Thoughts on Balance, Ranger and Concept II
- Thread starter Mike126
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Mike126,
Consider also trying the transpac too as it is a very simple setup that might be just as good as any other bcd around. FYI, a bp/w isn't only for tech diving and a lot of my friends have a bp/w for rec use and are perfectly happy with them.
Test than buy.
SangP
Consider also trying the transpac too as it is a very simple setup that might be just as good as any other bcd around. FYI, a bp/w isn't only for tech diving and a lot of my friends have a bp/w for rec use and are perfectly happy with them.
Test than buy.
SangP
I own a balance, and I liked it at first. The pocket works quite well and the weight distribution on the bc is fantastic. What I don't like about it is the fact that I have to go vertical to went it, which annoys the hell out of me and also how once you tighted the straps you have all these friggin dangly bits. I solved that problem by zip tying the d-ring bits on the ends of the straps after i had it set to my size, but the venting still really really irritates me and has fueled my switch to a bp/w.
Starfish - Thanks for the heads up on the Balance. I'll be diving one (rental) in a week so I'll keep that in mind.
I'm trying to locate an LDS that rents BP/Ws so I can give those a try as well. I feel that sucking into the dark side!
Yesterday I had a very nice conversation with Scott Z. It's really very assuring that you can actually talk to the head man. He helped me work out some of my lift requirements. It looks like I should also consider the Brigade based on the fact that I only use about 24#s when in a full 7mm wetsuit. Besides having great customer service, I also like the fact that I can customize the fit on the Zeagle's.
Mike
I'm trying to locate an LDS that rents BP/Ws so I can give those a try as well. I feel that sucking into the dark side!
Yesterday I had a very nice conversation with Scott Z. It's really very assuring that you can actually talk to the head man. He helped me work out some of my lift requirements. It looks like I should also consider the Brigade based on the fact that I only use about 24#s when in a full 7mm wetsuit. Besides having great customer service, I also like the fact that I can customize the fit on the Zeagle's.
Mike
In the 2 years the Stiletto has been in production at Zeagle, it has become the second best selling BC. It's a travel Testers Choice as well as very tough and streamlined. 35# of lift.
The Ranger is still #1, and has about a 15 year history.
Scott and I both wear Stilettos, most of the time.
Chad
The Ranger is still #1, and has about a 15 year history.
Scott and I both wear Stilettos, most of the time.
Chad
jmps
Guest
The second shoulder dump on the 2005 and later models of the Balance solved the vertical venting issue. At least I don't have a problem unless I lean really far forward. Air can get trapped in the off shoulder if not vertical but a quick pull of the other dump solves that. I also leave the hose out of the velcro strap. Try those on your test dive.
The Balance and Stiletto were my exact choices when I bought. I couldn't find a place around me to try on a Stiletto so I went with Balance. I think with either choice will make you happy. I wish Zeagle had better coverage in my area. You would think this would be the case in the western burbs of Chicago. :-( The people I know that have them really like them.
I decided that if I need more than a BC of this class for local diving I would get a dedicated SS BP/W with any weight on the BP. The Balance is pretty close to a travel BP/W setup. I found it a cheaper alternative with the price I got as part of a package.
You are lucky that you have a place that will let you try your choices in the water!
The Balance and Stiletto were my exact choices when I bought. I couldn't find a place around me to try on a Stiletto so I went with Balance. I think with either choice will make you happy. I wish Zeagle had better coverage in my area. You would think this would be the case in the western burbs of Chicago. :-( The people I know that have them really like them.
I decided that if I need more than a BC of this class for local diving I would get a dedicated SS BP/W with any weight on the BP. The Balance is pretty close to a travel BP/W setup. I found it a cheaper alternative with the price I got as part of a package.
You are lucky that you have a place that will let you try your choices in the water!
After looking more at the Zeagles I have some questions (as usual! 
)
1. The Brigade is priced incredibly and looks to be one of my top choices after talking with Scott Z. My one concern is the wing material is not as heavy as other Zeagle BCs. Has anyone seen this to be an issue? I dive quarries mostly so I'd be a little concerned with rubbing against things.
2. The Stiletto (initially escaped my review) looks to be a nice compromise between the Ranger and Brigade. Heavier wing material and SS D-rings. Although it does not have the front pocket, less weight integration but well within my needs, and 1 less d-ring. All of these are no big deal. It is about $150 more than the Brigade. Is this a fair assessment.
3. I read a review about the weight system being too far back and causing a turtling effect. Is this an issue?
Just toooooo many choices!!!!!
Thanks, Mike
)1. The Brigade is priced incredibly and looks to be one of my top choices after talking with Scott Z. My one concern is the wing material is not as heavy as other Zeagle BCs. Has anyone seen this to be an issue? I dive quarries mostly so I'd be a little concerned with rubbing against things.
2. The Stiletto (initially escaped my review) looks to be a nice compromise between the Ranger and Brigade. Heavier wing material and SS D-rings. Although it does not have the front pocket, less weight integration but well within my needs, and 1 less d-ring. All of these are no big deal. It is about $150 more than the Brigade. Is this a fair assessment.
3. I read a review about the weight system being too far back and causing a turtling effect. Is this an issue?
Just toooooo many choices!!!!!
Thanks, Mike
I've only used the Balance of the three you mention and while it was bought in 2005, I don't know if it is a "new" one or not. HOWEVER, I haven't had any problems venting it in any position (including feet up when I use the back dump). I do NOT have the hose in the Velcro -- just the LP hose -- which means it is easy to just raise the hose over my head if I don't want to roll over on my right.
I really like the trim pockets which make all the difference.
Over the past year I've travelled a lot and it is VERY easy to pack and travel with.
I really like the trim pockets which make all the difference.
Over the past year I've travelled a lot and it is VERY easy to pack and travel with.
I dove a Ranger for years and then bought a Scout because I wanted a light travel BC. After a couple of years with the Scout I sold the Ranger. I just did not need to extra heft. 35lb bladder will be plenty of lift unless you dive big steel tanks and should you decide you do need the lift, you can get a Ranger bladder and install it. The Brigade is a Ranger harness with a Concept/Escape bladder on it. I seriously doubt you will ever have a wear problem with the single layer bladder. With several hundred dives on it, mine showes little wear. Many lesser quality BCs have been using single layer bladders for years with no problems.
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