Opinions on DPVs

[skistowe]

I am interested in getting a dpv, and was wondering what experience people have had with different brands and any thoughts or suggestions they may have. Also any hindsight would be greatly appreciated!
All the best,
Jim

[WaterRat]

I'm not voting since I have none of the above...However, I'm a research nut. I will reseach something into the ground before I buy it. Out of the list I don't think you can go wrong with the Gavin's or the X-Scooter. Personally I think I'm leaning towards the x-scooter.

Ron

[Vie]

I've only tried a Gavin 26 and two X-Scooters (an old Echo and a Sierra, both with standard body). I loved the stability of the Gavin and the handle position but am planning to buy an X since most of my dives are from boats/liveaboards and I have to fly to some of the boarding points. The X is the most compact and lightest of the scooters I was considering (Mini-G, N-19 and X-Scooter Sierra) - there are advantages/disadvantages to all of them. The logical advice is just try and sample as many as you can, and pick the one that best serves your needs.

[Hex92]

I don't own a scooter, but I have used them on several occasions. I have tried the SS short body, X sierra, and the Apollo. I liked the X scooter best and if money were no object that is what I would buy (and that is what I voted for). But since money is a concern I think a used apollo will be what I buy. They are only rated to 165 ft, but I know several people that have taken theirs >200fsw. So that doesn't bother me.

I want to buy used because where I do most of my diving - off VA- the conditions (ie vis) aren't great. So scootering in 8ft of vis isn't that great. You can get real lost real fast. So If I buy a used scooter for ~$700 and I use it 8-10 times a year I would be happy. Dropping $3500 for something that is used that infrequently.....well that is another story.

[diversteve]

I'm thinking about a X Sierra with LiIon battery. Mostly because I can fly with it as my 2nd piece of luggage w/o paying overweight charges. Although Hex92 has a good$$ point - maybe I can find a used X...

I don't think Farallon is in business anymore.

[skistowe]

I have only had the experience of diving the apollos. I enjoyed them but have never tried the other scooters. Hex92 brings up a great point about $$$, I have been looking at used also, for the apollos I like the older design better. Just my 2 cents..

[CompuDude]

I'm doing some serious drooling of my buddy's x-scooters. I'll check out the mini-G's as well before buying (that won't be for years, I'm sad to say), but the x-scooters are definitely tops on my list at the moment.

I don't plan on doing serious caving with them, however... if I was, my selection criteria would be very different.

[texdiveguy]

I have very limited experc. with DPV...but have used the basic Sea Doo models,,Mako and Silent Submersion. The SS was by far the best IMO.