Scubapro Knighthawk Vs. Zeagle Ranger

[LJinFLA]

I am a noobie with about 20 dives. I have completed AOW and am looking at doing more Rec and not Tech diving. Wrecks, Drift, Reefs.

The only equipment I have not purchased yet is a BCD. I have dived various jackets such a Seaquest Pro QD, Oceanic Probe, and others. I have only dived on one back inflate but loved it. That was the SP Knighthawk. My only complaint was not enough pockets (after diving all vests) but I can easily get used to that.

I was almost ready to buy a knighthawk when I started reading about and looking at a Ranger LTD. Without getting into the whole BP/w thing, who can tell me about their favorite back inflate (non-bp/w) the pros and cons of them and give me some complete comparison of the Ranger vs. the Scubapro Knighthawk. Since the Sp is my only point of reference, I am hopeing those who have or have used both can give me some advice.

Thanks in advance,

Lee

 

[EuphoriaII]

Did you know the Knighthawk has a rollup pocket that drops out of the right side zipper pocket? It's essentially a larger pocket that drops out of the lower zipper on the right or can roll up and store away when not needed.

That said, the Ranger is a really great BC from what I've read and seen and it was also on my short list of favorites. And props to Scott Z for being involved here on this board.

 

[dbg40]

When I finally replaced my old BC I looked pretty hard and I came down to the same two. I was fortunate to be able to use both on several dives and both were excellent. I dont place too much weight on the pocket issue as I can carry one if needed, so it basically came down to personal comfort. I went with the nighthawk and im more than happy with it. My personal thought is ,When you get to top end equipment that is designed for the same use its hard to pick them apart and say one is that much better than another. And I couldn't say enough about the quality of the Ranger, the SP just felt better on me. For me,when I buy an expensive piece of equipment I like to try it first that way im not unhappy later. Im willing to bet it will come down to the same with you, Comfort and fit. See if you can try before you buy and make the decision for yourself, after all I wont be diving it you will ,and hopefully for a long time

 

[crpntr133]

My vote goes to the Ranger. I own a Brigade, its little brother, so I am speaking from experience.
The major thing that sold me on Zeagle was the fact that most of the BC's can change with you. Meaning that if you gain weight it gets bigger just by changing out the waist/ shoulder straps. Also if you go with the Ranger then you have the option of adding more pockets, pony bottle holder and etc to the zipper under the bladder. The Ranger also has the roll down pocket.

Customer service is top notch with Zeagle. Yes I am speaking from experience.

I imagine the Scott will zip through here soon and give you a bit of insight from the manufacturers stand point.

 

[ScottZeagle]

I imagine the Scott will zip through here soon and give you a bit of insight from the manufacturers stand point.

I will be happy to answer any questions about our product that you might have.

Since pockets were a concern, I can tell you that the Ranger LTD has 2 zippered utility pockets - 1 on each side. Also, if you need additional storage, you can add the zip on pockets which utilize the "zipper attachments" that are a Ranger LTD exclusive.

On a side note, the "roll down pocket" that Crpntr133 refered to is actually only standard on the Brigade BC from ScubaToys.

Good luck on your quest for knowledge! I would rather someone dive with another brand and be happy than to dive with our gear and be unhappy.

Dive safe,

Scott

 

[redacted]

I dive a BCD with no built in pockets but that gives me the option to add up to 6 pockets of various sizes. But you didn't want to get "into the whole BP/w thing"

 

[scubanick]

i had a few pple recommend the ranger and a few pple turn it away
i think i remember walter saying that it trapped air
so my brother and i went to ginnie and he borrowed one
i used a buddy of mines old zeagle vest type bc not sure what is was
i liked the way it worked
but the ranger we did have trouble trying to get brother to sink
as it did trap air i had to go and squeeze the air out as walter said he did
and he finally sank
other than that it seemed ok
ill take a pic of the older zeagle i have been using and see if scott can tell me what it is
actually have 2 of them

 

[Geezer]

I dive a Ranger, my most frequent dive buddy dives a Nighthawk. Our LDS owner, who stocks both brands, uses a Zeagle Escape when he dives with us.

 

[LJinFLA]

Thank guys. I have gone to "touch and feel" the Ranger and was impressed with two things about it. The quality of the materials, the extras like the Zipper things. A Very well engineered BC. I was going to rent one for this weekends dive but the shop I was at only had the TEC Zeagle for rent and being new I guess I was a little intimidated by the 65 lb. lift bladder on the thing.

After trying it on I really did feel the hard backplate of the Knighthawk was more comfortable and stayed in place better. I wish I could merge the two and get some the things about the knighthawk that i like and the ranger that I like into one BC. I would really like to dive the ranger. just need to find a shop around here that has one. all the dealers I have checked with around here sell them but don't rent them.

I would love to hear anyone else's thoughts since I have not made up my mind yet. An BTW, thanks to all the BP/W folks for restraining them selves in this one. I know it's hard...

Lee

 

[JustinW]

The Knighthawk is a simplier design, not as bulky. It has shock cord to retract the wing when not filled, this keeps everything closer to your body and more streamlined. Swivel buckles on the shoulder straps and dumps on both shoulders, along with a rear dump on the bottom. The tanks strap mechanism on the Knighthawk is hands down the best, even see quite a few people with other brands of BC's or backplates that use them on their rigs, no slip, ever. On the downside it doesn't come in pretty colors like the Ranger.

Both have similar lift capacities, SP 46 Zeagle 44. Both will get the job done and both have great customer service. Both are widely distributed and to get service should you need a dealer's help for some reason. You won't lose by going with either one, they seem to be the two single most popular BC's around here. Check out them for yourself, and see which one works best for YOU. IMHO the Knighthawk edges out the competition because they do pretty much the same thing except the Knighthawk does it in a more streamlined fashion. Go to the store and check them out.

Now I'm going to go diving.