Dive Rite Transpac II Vs. Zeagle Ranger

[Warhammer]

The biggest complaint that I get from boat crews about my Ranger is that I bring half of the ocean with me when I climb the ladder with it. But that's because I hardly ever inflate it once on the surface, since I usually surface right at the ladder, and it holds water big time if you don't inflate it. I always leave my weights in the pockets from the first dive to the last. Even if I'm donning it standing up, but I'm a healthy boy and can handle it. I yet to have a crew member to ask me to remove the weights prior to handing it to them, for them to put onto the boat, but like TM says, it would be very easy to do so if requested.

If I had to name one complaint about the Transpac II it would be the use of velcro on it's intergrated weight system. I hate velcro. It has it's uses, but I feel it isn't well suited for holding weights. I really wish more manufactors would use Zeagle's design for this, or some modification thereof. I know it's patented, but the dang patent has to run out some time.

 

[Centroides]

You're right Mike. On rereading my message it does sound dangerous. Only time I used a Zeagle was a couple of years ago in winter in cold water with small boat support. We were doing monitoring transects with lots of ins an outs and I was gettting crabby and tired. Probably looking for scapegoats. End point is that the Zeagle was fine. In my mind, the best piece of equipment is one that doesn't call attention to itself. It just works.

 

[Rick Murchison]

I dive the Transpac II.. with travel wing for singles, with Rec wings for doubles.
I like it.
Rick

 

[buff]

Both the Ranger and the Tanspac II are very nice. The advantage of the Transpac II is it's more versatile and can be adjusted for torso length. The Ranger tend to run long in the torso length(at least for me-I have a short body) and so doesn't fit me well. However, I do not even notice the integrated weight on the Ranger when I get into a boat.

If you get a backplate your options are too numerous to count. You can get backplates in so many different sizes that can fit you exactly-not you fit the BC. Buy a backplate-this is what I am going to do......right after I get a new strobe for my camera.

 

[NJDiver_34]

Regarding the integrated weight system on the transpac II and the velcro flaps, I have to say I have never had a single problem. If you get around this board and read reviews on a variety of weight integrated BC's you'll see that some systems actually have a difficult time keeping the weights (I'm not speaking of the Ranger). However the velcro flaps on the Transpac II are very sturdy and flexable and have never came close to coming un-done. Each pocket is rated up to 30 pounds effectivly giving you a maximum of 60 pounds of weight. I use 15 in each but know of some that have put much more weight in when using a dry suit and they to haven't had a problem. When placing my weight in and out of the pockets, I simply un zipper the pocket and will only use the velcro emergency pulls in an emergency!

 

[Warhammer]

I agree that the Transpac has one of best systems as far as velcored systems go, especially since you remove the weights via the zipper instead of the velcro. Just about everyone that I routinely dive with, dives a Transpac with the weight system, and none of them have ever lost a weight. And they too sometimes load the pockets pretty heavy. But I just think that there are better ways to do it than to use velcro.

 

[Mverick]

I've lost a weight on while using my Trans Pac 2 with the weight pockets. Not because the velcro gave but at the bottom of the pocket there is a gap on both sides. It slid out there. Wish it had some reinforcement there.


I now usually use a weight belt. It is much easier than putting a bunch of weight in the pockets. Then putting on my bc. Or putting the weight in the pockets after I get the bc on makes the pockets hang down. Kinda bugs me. With a weight belt the weight doesnt shift around.

 

[Warhammer]

Dive Rite makes a little yellow pouch for the weights. You put the weight in the pouch and then put the pouch in the BC's weight pocket.

 

[Tavi]

The yellow pouches work great. I've never lost weights. I always check my velcro before my giant stride (mostly because of reading about other peoples problems with velcro).

Another option is DUI's weight and trim system. If I need a lot more weight for diving dry I may go to this system. I know several people who use this and love it.

You can check it out under products on DUI's site, Here

 

[Ari]

You can probably find a new Ranger for less than 500$ if you check around the net.

I did an extensive search about a month ago and got around to some dive shops, selling over the net, that had the Zeagle as well as the Dive-Rite at a very attractive prices.

I will try to look around for my notes, so I can give you some more accurate info.

Ari