to try the wing style Zeagle. Any proud Zeagle Escape owners out there? I have a couple of questions...

1. Not that I really want the need to use it, I have heard the weight dump system can be a pain to rethread. True?

No it isn't that bad at all. Go to the Zeagle website and look at the video. You won't be messing with this at all unless you have an emergency. A non-issue from where I sit.

2. How well does this BC do on the surface if not overinflated and properly weighted?

I can't directly speak to this as I have a Ranger. In general a back inflate will tend to push your face into the water. But it is easily overcome by leaning back. It becomes second nature and you don't know that you are even doing it.

3. I know Zeagle's reputation is outstanding craftsmanship, I assume that holds true for the Escape?

Again, I can't speak directly about this but from a BC standpoint i have NEVER heard of a quality issue on any Zeagle . My Ranger is built like a tank and after 5 years looks great and show little signs of wear.

I hope that this helps

[ScubaToys Larry]

The escape was actually phased out. The made one slightly cheaper in the scout, and one more expensive in the stiletto. Now of course my favorite in the line is the Brigade - as then I get all the D rings, functionality, upgrade options of a ranger, but with an easier to pack bladder.

But to answer you questions... The weight system is simple once you get the hang of it. Really the best system out there - you'll never have it accidently come out like I've seen pockets, weight belts, etc.

And the trim at the surface can be adjusted by simply adding a little weight to the rear weight pockets on the bc (assuming you get one with rear weight trim pockets - and they can be added to any of them) but if not wearing a bunch of lead - again, no problem.

And the quality of all zeagle products is great - but there do have different materials they use, so the stiletto, escape, scount - they use the thinner shoulders and thinner material, while the brigade, ranger, tech, 911, all use the stronger material,

[Zenagirl]

It took me less than 5 minutes to rethread my BC after I pulled the ripcord the first time. The second time it was about 3 minutes. Plus I figure if I ever have to do it for real, the last thing I'll care about is how long it takes to rethread it!

If you go Zeagle, you might want to get the "yellow thingies" for the weight pockets. They're yellow mesh pouches that hold your lead so if you need to hand your weights up they'll all be together.

Besides making sure you have weight in the rear pockets, don't inflate your wing completely and it won't throw you forward on the surface. Leaning back also helps, it's kinda like being on a Barcolounger.

[DiverBob]

Originally Posted by ScubaToys Larry

The escape was actually phased out. The made one slightly cheaper in the scout, and one more expensive in the stiletto. Now of course my favorite in the line is the Brigade - as then I get all the D rings, functionality, upgrade options of a ranger, but with an easier to pack bladder......

Larry, Thanks much for the info. The reason I was asking about the Escape is the LDS I use for certifications and service had 1 Escape in my size for a very reasonable price. I saw the small Escape ST has on clearance but unfortunately not my size.

After reading all the feedback, I did purchase the Escape and will be placing an order with ST for "weight thingies" and a mask pouch. I'm looking at the Octo-Z for a birthday present!

Thanks again for a great forum and being my LDDS! (Long Distance Dive shop)

[creggur]

Congrats on the Escape.... The yellow weight thingies are definitely worth it, and the Octo-Z is great too.... Nice set-up!!!

[DiverBob]

I forgot to mention in my previous post. When I went to pickup the Escape, I was pleasantly surprised to see the LDS included two rear dumpable weight pocks which made the price an even sweeter deal. I gave one of the co-owners a big hug and thanks as I was leaving.... She is a very pretty brunette!

Can't wait to get this rig wet!!

[mmakay]

Originally Posted by DiverBob

I forgot to mention in my previous post. When I went to pickup the Escape, I was pleasantly surprised to see the LDS included two rear dumpable weight pocks which made the price an even sweeter deal.

The rear weight pockets are standard on the Escape. So is the lumbar pad.

[DiverBob]

Originally Posted by mmakay

The rear weight pockets are standard on the Escape. So is the lumbar pad.

Included huh?..... Well I geuss I should take back that hug I gave the LDS owner!!

[greyzen]

Well if you wanna spin it right for another hug you should barge in and be all

"So I found out the lumbar and weight pockets are standard and now thrown in. Thank you for helping to teach me about research... GIMME A SMOOTCH!"