Dive Rite Transpac

[Loudshirt]

I have been looking for a new (new to me at least) BC. I have read a few of the threads on here and looked around the internet and a little at the whopping 2 LDS in my area. I am currently looking at a Zeagle Ranger (and a couple of other Zeagles) along with a Dive Rite Transpac. My question about the transpac is what are the BP/W competitors? I like the padded harness and back on the transpac and have not found too many BP/W setups that have that.

Any and all input appreciated.

Thanks

 

[tridacna]

You may want to search SB for the thousands of threads on this topic that already exist before you get the thousand responses pointing you to DSS.

 

[tbone1004]

ok, so this needs to be noted. Yes I am a fan of DSS and yes the above poster is correct, you will be directed that way for a myriad of reasons all of which are 100% valid. I own multiple DSS rigs, and also own multiple transpacs *one is a Transpac II from quite a while ago, the other is outfitted to my Nomad XT*.

The Transpac is a brilliant rig for what it was designed for, and it does it absolutely better than any other rig on the market or really ever made that I'm aware of. The problem is the number of people currently doing those dives are probably in the single digits *backmount doubles, hiking through the jungle*. It truly does it more comfortably than a hard backplate and wing and that is exactly why Lamar developed that rig.

Now, up until I switched to DSS rigs I was very outspoken that not everyone was able to comfortable dive a single piece harness because I wasn't able to. The DSS rigs are long enough that it puts the straps where they are supposed to be, and as such I can quite comfortably walk around in doubles again. If for whatever reason you think that you need/want the padding, which you shouldn't unless you are always diving without any neoprene on, and have to carry your tanks for quite a long way *not common circumstances*, then you can always put something like the Transplate harness on any hard backplate which gives you the comfort harness, and you can also zip tie some neoprene to the backplate, or buy any of a myriad of aftermarket backplate pads. Can get them from a bunch of places online. Again though, you don't need any of it unless you are walking long distances *more than 100yds*, without any neoprene on, or you have some shoulder problems where you should probably yield and go sidemount if your shoulders are messed up

 

[BoltSnap]

The Zeagle Ranger and the Ranger LTD are probably two of the best (if not the best) back inflation BC's out there. Very stable and very adjustable and will take care of ALL types of recreational diving with all types of thermal protection you will need. Very adjustable and customizable and "future proof."

Zeagle as a company is a stable company has been around for a very long time with second to none customer service and international dealer network. It is part of holding company network with solid financial background.

For BP/W type, the Dive Rite, is one of the most comfortable and adjustable models out there. Dive Rite company has strong presence and dealer network that will take care of your needs. It has been in business for a very long time and its owner, Lamar, is a noted and internationally well known technical diving diver and equipment designer pioneer.

It is a difficult choice between the two above but I'd go with the Ranger LTD first and then the transpac second but it can go either way and no regrets. I'd prefer them both over the other mentioned product above for what I mentioned above when compared with the mentioned product. DSS is only mentioned here on SB when you won't too many people using it or even know the name anywhere in the world when Zeagle and DiveRite are well known and are solid companies.

 

[StefinSB]

I am not sure why I need a strong dealer network to buy a metal plate. As a former owner of a Zeagle BC I can only say that a DSS rig and a Zeagle are not playing in the same league. A common mistake is also to judge a BC when wearing in the store (been there done that) with regards to comfort. Properly adjusted you almost don't feel a metal backplate in the water and that is where it matters unless you go hiking with your rig I would leave the Zeagle for Burhan and get a DSS.

 

[BoltSnap]

If it is just a metal plate, then everyone has got them including Zeagle, Dive Rite, XSScuba, Taiwan International, etc. Just buy the "cheapest" deal and there you go!!!

 

[StefinSB]

You haven't answered why one needs a huge dealer network to buy a metal backplate.

 

[tbone1004]

you clearly haven't seen one in person then because the plates are in a league of their own as well. No one else is doing the finish work that DSS does to their plates that make them that much farther ahead than anyone. I'm not sure what you have against Tobin, or why you think everyone on this board is wrong, but to each his own

 

[Caveeagle]

...My question about the transpac is what are the BP/W competitors? I like the padded harness and back on the transpac and have not found too many BP/W setups that have that.

Any and all input appreciated.

Thanks

Reading through the last couple posts, I am not sure the OP's question has really been addressed.

Dive Rite makes a 'Trans-Plate' system that has the same/similar harness system mounted to a rigid backplate. A backplate pad can be added. I know most say you don't need a pad if a rigid plate is properly adjusted. I can tell you that when I use a thin 3/2 wetsuit, I do get a couple pressure points from my Apeks backplate.

As far as competitors: There are quite a few out there. Many manufacturers have developed a soft harness system with a removable wing/bladder. I think HOG even has a new 'Tec-Rec' BC on promotion that looks pretty nice. But there are really too many options to list that all are functionally very similar.

I have gotten lucky in finding great deals on lightly used Trans-Pac harnesses. (2 of them for <$50 each). Then I just found a good single tank wing and added weight pockets. Virtually new BC for less than 1/2 the cost of a new unit. Just a little footwork.

In addition to a couple Trans-Pacs, I have a Scubapro S-Tec BC. I removed the wing (due to a small leak) and installed a HOG single wing for my son to use.

 

[tridacna]

I'm not sure what you have against Tobin, or why you think everyone on this board is wrong, but to each his own

Au contraire. YOU only have ONE opinion when it comes to BCDs. Every time a question is asked, you jump in with a diatribe explaining why everyone else is wrong and DSS is far superior to everything else and that we should ONLY buy from Tobin.