Which BCD ???

[Islandheart]

I'm a returning retired Navy/ PADI diver after 18 years being away. WOW has technology and customization gone crazy..... but I love it.

I'm not one for the super mass produced products and find the Zeagle Products to be top notch and what I want to use. Aquiring the Pinnicale line does not hurt either as I just purchased a 3mm Merino suit.

Anyway, what I'm after is a few suggestions on which BC to buy. I'm sure I'll just stick to Recreation type diving. I'm 58, 5'11 and 219. and being retired, don't have the deepest pockets but will reach as deep as I can.

Thanks for your replies and advice.

Scott, must say I'm impressed with the fact I see your comments and excellent customer service. That's why I'll spend my hard earned dollars with your company.

Regards,
Bob Collins
USA/USN Retired

 

[Cave Diver]

Since you're looking at Zeagle, you might want to check this thread out: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/bu...h-first-last-bc-most-will-ever-need-want.html

Personally I prefer a BP/W setup, but to each their own.

 

[diversteve]

If you're diving single-tank in warm water, consider the Stiletto. For singles/doubles the Ranger. The Express Tech has no pockets unless you add them, it's a minimalist design.

Another option might be the Brigade from Scubatoys. It's a Ranger with a smaller 35lb. Escape bladder. So you get all the Ranger stuff with less drag. And since it's their own design, they price it significantly cheaper. If you order anything from Scubatoys mention that you're a member here for a 10% discount.

There's also still some deals on the 2008 Rangers available online. Quite a savings over the 2009 models. You might also look at Leisurepro.com for probably the best deal but understand that their warranty is through them, not the mfr. For me that's not an issue as I've never had my BC serviced, preferring to do the minimal maintenance myself.

I've owned a Ranger LTD for about 5 years and (briefly) a Stiletto. No problems with either one. Zeagle also has their "new" BX inflator option, it allows you to clean the inflator hose and bladder with a garden hose easily.

 

[Islandheart]

I looked at the Stiletto, nice, at a local dive shop and that's what has drawn me to Zeagle.

It was one and only Z they had. Love to see the Ranger in person and I watched the Express Tech video, well done.

Regards!

 

[gndpdr]

check out


http://www.zeagleexpress.com/index.html


some great prices and some cool folks i dove an old ranger for years ..just bought a new ranger ltd ..i refuse to dive without a zeagle on me

 

[ScottZeagle]

I'm a returning retired Navy/ PADI diver after 18 years being away. WOW has technology and customization gone crazy..... but I love it.

I'm not one for the super mass produced products and find the Zeagle Products to be top notch and what I want to use. Aquiring the Pinnicale line does not hurt either as I just purchased a 3mm Merino suit.

Anyway, what I'm after is a few suggestions on which BC to buy. I'm sure I'll just stick to Recreation type diving. I'm 58, 5'11 and 219. and being retired, don't have the deepest pockets but will reach as deep as I can.

Thanks for your replies and advice.

Scott, must say I'm impressed with the fact I see your comments and excellent customer service. That's why I'll spend my hard earned dollars with your company.

Regards,
Bob Collins
USA/USN Retired

Thanks Bob!!!

Just post any questions you may have and I will offer any advice I can.

If you are doing single tank recreational diving, I love the Stiletto BC. It has been my BC of choice for the last 5 years or so...

Scott

 

[Islandheart]

Scott,

Thanks for those comments....

I dove yesterday with a jacket style BC that was loaned to me, Not Good. Warm water and single tank. No BC weights, just a weight belt.

Problem was, I kept rolling over on to my back while hovering.

I will do occasional diving, 95% of it warm water and 100% single tank use. After yesterday, I'd say front weights only and Back inflate BCD only.

I have a very good Octo, so inflator only I'd think.

The Stiletto is $100 more than the Brigade, do I get that much more?

Thanks for your input Scott.

Bob C.

 

[ScottZeagle]

The Stiletto is a more streamlined cut of BC. It has narrower shoulders than the Brigade, and is less bulky in the vest section. It was originally designed for us to use as a spearfishing BC, and it has become our most popular BC over the last 4 years or so....

The Brigade is a Scuba Toys exclusive, which basically takes the Ranger BC and puts a lighter weight bladder on it, plus an old style roll up pocket. Scuba Toys has done very well with this BC.

It really comes down to personal preference.

Best of luck and dive safe!

Scott

 

[diver1011]

I bought a Stiletto in May, replacing a 15+ year old Dacor Nautica. So far I like it. It takes some getting used to especially if you are used to a jacket style. It helps to put some weight in the pockets by the tank.

 

[Islandheart]

I drove down to Macon, Ga to Divers Supply today. They have a very wide selection of BCDs and all other diving products.

I tried on a number of BCDs, by TUSA, MARES, CRESSI, their store brand and finally Zeagles.

I liked the Mares Peguses, Cressi Back Jac out of those 4. The Peg had crotch straps, no cumberbund and was nice but only plastic rings. The Back Jac was very comfortable, steel rings with bund but the nylon webbing was thinner it seemed than the others.

Their store brand was like a tank, heavy, bulky and was priced cheap but it was like a Korean copy, a bad copy of someone else's BCD.

I tried the Ranger and it was very nice, they pulled an Escape and it was lighter, easier to wear and with the pull out integrated weights was ok, but I did not like the velcro.

They pulled the Stiletto and it fit perfectly. That's what I walked out with. I'll add crotch straps and feel it was the right choice for me.

Thanks everybody and Scott you too, having great input really helped me know what I was looking at and for.

Now I can train with what I'll be diving with.


Best Regards,
Bob C.