Scba

[Rice09]

We had previously used Scott Air Packs and switched to MSA. I like both, but I think MSA is better. They seem to be easier to change bottles, are lighter and you can disconnect the face piece and stop using air. Very easy. They are more comfortable (to me) and the voice amp is nice. I like the 4500 psi, low profile bottles. Very nice. Just my opinion, what do you think?

[DarkStarr]

Sounds like our Scotts..

[zzyyzx]

Scott vs. MSA is like the Ford vs. Chevy debate. I think both are good systems. I know our country agreed to all use the Scott system just for the simple purpose of compatibility during mutual aid situations. All I've used are the Scott's and they seem nice to me, but I've nothing to compare them with.

What will be interesting is if this new Flat Pack makes it through testing and gets approved, will Scott get a contract also, or will MSA have the market (patent) for so many years before competitors can manufacture a similar product. Just for the expense of it, I can't see many depts jumping over to it immediately. We're a medium sized dept and we'd have to purchase at least 50 packs plus back-ups. Also not sure what the new requirements will be to fill them. Can the fill off an existing cascade with a simple adaptor or will that be hundreds/thousands of dollars to convert also? From the videos I've seen of the testing, it looks interesting though.

[TNFF319]

We have broke 3 MSAs in about a year and a half. The PASS devices and computers keep messing up.

[Acklan]

We have a bucket of the MSA wireless HUDs waiting to be fixed by MSA. Plastic is far to fragile from what we have seen.

[Medicc315]

We just purchased all new scott's. When the msa sales rep come to demo his stuff the hud broke and he just wasn't very proficient with the product. We were already using scott and decided to go with them again.

[FIRE117]

Scba

I have used several brands of SCBA. I prefer MSA, but Scott is OK, too.

The reason we went with MSA is the local fire equipment dealer sells and services MSA here. In the past, if we needed testing and/or maintenance, it could be done locally.

Around ten years ago, our state was equipping a statewide hazmat team. I was a member of that team and was the one that selected the brand of SCBA. I selected MSA, as most of the larger cities in the state were using MSA in their FD's. For interoperability purposes, having MSA would be beneficial when working with local FD's that also had the same brand.

Scott really does have excellent packs, too. The technology of the packs has really changed from when I started firefighting in the mid-1980's.

While the technology has gotten better, the price has gotten alot higher when purchasing these newer packs. About 20 years ago, at a fire school, I was told that 1/3 of the cost of a SCBA was for liability costs. Its too bad that liability costs have driven up the price of packs, when SCBA are essential for firefighting.

As with purchasing any firefighting equipment, comparision shopping is needed to determine if the equipment brand is what will work in your firefighting operation.

[JuniorAFPD]

My department uses Draeger, and I love them. Like a post said earlier Scott and MSA is like Ford vs. Chevy. Then I am guessing Drager is Dodge? They are very comfortable, and state of the art in my opinion especially with their quick connect adapters. The flat packs will be interesting.... When they come out. It is projected they will not come out at LEAST for another 5 to 10 years....

[XRaysJL]

I agree

I think those who say it's like "Chevy vs Ford" is pretty much hitting the nail on the head. My dept uses both MSA and Draeger. I like them both.

[CKirk922]

We use scott 4500s. Better than the Survive-scare we had before...
The City department tested the Sperian-(formerly survive-scare) and liked it.
We tested several systems including Draeger-I LIKED IT A LOT! but the price wasn't there compared to the scotts at the time...sigh ...could uh had uh Dodge...

[Rice09]

I didn't intend this to be a "ford vs. chevy" just wanted to know what some of you guys like to use. Obviously money plays a role. I'm open to use whatever works the best. We had used Scott for quite a while but switched to MSA. Many have had issues with MSA, but we have a few members that work in the field of repairing them and haven't had problems. We've come along way in technology.

[HuntPA]

My department just went through evaluations to purchase new packs. We ranked them as Draeger and ISI as the best (just about tied), MSA a distant third, and Scott as the least desireable.

Don't get me wrong, we would be happy with any of them, but when we wore them and really tried them out, the ISI and Draeger suited us a lot better than the others. It came down to a person by person vote. Our new ISI packs will be delivered in three weeks. They beat out the Draeger by two votes.

Personally I see the Draeger as the best over all quality and fit, but the voice amplifier, air switch, and price swayed enough people to the ISI.

[Bones42]

We use scott 4500s. Better than the Survive-scare we had before...
...

Truth be told...I would switch everyone of my Scotts out for our old Survivairs in a second.

Have had many more issues with the Scotts than we ever had with the Survivairs. But, the funding is not there and won't be for a long time.

[TNFF319]

I think those who say it's like "Chevy vs Ford" is pretty much hitting the nail on the head. My dept uses both MSA and Draeger. I like them both.

How does that work for RIT operations?

[LaFireEducator]

We currently have MSA, and have used them since the early 80's.

One station, which is on a National Guard facility, which we cover on a contract basis, uses Scott

We received a FireAct grant to replace 37 of our 56 airpacks last year, and we are currently in the evaluation process with MSA, Scott and Drager.

Prior to moving down here from the northeast 8 years ago, I used nothing but Scott. Personally I'm not a fan of the MSAs but using them doesn't bother me, though the weight sitting on my shoulders rather than the waist is an issue.

That being said, I have been very impressed with the Dragers and would have no issue at all using them if we make the decision to go that way though Scott would be my first choice.