Air packs ?

[trainer]

If you had a chance to replace all of your air packs with new, what would they be?

[npfd801]

If you had a chance to replace all of your air packs with new, what would they be?

Unless everyone has looked at and used all of the new '07 spec SCBAs out there, everything everyone has experience with is kind of null. Sure, MSA and Scott have a great history and I'm sure their new stuff is very nice, but looking at the new Draeger pack - they at least deserve some consideration. As a guy that takes care of all of department's MSA stuff, I see some things Draeger is doing that looks pretty good. However, I'm also pretty fond of our MSA stuff, and wouldn't hesitate to recommend them either.

Disclaimer: I'm now working for someone that sells Draeger, so take my comments how you wish. Since my gig is selling rigs, I won't be knocking on your door to sell you SCBAs tomorrow.

[mcaldwell]

We just did, and went with Draegar. My favorite, but we have been with Draegar for 15 years now.

I am also partial to Scott, and MSA is just fine. I would be very happy with either.

Honestly, those three are Ford, Chevy, and Dodge of the SCBA world. It's all just personal preference. Try them all, and see what your dept thinks.

:)

[trainer]

I kinda figured the Ford Chevy thing, each have there likes and dislikes. We currently have older scotts and MSA's. Everyone leans toward the MSA, and I have heard good things on dregger, I think they were the first. Anyways looks like we got a grant, ya hell musta froze over, to replace all our packs. anyone out there got the latest and greatest and would point us in the right direction.

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

Too much stuff to break on all these new packs. I am a Scott man but if I could, I would go back to the early 90's 2.2's ...Lightweight and not much to break like these new ones.

[rfd599]

Trainer:

Shoot me an e-mail offline if you want to check out the new Drager, there are three models currently available for the 2007 edition.

Stay safe,

rfd599
www.IllinoisFireStore.com
dinges88@hotmail.com

[Lieutenant387]

Trainer:

Shoot me an e-mail offline if you want to check out the new Drager, there are three models currently available for the 2007 edition.

Stay safe,

rfd599
www.IllinoisFireStore.com
dinges88@hotmail.com

RFD, did you read the terms of use here? NO CARPET BAGGING

[FireRx]

Our department got all new packs a couple years ago. ISI is what we went with. We tested a few different ones, I remember MSA and ISI were in the running and ISI tested a little bit better as for as not having extra stuff hanging off that could get caught on anything. Overall I'm happy with the ISI's.

[kprsn1]

Our department got all new packs a couple years ago. ISI is what we went with. We tested a few different ones, I remember MSA and ISI were in the running and ISI tested a little bit better as for as not having extra stuff hanging off that could get caught on anything. Overall I'm happy with the ISI's.

FireRx, I'm sure the Chief told me but I didn't remember you guys getting the ISI's. When I first started years ago, I think we were one of the few depts within 60 miles with ISI's. Now there are 6 or 7 in that 60 mile radius with them. I've always liked the ISI's. For anyone checking different models, get them, play with them, use them, and make sure you're comfortable with them before buying. Like Trainer said, it's kind of a Ford, Chevy, Dodge thing with SCBA's. I believe there are 3 SCBA manufacturers now that meet the new standard, MSA Firehawk M7, Scott NxG7, and ISI Z Seven. Try them all before choosing.

Chad

[jboczek]

We got ISIs about 3 years ago. I know the new standards have mandated some changes so do what we did - have the reps give you a pack for a couple weeks and try it out. Let everybody get their opinion in, weigh the options and make a decision. MSA was a close second for us but we have no regrets that we got ISIs. Well, maybe one, but it has nothing to do with the equipment itself. Just make sure your dealer will get you serviced in a timely fashion. I'll say no more.

[pmed19]

If any one has any spare SCBA, MSA or spare MSA bottles they would like to donate please let me know. My dept. just had to take several out of service and there is no way we can afford to replace them. Any assistance would be greatful. You can contact me here or pmed19@hotmail.com or firemedic_19@yahoo.com. Thanks.

[Firefighter2160]

we currently have MSA MMR 4500's which are way better than the old ISI magnums we used to have.

I agree it is the whole ford - chevy thing too.


one things is the MSA's we currently use have the intergrated pass device, which is great cept we are a POC Dept. and the batteries seem to die just sitting there so have ran into a prob with dead or low batteries on scene.


what it boils down to is what works for you and have the features you need

[jboczek]

The battery deal was one thing I didn't like in the MSAs. If you don't shut everything off you'll kill it in no time at all. Some of the MSA batteries seemed hard to change, too. What is there, 3 all together with the heads up display and all? I didn't like that at all.

[dfd1362]

My department just recieved a grant to buy all new packs. I've been picked to headup the committee to research and deside which brand we are going to buy. We have Survivair now and have alot of trouble with them so hopefully we can get away from them and get somthing better. My question is if anyone that has the 2007 compliant MSA or ISI packs have you had any issues or trouble with them.

[npfd801]

If any one has any spare SCBA, MSA or spare MSA bottles they would like to donate please let me know. My dept. just had to take several out of service and there is no way we can afford to replace them. Any assistance would be greatful. You can contact me here or pmed19@hotmail.com or firemedic_19@yahoo.com. Thanks.

Are you guys using 2216psi MSAs? No promises, but we may have a few low pressure bottles still laying around, but I don't know for sure... I'm more worried that they've exceeded their service life.

Another department nearby just replaced a bunch of older MSA low pressure stuff with new grant SCBAs, I'll see what they're doing with the old stuff.

[pmed19]

Are you guys using 2216psi MSAs? No promises, but we may have a few low pressure bottles still laying around, but I don't know for sure... I'm more worried that they've exceeded their service life.

Another department nearby just replaced a bunch of older MSA low pressure stuff with new grant SCBAs, I'll see what they're doing with the old stuff.

Yes we use the 2216 bottles. Any help would be great. Thanks.

[Weruj1]

We were a Scott house until we got on the Toledo bid for packs and thery were always MSA so we converted. I think that Scott and MSA are in a dead heat, each has their little things that people like.

[npfd801]

Yes we use the 2216 bottles. Any help would be great. Thanks.

Pmed - I sent you an e-mail regarding the air packs from the site here. If you don't get it, let me know. I have the wheels turning on getting you some packs, but I need some info from you.

No promises yet, but nothing has been shot down either...
;)

[KenNFD1219]

I would go back to the 1st generation Scott 4.5's. Easy to use, no electronics or batteries, comfortable, and works every time. I'll second MIKEYLIKESIT, many of the new SCBA's are becoming too complex. The more parts, systems, and sub-systems involved, the more that can go wrong.

[npfd801]

I would go back to the 1st generation Scott 4.5's. Easy to use, no electronics or batteries, comfortable, and works every time. I'll second MIKEYLIKESIT, many of the new SCBA's are becoming too complex. The more parts, systems, and sub-systems involved, the more that can go wrong.

The local Batteries Plus franchise owner gets visibly aroused when he sees me walking in the front door. Nothing better than buying case quantities of AAs and AAAs!

Which reminds me, I need to go buy more.

[mcaldwell]

Nothing better than buying case quantities of AAs and AAAs!


Sure there is...


Buying case quantities of "Brand Name" CR2's. I think I've finally got them down to 4 bucks a piece. :eek:

[irishltemt69]

Odd question, but.... I have nevere compared SCBA's side by side. Does anyone know if they are different lengths? My guess is probably not enough tomake a difference. My dilemma is my height - I am short and in the pack I cannot look up :-) - Pain in the *** sometimes and just wondered if anyone knew of a shorter pack out there -

[npfd801]

Draeger makes a pack where you can adjust the length of the backplate for comfort. I'm probably not explaining this well, but you have three choices as to how long the thing is... Whether or not this would be the ticket for you, I don't know.

[firefighterox]

NPFD does batteries plus run a pretty good deal on AA's in bulk? It seems like we are always going to walmart for batteries for our airpacks and maybe i could pick up a case on my occasional trip to rockford.

[rfd599]

NPFD does batteries plus run a pretty good deal on AA's in bulk? It seems like we are always going to walmart for batteries for our airpacks and maybe i could pick up a case on my occasional trip to rockford.

Ravovac in Dixon gives free alkaline batteries to local fire department's. Give me a call at the store or e-mail me at dinges88@hotmail.com and I will give you the contact information. I

Stay safe,

rfd599
www.IllinoisFireStore.com

[pmed19]

Pmed - I sent you an e-mail regarding the air packs from the site here. If you don't get it, let me know. I have the wheels turning on getting you some packs, but I need some info from you.

No promises yet, but nothing has been shot down either...
;)

I got it and sent it back. Did you get it?

Thanks again for the help.

[mcaldwell]

Ravovac in Dixon gives free alkaline batteries to local fire department's. Give me a call at the store or e-mail me at dinges88@hotmail.com and I will give you the contact information. I

Stay safe,

rfd599
www.IllinoisFireStore.com


Just keep in mind, some SCBA's are only approved for Duracells or Energizer as per manufacturer spec. A money grab for sure, but is the potential warranty violation worth the few bucks?

[npfd801]

I got it and sent it back. Did you get it?

Thanks again for the help.

Forwarded it to the chief of the neighboring department. Hopefully we'll hear from him soon.

So far, all the old low pressure stuff I've found at my department would be great for one thing - lamps. The last one I found is beyond its service life by about two years...

Keep those fingers crossed.

[npfd801]

NPFD does batteries plus run a pretty good deal on AA's in bulk? It seems like we are always going to walmart for batteries for our airpacks and maybe i could pick up a case on my occasional trip to rockford.

Ox - I'll give you the price when I make the next purchase. I buy from them more for convenience - the cases are in cardboard boxes and not blister packs (which is nice....), and they're happy to send a bill to the department instead of me getting a check from the secretary and all of the associated baloney that goes with it when I go to Wally World.

I've stayed away from the Rayovac thing because the MSA literature spells out the brand of cell. God forbid something bad happens and it comes down to the type of batteries I bought.

[rfd599]

Agreed in regards to mfg. specs.....however, the reality is that these units can run on other mfgs. batteries and $$$ have to make sense to some departments.

Use your judgement in regards to your battery issue.

Stay safe,

rfd599
www.IllinoisFireStore.com

[firefighterox]

Nick:

I sent you an email the other day about the rayovac battery deal. just wanted to make sure you got it.

[rfd599]

Ox:

Got it and just responded. Sorry for the delay I am at the firehouse 4 days this week and haven't been home much.

Stay safe,

rfd599
www.IllinoisFireStore.com

[firefighterox]

Nick,

Got your email and replied to it today. I will be sure and email you after the first of the year once everything settles down from all the new years madness.

To all:

Be safe with the impending bad weather we are suppose to be getting this weekend.

[Kastner904]

we received a grant to replace our airpacks, breathing air compressor and cascade 102,000 it is awesome. concerned about all the new innovations
in air packs. we are leaning towards the new Scott air pack 75 w 30 minute composite high pressure bottles with a bunch of options. looking for pros and cons on this airpack.

Drager, ISI, MSA, Scott where to go - our county uses mostly Scott
so for a interoperability issue it would be the way to go.

we have had the old wire frame Scott 2.2 for years

does anyone have any input on the above and also cascade, compressor systems - looking at the Eagle aire10

any other choices? does anyone know anything about Bauer?

thanks in advance for the input

[Kastner904]

Battery Products, Inc. has great prices on batteries they have the industrial AA, AAA ones - dont have the info w/ me try a web search.
if not reply and ill get info for you.

[npfd801]

we received a grant to replace our airpacks, breathing air compressor and cascade 102,000 it is awesome. concerned about all the new innovations
in air packs. we are leaning towards the new Scott air pack 75 w 30 minute composite high pressure bottles with a bunch of options. looking for pros and cons on this airpack.

Drager, ISI, MSA, Scott where to go - our county uses mostly Scott
so for a interoperability issue it would be the way to go.

we have had the old wire frame Scott 2.2 for years

does anyone have any input on the above and also cascade, compressor systems - looking at the Eagle aire10

any other choices? does anyone know anything about Bauer?

thanks in advance for the input

I'll stay out of the SCBA part, but we have an Eagle Air fill station and compressor. Long story, but the fill station has road rash from being drug out of the station, and the compressor stayed upright but also took a trip. Both were back in service with minimal fuss and expense.

Bauer claims they're the best, but there is nothing cheap about them.

We have received fantastic service from our dealer for our Eagle system, which is also a plus.

[ATFDFF]

I like the new MSA.

[rifd0906]

I've always used Scott's and love them. They hold up well and don't have many difficult problems that can't be fixed, especially if you take their course on repairs. I've seen MSA masks melt under academy heat and come apart easily too, lots of movable parts on the reg at the mask.

And RFD - he's only on here to try and make a buck!

[CooterRob]

Scott NXG2...

[trainer]

ATFDFF and CooterRob, can you guys tell me why:confused: