Scorpion vs. Barracuda

artsyuno · #1 2011-03-13, 1:44am

I have been running a Barracuda on liquid oxy at the studio where I've rented for the last couple of years and have been very happy with my torch. I now have my home studio up and running and am using 2 Regalias plus a holding tank. I can get a great inner flame but not all that strong of an outer fire. I don't want to switch to tanked and am wondering if I'd be happier with a Scorpion. From what I've read, it sounds like it'd run well on my current oxy set up. I'm wondering how it'll compare in heat and flame, though, and whether it'll seem too small/not hot enough when I want to use the outer fire.

Has anyone used both of these torches and if so can you how you think they stack up to each other?

Thanks.

Ekkie · #2 2011-03-13, 4:34am

I haven't used a Barracuda but I can tell you that the Scorpion rune 100% better on an oxycon than a minor, mega minor or midrange.

artsyuno · #3 2011-03-13, 10:14am

That's good to know. Thanks, Jenn.

Hayley · #4 2011-03-13, 10:25am

That depends on how much you use the inner flame, Felicia. The inner flame of the Scorpion is the Cricket and is a much weaker flame than the inner flame of the Barracuda. But if you run both flames most of the time, then the Scorpion is a good option.

My sister uses a Bobcat with a M15 (the Bobcat is slightly hotter on a M15 than a Cricket) and I prefer my Cuda with just one Regalia (using only the inner flame 90% of the time) so much better. We have a two-torch station with them side by side.

Hope this helps.

artsyuno · #5 2011-03-13, 10:45am

Hmmm. I mostly use the inner flame, but I want a good, workable outer flame, too. Why is there no perfect torch. LOL! I tried out a Cricket at Glass Stock last year and thought it was pretty similar to my 'Cuda inner fire, but I don't know how closely I paid attention. I know that I thought it was a nice little torch and liked it better than the minor or mini cc.

Hayley · #6 2011-03-13, 10:53am

The Cricket is a nice little torch but narrower and less hot than the inner flame of the Cuda.

Dasi · #7 2011-03-13, 12:33pm

I have a scorpion and a cuda. I love them both. I use the cuda for soft glass and the scorpion for boro. I love my cuda for because the center fire is a little larger but softer. I open the outer ring and the flame is still a soft flame perfect for soft glass.

I love my scorpion too! I use it for boro. It is a hotter, more agressive flame on the same O2. I get a much stronger flame on the scorpion. I have an M-15 and an M-20 linked together. I use the same O2 set up for both torches.

I think both torches are fantastic. But they are very different.

artsyuno · #8 2011-03-13, 1:01pm

That's so not helpful. You're making me want both instead of replacing one with the other. LOL. Actually, you've both given me some things to think about. Thanks.