What about Malibu v Ranger v Escape?

[scubatoys]

Finally, the ripcord system, although unique, is sort of intimidating. I've been tempted to pull it (just to practice dropping my weights), but I find putting the ripcord weave back together far from simple.

If you haven't ever pulled that cord... I'd suggest you study it for a bit, and give it a shot. I've got one set up in the store that we use to show people how easy it is to dump, and just re-thread it over... and over... and over again. After you get good at it, it takes less than a couple minutes. Remember when you pull the ripcord - you only need to pull it about 12 inches - then it will stop. That is because of a piece of lead that is pressed on to one of the cords (the one that goes through the back to the right side pocket.

When re-threading - I've found that instead of pushing the loop of parachute cord through the grommets, it's actually easier to push the red "weed eater string" through the grommets, push it through the end of the loop, then push the end back throught the grommets... One little tug and it pulls the parachute cord right through.

This is very helpful on the last grommet on each side - as otherwise, it's kinda hard to get the parachute cord pushed through. It's hard to push a string!

So I'd say try it out when there is no pressure on you - do it a few times, because on a dive boat somewhere when some goof ball pulls it and says "Hey what does this do??" That is a bad time to try to re-thread for the first time. Especially with the boat having to turn around and pluck him out of the water since you have thrown them overboard...

 

[derm diver gal]

If you haven't ever pulled that cord... I'd suggest you study it for a bit, and give it a shot. I've got one set up in the store that we use to show people how easy it is to dump, and just re-thread it over... and over... and over again. After you get good at it, it takes less than a couple minutes....

Thanks for the tips. You've inspired me to play with it in the near future.... maybe tonite, as I am having trouble falling asleep...

Suzy

 

[crpntr133]

After this weekend, July 10-11, I can comment on the Brigade if you are interested. Got one on the way!!

Here is the report as promised. I could sum it up in one word but I will give you a bit more input than that, the one word...SSWWWEEETTT.

If you have tried on the Ranger keep in mind that the Brigade has the same harness system just a different bladder. I liked the Ranger and loved the Brigade.
I dove with 24lbs, 2 more than what I needed, with 5 in each trim pocket in the back. I nailed the trim on the second dive just by moving the tank down a bit. Even with the bladder fully inflated I was always verticle on the surface.
This BC is sweet, the cumberbun was down over my belly button and it fit like a glove. I never did use the chest strap and had no problems, to me it is actually hard to see to fasten. If you don't want the strap on there you can take it off since the clips are designed that way.

Since most BC's that I have dove don't have the pull dump that was icing on the cake..no water in the BC after 4 dives, NONE.
When it comes to travel, this thing will fold into a small package. The tub that I use is 24"x16" and I had plenty of room. I am sure that you could fold it in half from top to bottom and have even more room, I don't think this would damage the bladder. My dive buddy dove a Malibu with 45lb bladder and it was HUGE compaired to the Brigade.

If you order one keep in mind that it DOES NOT come with the weight integrated weight pouchs. I asked when I ordered and the guy told me that it did. :11: Yes I was upset. I think he meant that it came with the trim pouches on the back. I zip tied my weight together and dropped them in the pocket. Since my nearest Zeagle dealer is 2 hours away I am think about just using weight belt webbing and stops to keep them on. Sorry Scubatoys but it isn't worth the shipping.

I think I am going to look into a crochet hook to rethread the parachute cord. Will also learn to do it Scubatoys way just in case.

Any questions or comments? I will be more than happy to help a fellow diver.

BTW, did I mention that this BC is SSWWEETTTT? :07:

 

[ae3753]

If you order one keep in mind that it DOES NOT come with the weight integrated weight pouchs. I asked when I ordered and the guy told me that it did. :11: Yes I was upset. I think he meant that it came with the trim pouches on the back. I zip tied my weight together and dropped them in the pocket.. . . I think I am going to look into a crochet hook to rethread the parachute cord.

By the above, you are saying that the Bridage does have the weight integrated rip-cord pouches. But it doesn't come with the mesh weight pouches, that you then put into the integrated rip-cord pouches, correct?

 

[outlawaggie]

I'm looking to replace an elderly (but still functioning and loveable but too big) Zeagle Beta. I tried on and loved the Malibu but had some hesitation about the velcro pockets. Anyone dived with this model and what did you think?

I also tried on and loved the Ranger but feel it is too...macho, I guess. Too heavy. I also looked at ScubaToys Brigade adn thought, hmm. could do...

And I haven't seen the Escape in person. Don't like the Zena--the "girls" are held firmly in place by my various suits.

I am 5'3", around 130 pounds, want back inflation and one pocket, a couple D rings, weight integration. Hate chest straps.

Thoughts?

Robin

Robin,
you might call Larry at Scubatoys and discuss the Zeagle Brigade. It has my vote.

 

[ScottZeagle]

As far as I know, the ONLY Zeagle BC that comes with the yellow mesh weight pouches included is the Ranger LTD.
I would guess that the guy thought you meant the rear-mount weight pockets, which the Brigade may or may not come with - you would have to check with Larry!
The Ranger, Ranger LTD, Escape, and Zena all come with the rear-mount pockets included.

Hope this helps a little...

Scott

 

[RobinG]

Here is the report as promised. I could sum it up in one word but I will give you a bit more input than that, the one word...SSWWWEEETTT.
:

Many thanks for the write up. The Brigade is my first choice but a mentally incompetent computer demanded my attention first. Once I find out how much that will cost me to repair/replace/enter into therapy, then I will go back to the BC hunt.

Robin

 

[crpntr133]

By the above, you are saying that the Bridage does have the weight integrated rip-cord pouches. But it doesn't come with the mesh weight pouches, that you then put into the integrated rip-cord pouches, correct?

Corrrect, if you order a Brigade then you will want to order the yellow mesh bags Zeagle number 8042 or 8043.

As far as I know, the ONLY Zeagle BC that comes with the yellow mesh weight pouches included is the Ranger LTD.
I would guess that the guy thought you meant the rear-mount weight pockets, which the Brigade may or may not come with - you would have to check with Larry!
The Ranger, Ranger LTD, Escape, and Zena all come with the rear-mount pockets included.

This is why I asked whoever I talked to on the phone. I also said that I knew the Ranger LTD had them but didn't see it on the Scubatoys web site if the Brigade had them or not. Another reason why I was upset when it came without them, I gave him a second chance( more information) to make sure we were talking about the same thing.

Yes the Brigade DOES come with the rear mount weight pockets. In my report I called them trim pockets.

If you buy the Brigade search this BC over good because you will find things that aren't mention in the owners manual, like the handle strap to carry it with. There are also two female quick clip ends above the pockets not mentioned. Don't know if this is because it is specially made for Scubatoys or if Zeagle has missed putting this in the manual. (While typing this I am thinking to myself " call Larry or Zeagle!!")

Please read all the above as facts to be informed by NOT a complaint, I still remain a very happy diver.

 

[scubatoys]

This is why I asked whoever I talked to on the phone. I also said that I knew the Ranger LTD had them but didn't see it on the Scubatoys web site if the Brigade had them or not. Another reason why I was upset when it came without them, I gave him a second chance( more information) to make sure we were talking about the same thing.

Yes the Brigade DOES come with the rear mount weight pockets. In my report I called them trim pockets.

If you buy the Brigade search this BC over good because you will find things that aren't mention in the owners manual, like the handle strap to carry it with. There are also two female quick clip ends above the pockets not mentioned. Don't know if this is because it is specially made for Scubatoys or if Zeagle has missed putting this in the manual. (While typing this I am thinking to myself " call Larry or Zeagle!!")

Please read all the above as facts to be informed by NOT a complaint, I still remain a very happy diver.

Ok, Let me address the 2 things here... First... Ooops. Probably a language semantic barrier here. Weight Pockets vs. Weight Pouches... Oh well. Keep in mind, anytime we screw something up - you don't pay for shipping. If you want a pair of those - give me a shout and I'll get a set heading to you, and we buy the freight.

And second, those little clips... here's the deal. On a stock Ranger waist panel, those are sewn in there so if you go with the standard Ranger bladder, 44 lbs, or the 66 pound bladder, you will see the bladder has the male version of that clip on it so you can clip the wings in so they don't "flop in the breeze" so to speak.

I could have had them leave those off (would have saved me a few cents even!) but I wanted to leave them there for 2 reasons, one, you may, one day want to toss on a bigger bladder, which is a simple thing - just web it in... and I wanted you to have those clips in case you did. And secondly, I found out its a cool place to take one of those and by running the split ring through the loop - it gives me a perfect spot to hook a gauge on my left, or an octo on my right.

Hope that makes sense?!

But yea, shout at me if you want the yellow "pouches" (not pockets!)

 

[crpntr133]

Ok, Let me address the 2 things here... First... Ooops. Probably a language semantic barrier here. Weight Pockets vs. Weight Pouches... Oh well. Keep in mind, anytime we screw something up - you don't pay for shipping. If you want a pair of those - give me a shout and I'll get a set heading to you, and we buy the freight.

And second, those little clips... here's the deal. On a stock Ranger waist panel, those are sewn in there so if you go with the standard Ranger bladder, 44 lbs, or the 66 pound bladder, you will see the bladder has the male version of that clip on it so you can clip the wings in so they don't "flop in the breeze" so to speak.

I could have had them leave those off (would have saved me a few cents even!) but I wanted to leave them there for 2 reasons, one, you may, one day want to toss on a bigger bladder, which is a simple thing - just web it in... and I wanted you to have those clips in case you did. And secondly, I found out its a cool place to take one of those and by running the split ring through the loop - it gives me a perfect spot to hook a gauge on my left, or an octo on my right.

Hope that makes sense?!

But yea, shout at me if you want the yellow "pouches" (not pockets!)

Thanks Larry. I bet I wouldn't get an offer like that from Leisure Pro. Of course I wouldn't have gotten the Brigade from them either. I guess I need to learn Texanese before I call

Good idea of leaving the clips on for the bigger bladder. I do know what you are talking about. Just thought it was strange that one of them was pulled through the top by the pocket and the other was hanging out the bottom by the chute cord.

The Brigade and Scubatoys still rock