Zeagle Brigade v. Ranger

[Scuba Do]

I thought I was all set to buy a Ranger, until I read all the posts here about the Brigade. Now my head hurts, and I am confused all over again. Seems the advantage with the Brigade is packability. Anything else? What do I give up with the Brigade? If the Brigade is all that, when, if ever, would I ever consider the Ranger? And don't even get me started on the BP/W line. My head will surely explode! Any experience with these BDs is greatly appreciated.

 

[Rainer]

Have you considered a BP/W? I'd suggest a search, as this very question was asked last week (and many times before).

 

[Scuba Do]

POP!!! There went my head! Actually, I saw a thread on this topic earlier, but no one explained the basic differences except the Brigade is more travel friendly. I learned from ScubaToys that the Brigade is a hybrid between the Escape and the Ranger, but what advantages, if any, are there with the Ranger? What are the downsides to the Brigade compared to the Ranger? Are there reasons, types of diving where I would prefer it? (I am new to diving, but doubt I will have the time to do much traveling, so it will be mostly Mid-Atlantic diving, with the occasional trip farther south). Thanks.

 

[shark.byte.usa]

The brigade is basically a Zeagle Ranger with a Zeagle Escape Bladder (lighter/smaller). So the basic differences are 44lbs of lift vs 35. And the brigade has a roll down pocket.

-Garrett

 

[Jibeho]

I thought I was all set to buy a Ranger, until I read all the posts here about the Brigade. Now my head hurts, and I am confused all over again. Seems the advantage with the Brigade is packability. Anything else? What do I give up with the Brigade? If the Brigade is all that, when, if ever, would I ever consider the Ranger? And don't even get me started on the BP/W line. My head will surely explode! Any experience with these BDs is greatly appreciated.

Buy the Brigade and don't forget to ask for the SB 10% discount!

 

[diversteve]

Since it's an Escape bladder - from Zeagle's site:

it's constructed of lighter weight cordura instead of ballistic nylon

I have a Ranger with a big bladder (66lbs. - for twins plus I'm big) It goes nicely into my rolling divebag. I did see a bag advertised on eBay that claimed you could stuff a Ranger into it and carry it on, but I'd like to see that...

 

[webjr]

Another big difference is PRICE ! The Brigade is over 300 less if I remember correctly.
If you have no interest in diving doubles, the Brigade is a great choice.
If you are interested in doubles, then the BP/W is really the best option.

 

[shark.byte.usa]

Another big difference is PRICE ! The Brigade is over 300 less if I remember correctly.
If you have no interest in diving doubles, the Brigade is a great choice.
If you are interested in doubles, then the BP/W is really the best option.

Nah it's only a $50 difference, but I agree, would have gotten the Brigade had I had a choice when I got my Ranger. Took it to Hawaii, was a pain to pack even in a roller bag. I'm in the process of going BP/W now.

 

[webjr]

Nah it's only a $50 difference,

That sounded strange so I double checked to make sure.
Scubatoys.com shows 399 for the brigade and 608 for the ranger.

edit ... add 40 to brigade for rear weight pockets.
I didn't get the rear pockets with mine. My daughter has the Zena (the rear pockets are the same)and never uses her rear pockets, so I took hers.

 

[shark.byte.usa]

But they price match LP which sells them for 449