Brigade

[Vlane]

I've done a search and it looks like pretty much all of you speak very highly of this BCD, but i just have a few questions.

I live in Arkansas so diving is somewhat limited so chances are i'll mostly be diving lakes, but not dry suit diving yet. This will be my first BCD so i want some room to grow so that's why i'm looking at Brigade. Since this will be my first BCD do you think it's almost too much? I'm looking for something that can do warm and eventually cold water dives, as well as travel easily. I was looking at the Stiletto before but the price is the same for the two but i felt the Brigade has more potential. So, what you guys think?

[Rileybri]

Originally Posted by Vlane

I've done a search and it looks like pretty much all of you speak very highly of this BCD, but i just have a few questions.

I live in Arkansas so diving is somewhat limited so chances are i'll mostly be diving lakes, but not dry suit diving yet. This will be my first BCD so i want some room to grow so that's why i'm looking at Brigade. Since this will be my first BCD do you think it's almost too much? I'm looking for something that can do warm and eventually cold water dives, as well as travel easily. I was looking at the Stiletto before but the price is the same for the two but i felt the Brigade has more potential. So, what you guys think?

Last year at this time I was trying to make the same choice as you. I was getting my first BCD and pondering the possible choices. For it was was between the Brigade and the Ranger. I wanted to get one BCD that I could use for a few yeas while I figured out what I "really" wanted. Long story short is You will progress much fast than you think, need/want more functionality and usability than you think and be able to safely more "advanced" forms for gear than you think you will. In short the Brigade is the BCD I chose of the two. FElt it was just right. Then the unexpected happened, I dove a friends Back Plate and Wing (BP/W). I found it extreamly liberating and comfortable to use right off the bat.
1) It dont get any more simple than a BP and Hogarthian Harness
2) It dont get any more modular as your grow your abilities (put what you want where you want it when you want it there.)
3) No more BCD constriction
4) It places the air cell along your centerline (back) for beter inwater trim

In the ned the choice is yours and you will not be disappointed by the quality and usability of any Zegal product. I f I had not by chance used a BP/W i would own a Brigade......

[Vercingetorix]

I 2nd the BP/W. I dove with the Brigade for my OW in Jan 07. Immediately after OW, I switched to BP/W.

I know that doesn't directly answer your question. But, if your criteria is modularity and growth potential, including dry suit and/or doubles, then the BP/W will suit you fine.

[Vlane]

Agh! Too many choices. How bulky is the Brigade though? Like i said i was originally looking at the Stiletto because it's smaller and less bulky so it would be ideal for traveling as well as streamlining.

[Mtrewyn]

I use the Ranger and have no problems with it, I like the way it is a good cross of a bp/w and a BC, the back plate that I have used, granted only once, I really liked it.. but I already had my ranger, so I still used it, I don't think you'll be disappointed with the brigade.. On the ranger the bladder is well aligned on my back the brigade is the same, so if you can try a bp/w set up, do you may like it, but if you get a brigade you'll be fine with it, than by the time you want to upgrade the money for a bp/w will not be all that much in the big picture so just go with what you like, after you try them booth.

[Vlane]

Well i decided to just call scuba toys and he recommended a stiletto to start with, especially since i'm a skinny guy. Since i won't be doing too much diving right away i think it will be a good choice for now. Eventually i may move to a BP/W setup, but i think i'll start out slow. Thanks for all the help though guys!

[Straegen]

Looks like you have made a decision, but for what it is worth I would get either a BPW since it can grow with you or a used/on sale jacket BC. No sense spending a bunch of money on a new one since used/on sale ones are pretty much as good. Take a look at the Aeris Reef Rider from ST as it will probably save you a couple hundred.

[Vlane]

Well i was seriously considering a BP/W setup before they recommended the Stiletto. I am looking for something to grow with, but i don't know what all i'll be getting into since i'm living in Arkansas right now. What i like about the option of BCDs right now are the integrated weights and pockets if i need them. If i was looking at BP/W would i be limited to a weight belt?

[Rileybri]

Originally Posted by Vlane

Well i was seriously considering a BP/W setup before they recommended the Stiletto. I am looking for something to grow with, but i don't know what all i'll be getting into since i'm living in Arkansas right now. What i like about the option of BCDs right now are the integrated weights and pockets if i need them. If i was looking at BP/W would i be limited to a weight belt?

If you are looking for growth and the ability to fit t a thin frame go with a BP/W. The Hog will fit from the smallest to the biggest frame with easy adjustability. It is one continuos piece of webbing threaded through the back plate. yo can use a harness or pocket storm or a belt you decide what you what where. that is the beauty of the BP/W. You start with the basic Hog and add as you need/want. Lumbar pad, shoulder strap pads, extra SS D-rings, cutting tools etc. SO far the basic hog and belt weights has worked great for me.

[Vlane]

Ok, i'll give it some though. Thanks a lot for the input though.