Transpac II v. Ranger

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Gator Diver

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Has anyone used both the Dive Rite
Transpac II and the Zeagle Ranger?
Which one did you like, and why?
I realize a BCD is ultimately a personal
decision but anyones experiences
with the above would help.
Thanks.
 
between the two i would get the transpac II. it is way more adaptable to different kinds of diving (from travel wings to super wings). also i find the ranger traps air. for single tank diving the lift is overkill. the transpac II is a lot more streamlined.
 
I am selling my Ranger. Why? Too big an air bladder (36lbs is sufficient for any single tank application, IMHO) it trapped air and had lots of extra nylon. The tank was wobbly and the weight system blows.

Without knowing your diving style, it is difficult to make a reccomendation. However, after diving the Ranger for years I can't imagine a situation in which it would be the ideal BC.

If this doesn't dissuade you, I've got one for sale! :D
 
What Size? How much? How many dives?

Weight system blows? Not in my opinion. What do you prefer?
 
I have a Ranger and for the most part I like it. It is a little overkill for a lot of diving however. I have no need for the 45lbs of lift it has, I never dive doubles or steel tanks. Most of the stuff you hear about trapping air is simply improper use, it's no worse or better than any other BC in that respect. The weight system is fine as well, again, most of the problems are operator in nature, not the BC. Due to it's lift and size of the Ranger, I have also bought a Scout as well, which serves as my tavel/warm water BC. Between the 2 I have all the BC I need. If I were to do it again, knowing what I know now, I would most likely opt for one of the lighter Zeagles, an Escape would be a lot closer to what I need. 36lb lift and lighter construction. Depending on the TP II weight system (I have never seen one and I want intergrated weights), I may also would consider it.
 
Tell us some more about what kind of diving you intend to do.

I chose the Ranger because it offered the features I was looking for, including integrated weight, trim options, wing options, and extreme comfort. I feel it's a high-performance BC that fits great and performs admirally - underscore the fit; I didn't find any other BC that has the fit flexibility the Ranger has.

DiverAnderson - weight system blows? how? Wobbly tank? I'm interested in details since you have more dive time in your Ranger than I do.

DocMartin - The Ranger has a wide variety of wing options and can accept other manufacturer's wings. I'd be interested in knowing what isn't available that you might need.

The Ranger's not a bp/wing by any means. But if you are looking for a BC (as compared to a bp/wing), I feel it's one of the better units out there.

Dave
 
I plan to dive springs, ocean (less than 100 ft). single tank.
I also plan to do some travel diving. the only
specialty course I may take down the road
would be wreck diving.

From what most people are saying, the Ranger
sounds like it may be overkill for my needs.
Is that right?

What about the TP II? Does that sound like
overkill as well?

Thanks.
 
the tpII in itself can hardly be overkill. it is nothing more than a comfy harness. the real question is which wing you are getting with it. i am not that familair with dive rite wings but you can get their travel wings with 30# lift and they work under most single tank diving conditions and pack very small for travel. you may need more if you dive in cold water with lots of exposure protection and, therefore, weight. i don't know the next size up for dive rite. in any event, to determine the wing size we would have to know what kind of exposure protection you are wearing, how much weight you carry, what type of tank you would be using (e.g. aluminum 80), and if you are diving fresh or salt water. as i said the travel wings would probably be fine. on the upper end, even if you dive in very cold water you would probably not need more than 40# lift for single tank diving incl a pony bottle. personally i dive with a 36# halcyon wing and it is more than i need.
 
Regarding the question about integrated weights for the TP II, there are weight pockets available for the TP II that simply attach to the waist belt. Since the TP II is just a bunch of webbing, I hesitate to call this an "integrated weight system", but it serves the purpose for someone who wants this feature.
 

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