...but i'm wary about the crotch strap

[maged_mmh]

since i'm considering a new b/i BC, and been thinking about either SP knighthawk or Z ranger; now i know in the states zeagle is popular choice, but i'm diving elsewhere.
so far, my "personal" pros & cons:
1\SP nighthawk:
pros:
very simple design
lighter weight & mass
many dump valves
heavier material
never had any product fro SP failed my expectations - i know not necessarily with BC choice though.
cons:
no practical pockets
(size) not sure about the posture while wearing, couldn't find that model with local SP dealer.


2/Z ranger:
pros:
modular design
cons:
CROTCH STRAP (cannot get myself over it)!
complicated weight integrated system

would appreciate input to help making up my mind.

 

[frankmzd]

I have a zeagle ranger, with crotch strap, and I quite like it.

I am not sure what your concerns are wrt the weight system - rethreading is easy, although everyone makes it sound like rocket science, and the pockets are big enough for a lot of lead. If you use hard weights, you don't need the (way too expensive) yellow inserts for the weight pockets.

I would not worry about the crotch strap - the idea is *not* to tighten it to the point where certain sensitive body parts are cut off the blood supply. It is ok to have it pretty loose - it will still serve its purpose of preventing the bcd from riding up. (I have used the crotch strap with 7mm wetsuit, drysuit, and 3mm wetsuit, and no problems).
When on the surface you can always lean back more, and any residual strain from the crotch strap pretty much goes away.

 

[maged_mmh]

OTOH, considering the SP option i wouldnt worry about struggling with it at all, right? or is it considered a bad alternative

 

[diversteve]

Ranger pros/cons:

pros:
No crotch strap needed - not sure where you got that. I've been diving my Ranger LTD for about 5 years now and never had a problem with it riding up. And I'm a t-shirt only diver so no wetsuit resistance.
Many dump valves. - mine has 2 on the bottom plus the inflator hose can be pulled doen to dump air from the left shoulder.
In five years (except for routine service) the only thing I've done is self-replace the power inflator ($25 and two cable ties). But that was my fault due to lack of proper cleaning.

cons:

No practical pockets: Unless you have smaller non-breakable stuff. The side pockets are directly in front of the weight pockets so with hard weights in them it's hard to store much. I have a foldup snorkel, small anti-fog and a roll-up safety tube in one - that's about it. The little mesh roll-down front pocket is ok for small stuff - that may be an LTD option only. Zeagle also has a zip-on pocket (LTD only) and an add-on pocket that fits any of their BC's (and probably others..)

Nice thing about the Ranger is that you can use hard weights, soft weights or a combination of both - in the yellow bags or loose. So if you lose a weight pocket it's no big deal. I've seen other systems where there's nothing to contain the weights if you lose their special pockets. Nice thing about the "expensive" yellow bags is that they have handles and contain all the weight per pocket - good if you're handing up your weights after a boat dive. There's also a pair of trim pockets available from Zeagle that usually thread through the lower tank strap.

My buddy once had a 1 or 2 lb. hard weight slip through - that's the only time I've ever seen that.

I second how easy the Ripcord is to thread. It's a series of grommets and loops that you pass a continuous line through. I figured it out one day on a trip without having read the manual. There's a video on the Zeagle website.

 

[PvtStash]

I love my crotch strap on my Apeks WTX, rig feels real solid, no shifting about... I dove a Latitude XLT in basic and the side to side shifting though not practically relevant Was annoying comfort-wise.

 

[diversteve]

For a lighter weight Ranger consider the Brigade from Scubatoys. It's a Ranger jacket with a smaller Escape bladder.

 

[maged_mmh]

No crotch strap needed - not sure where you got that.

many other threads recommended using a strap to control the bc ride you up.

I second how easy the Ripcord is to thread. It's a series of grommets and loops that you pass a continuous line through. I figured it out one day on a trip without having read the manual. There's a video on the Zeagle website.

so up till now renger 2 SP nil ??

 

[diversteve]

many other threads recommended using a strap to control the bc ride you up.

Notice that Zeagle lists it under Accessories. They don't show it in the picture on either Ranger webpage. That should tell you something. As I mentioned, mine doesn't ride up.

None of my friends or dive acquaintances use one. I've only once seen a crotch strap in use on any boat I've ever been on and that was because the diver had a BP/W - I think that's standard with them. Cold water wetsuit diving might be different.

It is an optional accessory on the Ranger so you could buy it if needed.

you're the one who is:

"wary about the crotch strap"

 

[maged_mmh]

As I mentioned, mine doesn't ride up.

so i assume it is something to do with the correct fit? i.e. if it fits correctly you don't really need it?
what about SP shouldn't i consider it at all??

 

[Nemrod]

The crotch straps are not worn tight, they are for stability and prevent foward slip. It is not a big deal, get over the phobia. What, you fall on the top bar of your Murry one time to many or something? N