Question for the scooter owners

CHarnal · 12-10-2009, 02:25 PM

I've decided to pull the trigger and buy a scooter. They just look like too much fun.

My questions are:

1) I'm torn between a Sierra and a N-19. Why did you choose the scooter you did? What are the pros/cons to each from personal experience?

2) Anyone know of someone selling one or the other?

Thanks,
Casey

rhlee · 12-10-2009, 10:59 PM

I would recommend seeing if you could try each out before making an investment. I don't have experience with the SS/N19 scooters, but I think the trigger/handle mechanism would be a concern for me personally. There are also the Zuexo scooters, which I have heard many good things about.

1) Personally, I own a Sierra, and for me the choice was mainly between it and a Gavin, and I chose the Sierra for the weight. That being said, I (personally) believe that my Sierra is underpowered compared to some of the Gavins that are around, and have had some issues in very heavy currents with lots of gear.

2) There are a couple of reasonable deals on Gavins on eBay right now: http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trk...All-Categories

CHarnal · 12-11-2009, 11:23 AM

Thanks for the info, Rob.

I would love to try a couple out, but I don't know many people with scooters in Sacramento.

For the mean time I will have to rely on reading and opinions from people who have used them, such as yourself.

I really like the trigger mechanism on the Dive-X, I have not been able to find any up-close images of the trigger / speed control of the Gavin or SS. From what I understand, to change the prop pitch on the Gavin you need to stop and manually adjust the pitch? What about speed control? Is it a progressive trigger, or just a single pull and speed is based on the prop pitch?

With the SS, please correct me if I'm wrong, I'm assuming the prop pitch is controlled dynamically via some mechanism on the handle?

rhlee · 12-11-2009, 11:41 AM

The Gavin and SS both have variable-pitch props, as with the X. The X also has electronic speed shifting. The backend assembly of all 3 scooters are basically the same:

http://www.silent-submersion.com/Ins...ons/props.html

Not sure if the SS has speed shifting in the trigger, but the Gavins do not; speed is controlled by adjusting the prop pitch. The SS "trigger" is much like a motorcycle handle; it involves a wrist rotation (if that makes sense...).

On the X, speed can be controlled at the trigger, and/or by changing the prop pitch. Personally, I leave mine pitched all the way, and use the trigger shift.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHarnal

Thanks for the info, Rob.

I would love to try a couple out, but I don't know many people with scooters in Sacramento.

For the mean time I will have to rely on reading and opinions from people who have used them, such as yourself.

I really like the trigger mechanism on the Dive-X, I have not been able to find any up-close images of the trigger / speed control of the Gavin or SS. From what I understand, to change the prop pitch on the Gavin you need to stop and manually adjust the pitch? What about speed control? Is it a progressive trigger, or just a single pull and speed is based on the prop pitch?

With the SS, please correct me if I'm wrong, I'm assuming the prop pitch is controlled dynamically via some mechanism on the handle?

marlloyd · 12-13-2009, 04:26 PM

When I was buying mine I also narrowed it down between the Gavin and the X. Weight was one consideration but I also like the fact that you could shift on the fly, that there was no wire to break on the trigger, and the battery is very simple to switch in and out.

I would also agree with Rob that my Sierra is a bit slower than some of the Gavins around but the turning ability and other items that I pointed out above do not make me regret my decision.

However if I were to buy a scooter today I would go for the Cuda

CHarnal · 12-14-2009, 08:57 AM

Thanks everyone, I have decided to go with Dive-X. The feedback from everyone I've spoken with has been pretty much unanimous.

04-19-2010, 07:56 PM

thought I'd throw my .02:

While I own and love my Gavin, if I were you I'd get a Cuda. While the Cuda is certainly larger than a Sierra, it's lighter than the short bodied Gavin. The power and range of the Cuda puts it in it's own class of scooter, so for our longer distance runs it's a huge advantage. Right now we're diving our larger bodied (26 AH) Gavins for the longer scooter runs where a Gavin Short or Sierra would not have enough burn time.

While I've certainly had a decent amount of time diving the SS, I don't favor it because most of us in norcal dive either the Gavins or the Xs and having similar equipment is of value. Of course getting a used Gavin at bargain prices also has value too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHarnal

I've decided to pull the trigger and buy a scooter. They just look like too much fun.

My questions are:

1) I'm torn between a Sierra and a N-19. Why did you choose the scooter you did? What are the pros/cons to each from personal experience?

2) Anyone know of someone selling one or the other?

Thanks,
Casey

joakim · 04-20-2010, 04:22 PM

There are advantages to the Sierra compared to the Cuda. Yes, the Cuda has longer battery life and better speed. However, the Sierra is nimbler and easier to handle, both in the water and when getting it in and out of the water (boat or beach).

It all depends on what type of diving you are planning to do with the scooter and what your preferences are.

Personally, I have a Sierra and it has served me well. I've looked at the Cuda but it's a lot bigger and I'm not sure I see a need to upgrade. Buying a scooter is a big investment so you might want to take both a Sierra and a Cuda for a test d(r)ive.

CHarnal · 04-20-2010, 07:29 PM

I ended up buying a Sierra. Actually it's maiden voyage was at the Point Lobos Day. I was torn between the Sierra and the Cuda, but I figured if I ever need the range of a Cuda I can purchase the new DSS LIon battery and have the range of a cuda in the form factor of the Sierra.

Win/Win.

12-10-2009, 02:25 PM	#1
CHarnal Name: Casey GUE Certs: GUEF Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Roseville, CA Posts: 17	Question for the scooter owners I've decided to pull the trigger and buy a scooter. They just look like too much fun. My questions are: 1) I'm torn between a Sierra and a N-19. Why did you choose the scooter you did? What are the pros/cons to each from personal experience? 2) Anyone know of someone selling one or the other? Thanks, Casey

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12-10-2009, 10:59 PM	#2
rhlee BAUE Director Name: Robert GUE Certs: GUEF, Tech1, Tech2, Cave1, Cave2, Rebreather, Instructor, DPV1 Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 221	I would recommend seeing if you could try each out before making an investment. I don't have experience with the SS/N19 scooters, but I think the trigger/handle mechanism would be a concern for me personally. There are also the Zuexo scooters, which I have heard many good things about. 1) Personally, I own a Sierra, and for me the choice was mainly between it and a Gavin, and I chose the Sierra for the weight. That being said, I (personally) believe that my Sierra is underpowered compared to some of the Gavins that are around, and have had some issues in very heavy currents with lots of gear. 2) There are a couple of reasonable deals on Gavins on eBay right now: http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trk...All-Categories

12-11-2009, 11:23 AM	#3
CHarnal Name: Casey GUE Certs: GUEF Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Roseville, CA Posts: 17	Thanks for the info, Rob. I would love to try a couple out, but I don't know many people with scooters in Sacramento. For the mean time I will have to rely on reading and opinions from people who have used them, such as yourself. I really like the trigger mechanism on the Dive-X, I have not been able to find any up-close images of the trigger / speed control of the Gavin or SS. From what I understand, to change the prop pitch on the Gavin you need to stop and manually adjust the pitch? What about speed control? Is it a progressive trigger, or just a single pull and speed is based on the prop pitch? With the SS, please correct me if I'm wrong, I'm assuming the prop pitch is controlled dynamically via some mechanism on the handle?

12-13-2009, 04:26 PM	#5
marlloyd Name: Mark GUE Certs: GUEF, Tech1, Tech2 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: San Jose Posts: 263	When I was buying mine I also narrowed it down between the Gavin and the X. Weight was one consideration but I also like the fact that you could shift on the fly, that there was no wire to break on the trigger, and the battery is very simple to switch in and out. I would also agree with Rob that my Sierra is a bit slower than some of the Gavins around but the turning ability and other items that I pointed out above do not make me regret my decision. However if I were to buy a scooter today I would go for the Cuda

12-14-2009, 08:57 AM	#6
CHarnal Name: Casey GUE Certs: GUEF Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Roseville, CA Posts: 17	Thanks everyone, I have decided to go with Dive-X. The feedback from everyone I've spoken with has been pretty much unanimous.

04-20-2010, 04:22 PM	#8
joakim BAUE Member Name: Joakim Linde GUE Certs: GUEF, Tech1, Tech2 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Palo Alto Posts: 69	There are advantages to the Sierra compared to the Cuda. Yes, the Cuda has longer battery life and better speed. However, the Sierra is nimbler and easier to handle, both in the water and when getting it in and out of the water (boat or beach). It all depends on what type of diving you are planning to do with the scooter and what your preferences are. Personally, I have a Sierra and it has served me well. I've looked at the Cuda but it's a lot bigger and I'm not sure I see a need to upgrade. Buying a scooter is a big investment so you might want to take both a Sierra and a Cuda for a test d(r)ive.

04-20-2010, 07:29 PM	#9
CHarnal Name: Casey GUE Certs: GUEF Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Roseville, CA Posts: 17	I ended up buying a Sierra. Actually it's maiden voyage was at the Point Lobos Day. I was torn between the Sierra and the Cuda, but I figured if I ever need the range of a Cuda I can purchase the new DSS LIon battery and have the range of a cuda in the form factor of the Sierra. Win/Win.