HELP! Looking at Zeagle Ranger tonight - need advice

[xrochester]

Hi - I'm going to look at a Zeagle Ranger BC tonight for sale. The guys claims only 10 dives on the equipment before becoming injured and unable to dive. Not exactly sure which model, but he did say it's got a rip cord for dumping weights. It also comes with an Ocean Reg with built in pressure gauge and Octopus rig. If the equipment is in pristine condition as he claims, is it worth $350 that he's asking for both items? Your quick response is appreciated as I have 2 hours before I leave!

 

[xrochester]

Are there any things in particular that I should be looking at when evaluating the condition of this BC?

Thanks.

 

[Colliam7]

Hi - I'm going to look at a Zeagle Ranger BC tonight for sale. ... It also comes with an Ocean Reg with built in pressure gauge and Octopus rig.

The big question, of course, is whether the BCD as configured fits YOU. Throwing in an Oceanic reg with gauges and octopus makes the $350 price attrtactive, although you don't hnave the reg model number. If it fits, and the reg come s with it, it may be a god deal.

 

[merxlin]

Sounds like a great deal for a Zeagle and reg set. Look at the Zeagle website and see what it should look like. Then try it on. A great deal on an ill-fitting BC is not worth it. That said though, you can buy different sized shoulder and waist straps from Zeagle to make it fit, which is an advantage. If it only has 10 dives, it should be basically new. Look for any fading of the fabric, and especially look at the velcro closures if any. If they are frayed, it probably has more than 10 dives. Also look at any adjustable webbing (tank bands, shoulder straps, waist straps, etc) for the same issue. A strap that has only been adjusted a few times should not have any wear at the edges, and should still be a little stiff. Then fill the bladder and make sure it doesn't leak air! In fact, overfill it until the pressure valves release. They should burp and then hold pressure.

Good Luck.

 

[herman]

it's worth noting that the Ranger (and all Zeagles) can be adjusted over a very wide range of sizes before you have to change out BC parts to go from one size to the next so before deciding it's too big/small look to see where it is adjusted to. $350 for a Zeagle and a reg in good shape, sound like it would be a fair price.

 

[MarineResearch]

I'm not sure if you bought that Zeagle Ranger last night, but it might not be a bad idea to have someone look over/service the BC and reg. I have friends that can make equipment old after 10 dives due to improper cleaning/maintenance, while others can use things for years and they look/work as good as new. Hopefully you looked around the guy's place and noticed the general condition of his stuff.

 

[xrochester]

I bought the Ranger and tested it this weekend. Air is pouring out of the mouthpiece on the BC. I'm assuming this is a diaphram or something relatively simple. Any ideas? Also, is there a place where I can get a user manual for this? This thing has a lot of bells and whistles and I want to make sure I'm using it all correctly. Thanks.

 

[diversteve]

If it has 1/2 of a zipper underneath the flaps that connect the wing to the jacket it's an LTD. Otherwise it's just a regular Ranger. The little yellow/black tag on the left shoulder strap will say which one also.

Zeagle Inflators sometimes stick. Especially if the prior owner let salt crystallize inside it. Try flushing it with water or you can take it apart and clean it but it might be easier to replace it. Scubatoys sells them for (I think) like $25. Cut the zipties, r&r the pin for the dump valve cable and replace - Did you know that pulling on the inflator will vent the BC?

Are the buttons easy to push? or do they stick slightly. Mine sort of slowly popped back up to their original position so I just replaced it last year. After 5 years of use.

Here's the manual: http://www.zeagle.com/clientuploads/Manuals/BC_owners_Manual.pdf
And there's a Ripcord rethreading video somewhere - the link I had to it is bad so PM ScottZeagle, he's their official rep on Scubaboard. There's also the Zeagle forum here on SB.