Which generation Ranger is this?

[FrankPro1]

I've been wanting to get out of my current jacket BCD for a while now. But I wasn't ready to splurge on a new BP/Wing, so I purchased this Ranger ultra cheap. Its seen only fresh water and has been very well maintained. Did a quick safety check and the bladder is perfect as well as the inflator/clips/bands. When comparing it to my buddies Ranger I noticed how mine has a roll out pocket and lacks all Zeagle or Ranger badges. In fact the only thing identifying this as a Zeagle is on the inner lumbar warning/notification label. So what gives? Is this a Ranger? Or is it an earlier Zeagle product? From what year range can it be from? Here are some pics:

 

[Davidstealey3]

not sure of the design year. better to repost in the zeagle section and let scott or gibby see it. they should know and be able to help you

 

[gndpdr]

it looks in great shape whatever generation it is ...

 

[scubafanatic]

...hopefully it's not a cheap Chinese knock-off, that's wierd with no identifying badges on it ! ...I've got an older 2001-ish vintage Zeagle Ranger with plenty of 'badges' on it!

 

[kjvander]

while i am away from mine and would have to check...i believe that the patches/badges are just that...sewn on things....so it would be reasonable to think that someone just took them off.

As for the generation i am not sure but it does appear to have some of the same characteristics of my 2008 Ranger....however the pouch on the right hand side is different. with the angles that you've provided that is about the best that i can do...mine does have a pouch with it but it is part of the cumberbun (sp?)....

 

[gndpdr]

it is odd not seeing the "zeagle" logo on the gussets is there a z on the inflator button? my 2000 era ranger had the logo on the gussets and the z on the button my new ltd has all the logos on it

 

[FrankPro1]

it is odd not seeing the "zeagle" logo on the gussets is there a z on the inflator button? my 2000 era ranger had the logo on the gussets and the z on the button my new ltd has all the logos on it

No Z on the inflator button either. Only Zeagle identifier is on the lumbar label. It says Made in USA on all the individual pieces, so I don't think its a Chinese knock off.

The pictures don't give it justice, this thing might be old but it sure has been well taken care of.

 

[diversteve]

The jacket looks like mine, circa 2001. But the inflator doesn't look like a Zeagle, the mouthpiece on mine is at a 90' angle to the hose - not angled. You have been able to buy Zeagle bladder covers in custom material for the last several years, I wonder if that's one. Might explain why there's no Zeagle stitched into the flaps.

Without getting mine out to check, IIRC the Ranger/Ranger LTD designation is on the velcro band that secures the inflator. So that could've been removed/replaced.

There are also custom Zeagles made for various local shops. My LDS sells the Phoenix and Scubatoys sells the Brigade - maybe this is another one.

PM a link to this thread to Scott: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/members/scottzeagle.html

 

[FrankPro1]

Some other differences I've came across:
No pull dump on the inflator/hose like the current Ranger series.
No rear weight system "an XSscuba trim weight pouch is already in the mail "
Mesh material inside BC's pockets
Only 4 Metal D-Rings, instead of current generation's 6
Front/Back shot of BCD:

 

[ScottZeagle]

Looks like it is probably around a 1995 model.

The d-rings on the shoulder aren't bent, which I believe we started doing in 1996....so '95 is my best guess.

Regardless, it looks like it is in really good shape!!!

It will accept our 8051Z rear weight pockets (which are standard on the Ranger now) and it will also accept our Bx Inflator System, which would allow you to rinse your BC through the inflator hose, and is servicable.