SCBA...which do you perfer?

[nobull911]

My department uses the Survivair Panther packs. I like the fit and the light weight. I don't like the closed masks because when your regulator is not in, it makes it very difficult to breath. I have used the scott in training and I like the mask much better, the fresh air before putting the regulator in, but I don't like the way the pack fits. We are not looking to buy new packs but I was interested what kind of SCBA other people liked and why.

[MFD]

we're running MSA(don't know the model)(but there old ) we got steel and fiberglass bottles.
the thing i don't like about them is the the hip regulators. I like mask regulators(like on Scotts) we got 2200 bottles. only thing is almost all the depts around here run MSAs. If we had the money i'd like to go to Scott 4500s(cause i'm 6 ft 6 300 lbs and i can drain a 2200 quick)

[ninja]

Maplewood,

You made a comment about wanting 4500 PSI bottles instead of the 2200 PSI bottles because you drain the 2200 bottles too quick. The higher pressure does not mean that there is twice as much air in your bottle. Given the same size bottle, if you were to put air in at 4500 PSI you would have more air, but in general the 4500 PSI bottles are smaller bottles at higher pressure. The net result is that both are considered 30 minute bottles.
There are 45 minute and 60 minute bottles but these are larger and at least in my area are not commonly used. A good advantage of 4500 PSI bottles is that they are lighter weight than a corresponding 2200 PSI bottle and therefore fatigue will be less possibly allowing you to get a few more minutes out of the same amount of air.

[MetalMedic]

We have Scott Air Packs. I do like the removable regulator from the face, but they do leave something to be desired as to ease of donning compared to others.

My previous department had Survivair. I liked their mask (these were older models) better than the Scott's of the time. They were also much easier to done for me.

I have also worked with National Dreager. In some ways, I like their air pack the bst of the three. My only concern is that the regulator seems a bit flimsy which makes me wonder how much abuse it would take on the fire scene before failaing.

[JimDWFD]

My department just switched to Scott. The mask is easy to breath through before connecting the regulator. The air flow to the facepiece is better. The over all weight is 8 pounds lighter than our old SCBA. The clips on the straps are the only thing thats difficult to get use to.

Our old SCBA were MSA 4500psi with the waist mounted regulator.

Just my two cents.

Stay Safe

[DeputyChiefGonzo]

Have you ever wondered why SCBA manufacturers are constantly developing newer units?

Scott Air Paks! They take the abuse that a firefighter puts then through!

[retrotex]

nobull, what department do you run with? My department also uses Survivair Panthers. I like the packs a lot but agree with you on the masks, it is hard to breathe with the regulator out.

[cookred03]

I use the Draeger Airboss Evolution, great system with automated pass, LCD display, but the mask sucks.

[ceno2749]

Both companies I run with use Scott. Of all the packs I have used in my career, I prefer the Scotts.

[FF41230]

We use MSA air packs. We have the old kind (4500'S AND 2200'S) and the new face mount regulator packs.(3000 psi.) the new ones are lite weight and really good.

[firecadetak]

My dept used Interspiros. most people have good things to say about them, there aren't many flaws.

[Adze39]

Scott 2A's!!!!

just kidding...I didn't really care for those things...

Scott Air-pak 4.5 45 minute bottles...of course, I haven't tried any other brands in the last 5 or 6 years...I'm sure they've improved a little...

[CanFiremedic1]

We use MSA mask mounted regulators with 30 minute carbon fibre cylinders. They suck. They are still heavy and the dragonfly system is a waste of time. You cant carry anything or swing an axe without setting the alarms off accidently . I have used the Scotts and love 'em. It is lighter and way more comfortable.

[fire69dawg]

I prefer a full one!


JK- We currently have Scott's, and they work very well, nice and light compared to the old steel MSA's

[engine117]

We use the new MSA and also a few old MSA Ultralite 2. The newer ones with the carbon fiber cylinder are nice. You hardly notice that they are there! Definitely have to say that it would be my first choice.