Ok Guys. I need Help!

[adamp69]

i'm looking to buy my first new set up. I was leaning towards a Zeagle Ranger, cuz my instructor had recommended it as a great cross over for rec to tec. diving with doubles is still a little ways away, but i dont want to have to buy another setup. Then i was told to get right into a harness/backplate setup, and had a HOG harness, plate, regs setup recommended by one of the local dive shops.

I'm really a little weary of getting to teck, too fast. I do want to have a wing, but i also want a user friendly setup, with things like integrated weight systems, shoulder and back padding maybe. To be honest, i'm not sure exactly what i should be looking at. Thats why i'm asking you....lol

thanks. love the site.

 

[Glenn08]

Do you intend, or are interested in, a side mount rig ? Supposedly side mount needs a special style BC, so keep that in mind.

 

[decompression]

Ok, while the ranger is a solid BCD, if you want the benefits of a streamlined, balanced and scalable BCD, go with a backplate and wing. We teach OW in it so it's not just for tech. Might as well make one purchase and get the benefits now. Also, I think you might have a hard time finding a good instructor that wouldn't "suggest" buying a BP/W for a tech level course. All the items you mention can be added to a BP/W and reconfigured as your skills and diving experience change. Have a look at Andrew Georgitsis (unified team diving) videos on YouTube. He explains the parts and pieces of equipment as well as configurations for different types of diving. UTD sells gear as well but there are many very good manufacturers, deep see supply, HOG to mention two. It's a journey, enjoy!

 

[Lopez116]

I don't know enough about tek to be able to answer that portion of your question, but FWIW, I've owned by Zeagle Stilleto and my wife her Zeagle Zena for over 8 yrs now. We travel with them both in one wheeled bag, which gets checked. We both love them and they still are in as good of condition today as when we bought them.

Haven't had to use them, but I've heard Zeagle customer service is top notch as well.

 

[gcarter]

Weput my son in a BPW when he was ~ 15 dives, till that point he had been using an older used jacket. He would not go back to a jacket.

If I did not already have a new BCD, I would switch myself. At least by BCD is a back inflate though. I could not do a jacket either.

 

[adamp69]

so whats a good backplate and harness setup. the HOG harness seems to be very simple and basic. which im sure is what every good teck diver wants. i like the look of the dive rite transplate, or hollis elite 2. id imagine halcyon makes some nice stuff as well. any recommendations on which is better for a novice diver, which has the best weight system, accessories, etc? and of course, price is always an issue....lol. thanks guys

 

[Dr. Lecter]

I dove a Zeagle Stiletto LTD starting out and really liked it. If I had it to do over again, though, I'd have just bought a BP/W right off the bat. You can add weight pockets and padding if that's your thing, and the rig will work for doubles much better than a Ranger. I like the Halcyon gear, and don't mind paying a premium/buying used. DSS and Oxycheq are both great options with which I have less personal experience.

tl;dr: if you plan to go doubles, skip the BCD and go BP/W; otherwise, get a Zeagle.

 

[gcarter]

Just had a look and there is apparently a Hog dealer in Carbonear - as well as one in Paradise and one in town. Check them out.

Store Search Locations

My son has the Hog steel BP, 32lb wing and basic harness.

 

[adamp69]

yeah. i believe i can bet the HOG harness, ss backplate, 1st stage and 2 identical 2nd stage regs with hoses for around 1100. sound fair?

 

[GillScales]

If that price includes a wing, then yes.