Scout or Ranger?

[openhelix]

Looking to buy my first BC and deciding between the Scout and Ranger (any votes for the Stilletto?). Mostly rec diving with possibly some wreck dives. I live in NorCal (near monterey) so that will be my local dive spot but like to travel a lot to warm water (headed to fiji in Aug).

 

[Divedoggie]

Zeagle Brigade.
Its the Ranger with a 35lb wing instead of a 44lb wing. I have both wings and switch back and forth depending on where I'm diving, drysuit, tropical, etc. I use the 35lb wing most of the time.
Zeagle Brigade BCD reviews and discounts, Zeagle

 

[openhelix]

Any chance it fits with the current Zeagle 30% off promo? (I should probably call Joe Monday and ask him but wondering if anyone knows now)

 

[herman]

Scout, hands down. I had a Ranger and loved it until I had to pack it, 9ish lbs compaired to around 5 for a Scout. Unless you do a lot of heavy duty diving with lots of weights and twin tanks the Ranger is just more BC than you need. In addition, the 45lb bladder on the Ranger is way more than is needed for the vast majority of divers. I use my Scout (35lb bladder) for everything from T-shirt diving (0 weights) to a drysuit (25lbs) and for the most part the 35lb bladder is more than I need. I also have a smaller bladder I got off another Zeagle (around 18 lbs) that is most often the bladder I use so if I were ordering another Scout I would try to get one with the 25 lb bladder. The Brigade is nice but why add the extra weight (and cost) of the upgraded harness if you are traveling with it and need to conserve weight, the Scout harness is plenty durable for single tank purposes.
You might also consider the new Tech- Express from Zeagle, it is around 4.5 lbs and looks interesting, I am seriously considering one.

 

[ScottZeagle]

Looking to buy my first BC and deciding between the Scout and Ranger (any votes for the Stilletto?). Mostly rec diving with possibly some wreck dives. I live in NorCal (near monterey) so that will be my local dive spot but like to travel a lot to warm water (headed to fiji in Aug).

The Scout is a GREAT travel BC, but in cold water I would like to be able to spread my weight out a bit, instead of putting it all in the back.

The Ranger is a good choice for diving your area, but it doesn't travel nearly as well.

The Stiletto is a good all around choice that can do both.

Just my 2 cents...

Scott

 

[herman]

I agree Scott, for the few times- drysuit mainly- I need more than 10 lbs or so I just add a weightbelt.

 

[openhelix]

thanks Scott. I've heard the 09 ranger LTD is a completely new harness design. Any truth to that or just nasty rumors?

Right now I'm leaning toward the ranger thinking 90% of my diving will be in california and 1-2 trips a year.

 

[ScottZeagle]

The '09 LTd has been redesigned. The shoulder section is totally new, it has a right hand shoulder dump, and a few other extras. Check it out!!!

 

[Hatul]

thanks Scott. I've heard the 09 ranger LTD is a completely new harness design. Any truth to that or just nasty rumors?

Right now I'm leaning toward the ranger thinking 90% of my diving will be in california and 1-2 trips a year.

I'm happy with my Zeagle Escape, which I think is close to the Stilleto, for both local diving in S. Calif with wetsuit and travel. With a steel tank I just put 7lbs in each of the side weight pockets with the 7mm suit, and I still have empty pockets in the back in case I want to fiddle with the trim.

It's also very easy to place a couple of XS Scuba tank band weight pockets if you need to further distribute the weight.

I also recommend the Zeagle garden hose flush system on the BC.

I believe in general that unnecessary bulk makes diving less enjoyable-- so the less the better.

Adam

 

[gibby_z]

Zeagle makes their own tank strap weight pockets too.

Trim Weight Pouch - Weight Pouches and Systems - BC Accessories - Zeagle Dive Systems