Diverite Transpac II or Zeagle Ranger/Concept II

[oceancrest67]

I have had my eye on a Zeagle product for a number of years. I intend to purchase a back inflate bc product but I am still debating the virtues of both a Transpac II system and a Zeagle Ranger system...also considering a Zeagle Concept II (single tank only). I do understand that the Transpac is modular and allows for different wings set ups / tank set ups...but I also admire the Zeagle one rip cord weight integrated system. I see that one can purchase 'weight integrated' pockets with the Transpac but they seem cumbersome and not static. I am a single tank diver at this point and I may seek more technical training with doubles eventually. Any convincing help here...I hear raves for both products.

 

[jrmy_1]

I have the Transpak II with the rec wing (55# lift). I am now wanting to transition to technical diving over the next year and I am beginning to purchase all the required gear. I am going to a SS backplate and wing(bp/w) with a hogarthian rig. The Transpak just isn't what I want in a setup. The bp weighs between 6-12 Lbs. which is weight that can be removed from your weight belt. There is a deal at northeastern scuba for $329, you get a ss bp, choice of dive rite trek, rec, or classic wing, and choice of hogarthian rig (I recommend hogarthian) or deluxe harness. Classic wing is for doubles only, the rec wing is for doubles and single. Check out their website at
http://www.northeastscubasupply.com/closeouts.html
This is the cheapest place I have been able to find a bp/w setup. You can also check oxycheq for a Koplin setup or halcyon. They will be much more expensive. Also, you will want a crotch strap to keep everything close and stable.

Jeremy

 

[caveseeker7]

On the Zeagle you can mount their wings, from 35# on up, as well as any wing made for 11" grommets. You can mix and match the lower part of the BC with differnt sized and styled shoulder harnesses and wing sizes. The 44# wing is pretty big, and has quite a bit of drag, your dealer can get it for you with the 35# wing which should be enough.
I just got a 30# OxyCheq wing that fits my Ranger if I don't use it on my BP.

The DiveRite's weight pouches are actually pretty good, unlike the Zeagle's they can be moved back and forth along the harness, or used with a seperate belt. They're supposed to sit on the metal plates that come from the shoulder harness, but with keepers will work anywhere, great for balancing. They have quick release velcro openings on the bottom, and zippers for loading on top. Good combo as you don't wear out the velcro everytime you go diving. DiveRite's 30# travel wing is circular which I prefer over the horseshoe shaped Zeagle bladders. Again, anything with 11" grommets will fit.
DiveRite offers alu & ss backplates that'll slide into the transpak's harness, kinda like the OMS does. That'll add stability, though not quite as much as just a backplate.
Zeagle started selling ss and titanium bp, I'm not sure how well they fit between padding and the Ranger.
When you get into doubles you'll probably end up using bp/w anyway, so if you get a chance try one.

Either way, in my experience either manufacturer offer top notch quality and customer service.

PS: I never tried the Concept, but it uses a different modular system (PFS II).
The Ranger, Escape, Scout, Tech etc. all use the PFS I, and parts are interchangable.