BC Comparison

[Pistol Pete]

I've used a Zeagle Ranger lately and am satisfied with it. However, recently I came across some information on a BC called the Eagle Z1. On paper it looks superior to the Ranger, but I have yet to come across anyone with firsthand experience in using this BC. Does anyone know about the Eagle Z1?

 

[pupdiver]

I have never seen an Eagle Z-1, but there is a whole discussion thread on it. It seems this company makes some kind of a knock-off of Zeagle BCDs and tries to discredit Zeagle. Someone had a link to their website. Check that out. It's a little weird. I don't recall anyone ever saying they have dived with an Eagle Z-1.

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=97626

I have a Zeagle Ranger that I have been diving for several years and I really like it. Zeagle has a very good customer service reputation, although I have never called them. I am personally more comfortable with a company that I know supports their products.

 

[Pistol Pete]

Thanks. The thread doesn't look too good for Eagle Z1 and rock solid for the Ranger, although still can't find anyone who's diven the Eagle Z1. I guess that's a message in itself.

 

[Divedoggie]

I'll put my 2 cents in for the Ranger.
Its super EZ to switch bladders, add a lumbar pad, switch to different sized shoulder straps, add on pockets, etc
And the Warranty is excellent.
Its tried and true.

 

[Pistol Pete]

Thanks Divedoggie. So far the votes are 100% for the Ranger and 0 for Eagle.

 

[herman]

I have never seen or even heard of the Z1 until now. I use to dive a Ranger and now have a Scout. I did not need the lift or build of the Ranger so I moved to the lighter and easier to pack Scout. The web site does a lot of Zeagle bashing but seems to avoid actual comparison of the BCs. I have to wonder about a company that relies on trashing their compeditors rather than telling me about their product. My take, these guys may be OK but than again them may not be. On the other hand, Zeagle is well known and respected. My money goes with products I am sure I can count on.

 

[ScottZeagle]

This subject has come up a few times on ScubaBoard in the past couple of years...

Here's a link to one of the old threads:

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=97626&highlight=Eagle-Z

 

[Pistol Pete]

Well, we've heard from the Ranger guy, Scott Zeagle. How about the Eagle Z1 guy weighing in on behalf of his product line? Are you out there?

 

[Adobo]

I get the sense that you are looking for a cheaper alternative to Zeagle's BCs and still get similar features/performance. If this is true, then let me just say that buying a brand that very few people have heard of is not really the best way to save money. Even if it is an exact copy of a Zeagle, you still do not have the level of support that you would get from an established company.

Scuba is very demanding on your pocketbook. It is doubly demanding if you have to re-purchase gear as you progress your diving. After you have a good understanding of what you want/need, bite the bullet and pay the money for the quality brands. You'll save money in the long run.

And by the way, it is far more important to figure out what your needs are than it is to figure out the difference between a zeagle and an eagle. Once you have an understanding of what your needs are, you will have a much better understanding of what brands you should be looking at for comparison.