boomx5
Contributor
I know there are alot of opinions out there about what is the best BC on the market. So, I was wondering what you guys would say would be the better rig, the Ranger or the Transpac 2? (especially in the comfort department)
Ranger vs. Transpac 2
- Thread starter boomx5
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Swamp Rat
Guest
Both are good I dont think you could go wrong. The Ranger Concept would be the best for comfort.
tombiowami
Contributor
I just got a Ranger and have 1 day/3 dives on it. I went with it as I could not get good access to the backplate systems. I figured as I meet more people over the next few years I will get to try some and then make a decision from there. The Ranger seems to be exactly what it is designed to be, a high end recreational bc that can handle doubles if you wish and light technical stuff. I am just starting out so any major technical diving is a ways down the road for me. It is very comfortable as it is already and you can add several pockets, back pads, etc. The main thing I do not like is the multitude of d rings and excess straps that hang everywhere. Also the bladder is big enough for the doubles but most will only see singles. The Transpac can modularized easier with more stuff, but think about how often you will actually do that, and the extra bladders and whatnot can be pricey. The Ranger is very well built and the ones in rental at local shop hold up very well.
Tommy
Tommy
Hi boomx5,
I won't say that one is better than the other. I have tried both, and I found the Transpac II to be the most comfortable [red]for me[/red]. If you can, try them both out before you make a decision. I have the rec wings and the Integrated weight pockets. I'm real happy with mine. I've heard a lot of praise from those who dive the Ranger too. So I guess it's a personal choice.
Tavi
I won't say that one is better than the other. I have tried both, and I found the Transpac II to be the most comfortable [red]for me[/red]. If you can, try them both out before you make a decision. I have the rec wings and the Integrated weight pockets. I'm real happy with mine. I've heard a lot of praise from those who dive the Ranger too. So I guess it's a personal choice.
Tavi
TexasMike
Contributor
I've got about 20 dives so far on my Ranger and don't have any complaints. Like Tommy, I aspire to technical diving (I want to learn how to penetrate wrecks and simpler cave systems like the Cenotes) and find the Ranger a very good choice for all forms of recreational diving and can see using it during my light to moderate tech dives in the future.
But in fairness to the backplate stuff, I am keeping an open mind toward this system if my profiles ever exceed the capacity of the Ranger. But that's a few years off.
Like Tavi says, it is something of a personal choice. I encourage you to borrow and dive with both so you can get some first hand experience to help make your decision.
But in fairness to the backplate stuff, I am keeping an open mind toward this system if my profiles ever exceed the capacity of the Ranger. But that's a few years off.
Like Tavi says, it is something of a personal choice. I encourage you to borrow and dive with both so you can get some first hand experience to help make your decision.
Swamp Rat
Guest
I knew I should have edited my post saying the Ranger would be the best for comfort IMO Because I dont alway wear a suit and the Concept has a nice cushie inside. Tavi what type of suit do you wear and have you tried the Trans pac without a suit?
Swamp Rat and All,
I usually wear a 5/3 fullsuit, but I have worn it with a dive skin. I found it comfortable both ways. My Transpac II has the sport backpad (one piece).It is cushie too.You can also get it with a two piece back pad (one lumbar pad, and one spine pad).With the two piece, they say it may be more comfortable without the spine pad for single tanks. You need to specify which one you want when you order. There are also two belts available. One has a full cumberbun.The other only the belt comes around the front.I like it with just the belt.There are also three styles of add on pockets you can order to set it up the way you want. Tech D-Rings (special plates)are available for where the shoulder straps meet the belt. I don't have them because my Integrated weight pouches are there.
Sorry I rambled, I'm sure I forgot some options too!
Tavi
I usually wear a 5/3 fullsuit, but I have worn it with a dive skin. I found it comfortable both ways. My Transpac II has the sport backpad (one piece).It is cushie too.You can also get it with a two piece back pad (one lumbar pad, and one spine pad).With the two piece, they say it may be more comfortable without the spine pad for single tanks. You need to specify which one you want when you order. There are also two belts available. One has a full cumberbun.The other only the belt comes around the front.I like it with just the belt.There are also three styles of add on pockets you can order to set it up the way you want. Tech D-Rings (special plates)are available for where the shoulder straps meet the belt. I don't have them because my Integrated weight pouches are there.
Sorry I rambled, I'm sure I forgot some options too!
Tavi
TexasMike
Contributor
I have the back cushie for the Ranger (one of the freebies that my LDS tossed in when I purchased all my stuff from them at once) and it really adds to the comfort of the BC. It's not needed for basic comfort, but it's a nice thing to have for long walks to the water with the full kit on.
tombiowami
Contributor
I just bought one of those lumbar gigs to try out. I did not want to take it into the water as I did not want to buy it if I did not want it. Just trying it on with weights et al I did not really like it. Seemed to put the bc too far away. Does it compress a lot when actually at depth? It did not seem to me that you can really tell once your diving as it is on something that has inherent buoyancy. I do have lower back problems from time to time though. What do you like and not like about it? Thanks.
Tommy
Tommy
TexasMike
Contributor
On the cushie, I haven't experienced the feeling of it pushing the BC too far away. The padding inside is supposed to be neutral at any depth, so I don't think water pressure will squeeze it like neoprene.
If the Zeagle cushie doesn't work, you might investigate wetsuits and dive skins that have a spine and lumbar pad built in. I have a shorty skin that has this and it does add to the comfort.
About the only downside ot the Zeagle cushie is attaching the lower portion to the BC harness "back". Since I've got a mix of component sizes (large shoulders and back, and XL cumberbund) the cushie doesn't fit in "automagically". But I bet I can get it to work with a few zip ties.
If the Zeagle cushie doesn't work, you might investigate wetsuits and dive skins that have a spine and lumbar pad built in. I have a shorty skin that has this and it does add to the comfort.
About the only downside ot the Zeagle cushie is attaching the lower portion to the BC harness "back". Since I've got a mix of component sizes (large shoulders and back, and XL cumberbund) the cushie doesn't fit in "automagically". But I bet I can get it to work with a few zip ties.
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