Aqualung Dimension vs Zeagle Ranger?

[BoatingDave]

Hi all. I’m in the market for my first BCD. I know I’d like a back inflate and was thinking about the Aqualung Dimension or the Zeagle Ranger. Probably mostly for warm water reef diving but like to get something I can use in cooler quarry dives or perhaps some ocean wreck diving. I like the idea of a BP/W but think I’d feel more comfortable with dumpable weights. I like that these two have pockets too, though I know I could get tec shorts if I needed with a BP/W

I’m ok to spend a bit more if it is worth it, but are there any considerations I should think about? I’m average size about 5’8” and 165.

Thanks in advance

 

[grantctobin]

Hi all. I’m in the market for my first BCD. I know I’d like a back inflate and was thinking about the Aqualung Dimension or the Zeagle Ranger. Probably mostly for warm water reef diving but like to get something I can use in cooler quarry dives or perhaps some ocean wreck diving. I like the idea of a BP/W but think I’d feel more comfortable with dumpable weights. I like that these two have pockets too, though I know I could get tec shorts if I needed with a BP/W

I’m ok to spend a bit more if it is worth it, but are there any considerations I should think about? I’m average size about 5’8” and 165.

Thanks in advance

To add more options to your decision, there’s a few different types of dumpable weights that you can add to a BP/W very easily. The same for pockets.

 

[BoatingDave]

To add more options to your decision, there’s a few different types of dumpable weights that you can add to a BP/W very easily. The same for pockets.

Hmmm, ok, good to consider, sounds like you favor bp/w too? What are some names I should consider?

 

[Landau]

I’ve got a dimension

Pro:
Very comfortable, can adjust so hip belt takes the load instead of shoulder straps like a hiking backpack. Great for long shore walks to the entry point

Easy to don and doff. Also easy to adjust

Large pockets that are low enough to use easily underwater. I keep my SMB in one.

Especially good octo and gauge holder design

Back inflate easy to keep trim.

Con:
“Sure Lock” weight pockets should be called “Sure Loss” easy to have one only partially clipped in. Tuck a finger in and give each one a hard tug to make sure they are locked. Repeat 3 times.

Back inflate can tilt you forward on the surface.