Ranger or Techlift

[mointampa]

I am trying to decide whether to get a Zeagle Ranger or Posiedon Techlift. Is there anyone who's tried both that can offer the pros and cons about each model? Thanks

 

[roakey]

Are you interested in getting into technical diving?

Roak

 

[mointampa]

maybe the occasional wreck dive in the future when i get skilled up

 

[jonnythan]

I know they look all cool and 'techy' and everything, but they're anything but. No real tech diver uses either of those. A lot of people buy the Ranger and then end up putting it on ebay to go with a bp/wing.

Check out a backplate with wing. They seem weird and everything when you first start to learn about them, but trust me when I say they're the bee's knees. You don't need to be some super tech diver for them.. many OW students learn on them. I got myself one when I had less than 30 dives. The difference they make in weighting, buoyancy control, trim, comfort, and stability are simply amazing.

http://halcyon.net/mc/pioneer.shtml
http://halcyon.net/mc/eclipse.shtml
http://halcyon.net/mc/harness.shtml

There are several other companies that make backplates and wings, but Halcyon does a good job of marketing the idea on their website.

A full Oxycheq bp/wing setup (this includes the backplate, wing, single tank adapter, and webbing harness) is $480 at www.covci.com

A similar Halcyon setup runs $485 - $515 with the Pioneer wing and $595 with the Eclipse wing.

There is a ton of info about them all over the boards, too. Do a search.

 

[rescuediver009]

I would agree that BP&W's are comfortable. However, I know the unmatched comfort provided by zeagle. If you want to keep your options open, as far as advancing your training. the ranger is definetely not something that will limit you. I have seen the ranger and tech used on doubles and they work well. The zeagle also has an awesome weight integration system. The rip cord is really easy and reliable. Also, zeagle has now decided to include trim pockets with the ranger.
Lastly, zeagle BC's are unmatched for comfort. Their harness system contours around your shoulders.

Go with the Zeagle. It will grow with you.

 

[DiveTub]

Go the Ranger
The Intergrated weight system on the TechLift is poor, I have seen so many with torn and worn out Velcro after only a couple of years, I have seen 10 year old Rangers with thousands of dives still going strong

 

[glbirch]

Of your two choices, I'd vote for the Ranger. My wife has been using one for a few years now, and I haven't seen or heard any negatives from it or her. It's a solid BC that should last you for a long time. I also gave the Zeagle Tech some serious consideration when I was looking at a new BC.

I agree with Jonnythan though, that a BP/W are worth consideration. I moved to a Halcyon setup a year ago, and I'm very happy and comfortable with it.

Further from my niner domestic...

The optional trim weights help balance the setup, and get some lead off the belt. Also, the crotch strap really helps keep the BC tight to the body.

 

[scubatoys]

Go the Ranger
The Intergrated weight system on the TechLift is poor, I have seen so many with torn and worn out Velcro after only a couple of years, I have seen 10 year old Rangers with thousands of dives still going strong

Ok, actually, you can get either weight system on either BC. The rip cord system, as Sydney_Diver points out, is far superior to the velcro system... The basic difference, is how much lift you want - and if you like a velcro cummerbund, or two clips up front. And if you want a specific combination - you can get that.

A friend of mine who is an instructor in Cayman had me order up a Small tech waist panel - to get the clips instead of velcro - plus she wanted the extra d rings, but wanted the ranger bladder as it is less bulky, and for recreation dive mastering in Cayman - didn't need any more than 44 lbs lift.

So really, instead of choosing A or B, I'd tell you to figure out exactly what features you want - then get that! Easy!

 

[caveseeker7]

... whether to get a Zeagle Ranger or Posiedon Techlift ...

Between the two I'd get the Ranger. High quality, plenty of size and acessory options, very good weight integration and excellent customer service.
I neither know the Techlift nor Poseidon's customer service, so I can't make any statements in that regard.
If you have your mind set on a 'normal' BC, you might also have a look at DiveRite's Transpak II. A lot like the Ranger, even more versatile, and the same excellent customer service. It is also a bit less bulky, one of the few nitpicks I have about the Ranger. What both, and probably all three share is a lack of stability (a single tank will move about left and right).

That is one reason why I prefer a bp/w. The other is bulk, they have much less of that. So I agree with johnnythan on that:

... Check out a backplate with wing ... but trust me when I say they're the bee's knees ... The difference they make in weighting, buoyancy control, trim, comfort, and stability are simply amazing.

In my case I chose an DiveRite aluminum bp (I have a very negatively bouyant steel tank, with an alu tank I prefer a steel shingle) with Oxycheq's 45# wing and a continious harness. The circular single tank bladder is more convinient to dive than the horshoe shaped Zeagle. Weights less than the Ranger, packs smaller than the Ranger, is much more stable than the Ranger. You can add just about any acessory pretty much anywhere you want.
As I liked Zeagles Ripcord weight system I picked the DUI weight harness. It's operation is close to that of the Zeagle, with the advantage of quick-releasing one side at a time, and being separate from the harness (can be mounted on the harness, too). The latter makes it easier to don, doff and move around the bcd with tank as you already comfortably wearing the weights.

 

[scubatoys]

Ooops... Just read my last post in this thread... I kinda goofed up Techlift with Zeagle tech... So maybe just blow off all my comments :doh:

unless of course you want to compare the Zeagle Tech with the Zeagle Ranger...