Unsure about the Zeagle Ranger

[cyberblade]

Hi All,

I've been diving for a few years now-and am looking to finally start getting my own equipment. Due to the costs I'm figuring I can get a piece every couple months. I thought that a BC would be the best place to start.

I'm currently PADI AOW certified, but within the next year or two I'm working on getting up to NAUI Divemaster (the only dive shop in town does NAUI not PADI).

I'm currently in CA (about an hour from LA) and I will be here for the next 3 years. Until now all of my diving has been in SE Asia (Philippines and Indonesia). I'll still be going back to SE Asia at least once a year and doing diving there during this contract, and once its over I plan on moving back to the tropics.

During my research online and my talks with the LDS the Zeagle Ranger LTD seems to be the best option. I want something that will last 10+ years, that will be easy to repair, and can handle dual tanks (I have not trained for that yet-but I will soon). My only possible issues with the Zeagle Ranger LTD are a) travel and b) suitability for tropical water.

According to my LDS (and yes-they sell them, though they say they'll meet the price of any other official Zeagle Dealer) the Zeagle Ranger is fine for tropical dives, without a wetsuit. I do know that its quite a bit bigger, with more lift than is needed for that though-but more lift is needed for diving here in CA.

So, given what I'm looking for, is the Zeagle Ranger LTD a good option-or is there something better?

Just to list things out:

*Last more than 10 years
*Capable of dual tanks
*Good for cold water (wetsuit/drysuit)
*Good for tropical water (no suit)
*Easy to travel

Any/all input and/or advice is much appreciated. If I didn't cover any needed information just ask.

 

[Catt99]

A fair number of folks who are interested in the Ranger (or the Ranger LTD) but are also concerned about travel / bulk in tropical warm water diving have also looked closely at the Zeagle Brigade -- it is only available at ScubaToys (though in theory you or your LDS could build it yourself pretty easily, probably at greater cost than ST). The Zeagle Brigade is a combination of the Zeagle Ranger harness and the smaller 35lb wing from the Zeagle Escape, which would probably be fine for much of your diving and is easier to pack, less bulky, etc. Since the Zeagle BCDs are modular, you could also purchase a wing suitable for doubles (Zeagle offers numerous wings that fit on the Ranger harness) and swap out the 35lb wing on the Brigade when diving doubles. Check out the Brigade at ScubaToys.

 

[Bill_PNW_Diver]

Hi cyberblade,
I dive the Zeagle Tech (the same as the Ranger with buckles instead of the cumberbund and a 65# wing instead of the 44#). Most of my diving is in the Puget Sound (dry suit and chilly waters) but I also have taken it with me to the Florida Keys and Cabo and have no problems packing it in my carry-on or using it warmer water.

I don't dive doubles but have seen several people in the area using the Tech and Ranger with doubles. On the Tech you can add a backplate for additional stability. I'm not sure if you can do this with the Ranger, you may want to ask your LDS.

You also may want to look at the backplate and wing option (BP&W). I have several buddies that love their BP&W for it's simplicity, streamlined configuration and the ability to customize it for the dive that they are doing that day.

Bill

 

[Walter]

Most people who use the Ranger are very happy with it.

*Last more than 10 years

I don't know, but it looks pretty sturdy to me, of course the same BC will last different lengths of time depending on how you use it.

*Capable of dual tanks

Sure, but them almost any BC is.

*Good for cold water (wetsuit/drysuit)

That's not an issue.

*Good for tropical water (no suit)

That's also not an issue.

*Easy to travel

Depends, it is fairly bulky.

Another issue to consider is it doesn't dump all air when you are vertical. Lean forward and to the right and you should be able to get it all out for your descents.

 

[snoballz]

I recently dove in the Caribbean with my friend's Ranger. I had no problems what so ever. The only issue is the bulk. It took up half my suitcase and these days, space is a valuable commodity.

A Bridage may be suitable. In either case, you can always swap out the bladder to meet your needs.

I was on the fence for a long time and was about to order the Ranger through Scuba Toys. However, I went completely a different route.

:14:

 

[Bubbletrubble]

*Last more than 10 years
*Capable of dual tanks
*Good for cold water (wetsuit/drysuit)
*Good for tropical water (no suit)
*Easy to travel

Cyberblade,

One thing you might want to consider is what brand of equipment is being sold by the LDS for which you will be DMing. LDSs in the San Diego area stipulate that DMs and Instructors must wear gear sold by the shop during classes. I know. It's blatant marketing...but I'll also acknowledge that it's effective (from the POV of the LDS). I have had friends who went onto DM for an LDS who had to re-buy their gear. Keyman discount prices, however, dull the pain a little.

The characteristics you listed in your post appear to be a good match with the Zeagle Brigade. You may want to consider a BP/W setup. Do a search on SB and/or try out a buddy's BP/W for a dive.

Hope this helps...

 

[cyberblade]

Thanks for all the quick replies. I'll try to answer each one as best I can here.

A fair number of folks who are interested in the Ranger (or the Ranger LTD) but are also concerned about travel / bulk in tropical warm water diving have also looked closely at the Zeagle Brigade -- it is only available at ScubaToys (though in theory you or your LDS could build it yourself pretty easily, probably at greater cost than ST). The Zeagle Brigade is a combination of the Zeagle Ranger harness and the smaller 35lb wing from the Zeagle Escape, which would probably be fine for much of your diving and is easier to pack, less bulky, etc. Since the Zeagle BCDs are modular, you could also purchase a wing suitable for doubles (Zeagle offers numerous wings that fit on the Ranger harness) and swap out the 35lb wing on the Brigade when diving doubles. Check out the Brigade at ScubaToys.

I have seen the Brigade. Given my relative newness to diving equipment I am a bit unsure about the feasibility of swapping out bladders. Also, will the 35lb be enough for me here with cold water gear and weights? I'm sure its more than enough for the tropics. Would I be better buying the LTD, and then a smaller bladder for traveling? I do like the lumbar pad, weights, and zippers on the LTD. Does ST provide the Brigade with the Ranger only or also with the Ranger LTD?

Hi cyberblade,
I dive the Zeagle Tech (the same as the Ranger with buckles instead of the cumberbund and a 65# wing instead of the 44#). Most of my diving is in the Puget Sound (dry suit and chilly waters) but I also have taken it with me to the Florida Keys and Cabo and have no problems packing it in my carry-on or using it warmer water.

I don't dive doubles but have seen several people in the area using the Tech and Ranger with doubles. On the Tech you can add a backplate for additional stability. I'm not sure if you can do this with the Ranger, you may want to ask your LDS.

You also may want to look at the backplate and wing option (BP&W). I have several buddies that love their BP&W for it's simplicity, streamlined configuration and the ability to customize it for the dive that they are doing that day.

Bill

I have read good things about the BP&W setup. I have never used one, nor actually seen one in use. While I'm looking at advancing up to Divemaster all I plan on doing is recreational diving. Corals, fish, wildlife, etc. Wrecks on occasion, but only if they have nice wildlife in/around them. From what I've read (and this could be wrong) BP&W seems to be more for advanced technical diving. I'd be happy to hear some opinions on that.

Also, the ranger can have a backplate added for stability with doubles. It's good to know you don't have any issues with the Tech and warm water.

Most people who use the Ranger are very happy with it.

*Last more than 10 years

I don't know, but it looks pretty sturdy to me, of course the same BC will last different lengths of time depending on how you use it.

*Capable of dual tanks

Sure, but them almost any BC is.

*Good for cold water (wetsuit/drysuit)

That's not an issue.

*Good for tropical water (no suit)

That's also not an issue.

*Easy to travel

Depends, it is fairly bulky.

Another issue to consider is it doesn't dump all air when you are vertical. Lean forward and to the right and you should be able to get it all out for your descents.

I hadn't heard about the air dump issue. Is that a real problem or more of something you just get used to doing?

I recently dove in the Caribbean with my friend's Ranger. I had no problems what so ever. The only issue is the bulk. It took up half my suitcase and these days, space is a valuable commodity.

A Bridage may be suitable. In either case, you can always swap out the bladder to meet your needs.

I was on the fence for a long time and was about to order the Ranger through Scuba Toys. However, I went completely a different route.

:14:

I'll look into the Brigade again. Perhaps they can get me the Brigade with a LTD? I know it is quite bulky. Is there any other option that would suit my needs that is not as bulky?

Also, since you were at one point about where I am now. What route did you go?

 

[Walter]

It's a real problem only if you aren't aware of it. If you are aware of it, it's easy to handle.

 

[snoballz]

I'll look into the Brigade again. Perhaps they can get me the Brigade with a LTD? I know it is quite bulky. Is there any other option that would suit my needs that is not as bulky?

Also, since you were at one point about where I am now. What route did you go?

I checked into the LTD version as well. Unfortunately, the Brigade is limited to the Ranger version and not the LTD version so you'll lose the extra D rings, lumbar pad, etc, that comes standard with the LTD version.

I went with a harness (Apex WTX) and wing (WTX3) because of the modularity (Dive Rite has a nice system as well) and less bulk. Obviously, travel is a concern but I'm also considering future uses such as caves. Also, I can always swap wings when I decide to do doubles and even go with a backplate. I didn't mention it initially since these threads tend to morph into BP/W vs everything else conversation.

Do a search and you'll find a lot about alternatives.

Good luck!
:14:

 

[cyberblade]

Cyberblade,

One thing you might want to consider is what brand of equipment is being sold by the LDS for which you will be DMing. LDSs in the San Diego area stipulate that DMs and Instructors must wear gear sold by the shop during classes. I know. It's blatant marketing...but I'll also acknowledge that it's effective (from the POV of the LDS). I have had friends who went onto DM for an LDS who had to re-buy their gear. Keyman discount prices, however, dull the pain a little.

The characteristics you listed in your post appear to be a good match with the Zeagle Brigade. You may want to consider a BP/W setup. Do a search on SB and/or try out a buddy's BP/W for a dive.

Hope this helps...

It keeps looking like the Brigade may be my best option. I'll probably call ST today and talk to them about it. With regards to the LDS requiring certain brands-I know they sell Zeagle, so that shouldn't be an issue. The didn't mention anything about me needing a certain brand-but I'll ask them, to be sure.

Regarding the BP&W, I just moved, and until I start diving with the local club (the next couple weeks) I won't know if anyone in the area even has a setup like that. Is there a real difference for someone just looking to do recreational diving?

It's a real problem only if you aren't aware of it. If you are aware of it, it's easy to handle.

Thanks for that heads up.