Zeagle Brigade or Ranger?????

[H2OU]

Requesting your opinion:

If you were going to buy one of these BCD's, which would it be and why?

 

[riguerin]

Tell us a little more about the diving you plan to do. What type of exposure protection will you be wearing ?

 

[Rainer]

I had the Ranger for two months (about 25 dives). It was my first BC, and I thought it was exactly what I was looking for. Ultimately, I exchanged it for a DSS BP/W, and am now *much* happier. The new kit is much better fitting, has less tank roll, does away with the horrible cummerbund, has the lift requirements I actually need (no one diving singles needs 44# of lift IMO), is much more streamlined, and puts weight directly over my lungs. How does the DSS compare to the Brigade? I have no idea, as I've never used the Brigade. I'm sure the BP/W packs smaller than the Brigade (and a LOT smaller than the Ranger), but I can't really say anything more. Other than that the DSS ($445) is priced more closely to the Brigade than the Ranger. Good luck.

 

[H2OU]

I am curious about the benefits of diving with the backplate, but I think that I want to transition that way by going with a back-inflating BCD first. I don't have any plans to dive in water requiring more than 5mm with hood and gloves, but I wouldn't mind trying to dive dry in the future. I am not interested in diving past the recreational limit of 130 ft. anytime soon either.

 

[Rainer]

Really wasn't a transition for me. Both are back-inflation BCs. One just has a lot less crap attached to it. That, and the weight was in a place that made trimming out better for me. If you can, try both.

 

[vondo]

I think my next BC is going to be a Brigade or some sort of BP/W. Suggestions?

My diving is strictly recreational, singles, would like to be able to use a big steel tank, but no real interest in doubles. Like the OP, I don't really see myself in anything more bouyant that a 7mm suit. I like weight integrated (no hips) and I also like pockets as I generally carry a SMB, slate, UK SL6 and sometimes a snorkel in the pockets of my current jacket.

So, it seems like a Brigade would be perfect for me. But I'm willing to think about a BP/W if it can be as flexible for me. Also, I travel for almost every dive, so "suitcase weight" is also important.

 

[Rainer]

The BP/W with a SS backplate is going to weigh more than the Brigade (not much more mind you, maybe two to three pounds more), and about the same if you used a plastic/AL backplate. The BP/W will certainly pack smaller. My diving is rec diving. Both styles of BCs are fine for this. I personally prefer the BP/W. YMMV. As for pockets, the one thing that drove me nuts about the Ranger was the non-functionality of the pockets. IMO they were worthless. First of all, they are small. Second of all, I could never work them with my 5mm gloves (I found the zipper to be in an awkward location). Do yourself a favor and buy a pair of X-shorts ($20). That's two VERY large pockets in a much more accessible place (your thigh).

 

[riguerin]

I don't have any plans to dive in water requiring more than 5mm with hood and gloves, but I wouldn't mind trying to dive dry in the future. I am not interested in diving past the recreational limit of 130 ft. anytime soon either.

I own a Ranger, my son owns a Brigade. In a nutshell the only real differences are in the wings (the whole point of the Brigade idea). The Ranger wing is larger (44 vs 35 lbs), but has a more durable 2 piece construction. From personal experience, it's great for playing urchin pinball in our So Cal low viz/high surge conditions (I've yet to patch an urchin puncture in Ranger wing) ... not so great if your trying to cram all your gear into a travel bag.

The Ranger wing is actually designed to accommodate both single and double tank configurations. As a recreational diver, my most demanding lift requirements include a dry suit & single X8-130. As Rainer stated, the Ranger 44 lbs is way more lift than I currently ever need.

Hope this helps answer your question. Good luck.

 

[crpntr133]

I did the same thing. I thougt about a BP/W and ended up with a Brigade. You don't need the Ranger's lift for most diving.

 

[RichKirby]

Anyone got any experience with the Escape? I want it mainly for warm water travel. The Escape would be a little lighter than the Brigade, I believe.