Ranger pockets. How accesible...

[bazzurco]

I am in the market for a new BC and am considering a Ranger. One of my buddies tells me the pockets are a hassle to get things in and out of....I tried one on in the dive shop and thought the same. I was looking for some opinions from someone who has one...

Thanks

 

[scubakat]

Yup it's true. I have to have help from my buddy to get stuff in & out.

-K

 

[Warhammer]

It definately takes some practice and a little getting use too, but I can almost always manage to get things in and out of my Ranger's pockets by myself. You just have to get use to feeling your way and doing it blind, because you definately can't see what's going on with them or I should say, I can't. Just don't mistakenly unzip the weight pocket.

 

[herman]

I have the same problems with my Ranger. With my reg in my mouth and the reduced field of view from the mask I have to use my pockets by feel. I have had other BC's that had the same problem. I suspect it's a common problem with most BC's due to the reg/mask induced problems.

 

[Arduous]

I don’t have a Ranger, I have the Tech. The Tech does not come with any built in pockets. However Zeagle makes a variety of utility pockets that can be attached in several configuration on most of their BC’s. The cost of the pockets are minimal.

Dive Safe …………………Arduous

 

[tombiowami]

I would concur they are difficult to get into. The main problem as discussed here is that they are far back, and the weights are placed in another pocket right beside them. I am checking into gluing pockets onto the thigh section of my wetsuit as the contents are much easier to access.

Tommy

 

[scubakat]

I should have added that putting pockets on your drysuit would be a better option.

-K

 

[TexasMike]

I have found that as long as the item was not-bulky (re: smaller than a reefmaster camera) then access to the Ranger's pockets was realtively easy.

But like the others have said, you must access the pockets by feel since your view is obstructed by you're gear.

However, I have found this to be the case with almost all the vest and back inflate BC's I have used.

Other than this, I have found the Ranger to be a very capable BC that will take you far in your diving career. But I will direct you to the BackPlate/Wing's BC's if you see yourself ever doing diving that involved doubles, stage bottles, or other tekkie things.

 

[bazzurco]

hey guys thanks for the info, guess after ten plus years of fighting the pockets in my dacor chameleon i will now probably fight them in my ranger