Zeagle Escape vs. Ranger

[evilclown]

Looking for input on these BC's. I know everyone loves their ranger but is it more than i need? i'm a recreational diver, advanced, will be diving 65% california 35% tropical, warm water, travel. Is the Escape a lot easier to travel with? Is it more comfortable? Is it a really good bc? Do I really need all the great stuff the Ranger has or is it a bit excessive? is it really bulky?
thanks everyone.

 

[stairman]

Years ago I bought a Ranger for myself and then my daughter got certified so I opted for the escape to save 100 bucks.The only differences I could see was the escape had 2 plastic d-rings vs. the Rangers 4 steel d-rings.Hers came with trim pockets mine didnt have.Hers also got stolen at Blue Grotto,so now she uses the Ranger and I moved on to backplate/wing.I would say the escape is fine otherwise.

 

[jasonchen]

But I think Ranger is better more than Escape.

 

[BKP]

I used an Escape for quite a while, and loved it.

The new version of the Escape now has stainless steel D rings. It uses a smaller wing than the Ranger, which makes it ideal for singles. The Ranger uses the larger wing since it's supposedly functional with both singles and doubles. However, if you're diving singles, I think the wing on the Ranger is too much.

The new Escape uses a new pullout ditchable integrated weight system which I've seen and like better than the zipcord on my older Escape (and still on the Ranger).

Finally, the Escape is easier to travel with... just less bulky.

One last consideration. If you're diving mostly cold water in California, and you're using heavy neoprene instead of a drysuit, you'll need more weighting. The Ranger handles more integrated than the Escape (although I can't imagine you needing more than the 40lbs. total the Escape can handle).

Good luck. Dive safe.

Either way you'll do well. Zeagle makes a great product.

 

[Scared Silly]

I have traveled with both the Ranger and Concept. They are bulky. Typically I take the cam bands off and pack them with the waist harness open wrapped around other stuff. This helps out. Though I really like Zeagle gear I am not a fan of the elastic bungies on wings. For that reason alone I would look at the Ranger or Concept. I also like the style of weight pockets better.

 

[hawkenph]

Have you looked at the Zeagle Brigade from Scuba toys. Its a ranger with the Escape Bladder on it. I don't have one yet. Just read that alot of people love their Brigades.

 

[Nismo]

I would try them both. The main benefit to some of the higher end Zeagles is the 2 piece construction. The shoulder harness and waistband are seperate. Zeagle did this so that you can have them in two different sizes. This gives you the ability to have an almost custom fit BC. I have a Ranger and have the shoulder XL and waist L. This gave me an incredibly stable BC that I would not get rid of until it falls apart. My wife uses an Escape and it fits her perfectly. I say see which you can get the better fit with and get that one. If you like the Ranger better, look into the Zeagle Brigade which as mentioned is the Ranger harness with Escape bladder. I wish I did this but I got a great deal on the Rannger. The Ranger is a slightly heavier duty BC made with a more durable material, don't know how much more in reality, and metal D rings instead of plastic. My original choice for BC was the Stiletto.

 

[evilclown]

thanks everyone!

 

[Standingbear56]

Hi Evil Clown,
The Escape is designed for both warm and cold water diving, and can handle up to 40 lbs weight which is probably far more than you will ever need. However it has only 35 lbs of lift putting it more so in the warm water category. Since you state that 65% of your diving is going to be done in California the Ranger would probably be a better choice, mainly because of it's 44 lb lift capacity. This is more suitable to the extra weight you will be using in California's colder water due mainly to the extra exposure protection.
I would suggest that you take both the Escape and Ranger in the pool and try then both out with both your warm water and cold water kits and see how they perform. Then you will be able to make a more informed decision.
Good Luck,
George
PADI MSDT 33859
Prime Scuba

 

[zahgurim]

I have a Ranger/Escape hybrid Brigade. Has been great for both warm/cool water, and packs up ok for travelling. I like how configurable/adjustable the Ranger shell is.

I'm thinking of switching over to doubles, though, and am wishing I got it with the 44lb Ranger single/double wing instead of the included smaller 35lb Escape wing. If you're wanting to go doubles later, def get the Ranger w/ the larger wing.