Zeagle Ranger Harness + Stiletto Bladder

[pitio]

I have two new divers who wanted to get some opinion on BCD.
I simply recommended Zeagle Brigade which I love to dive with. second to BP/W.
I have heard that Stiletto Bladder is tougher and not bungeed like the escape bladder on Brigade.

Does anybody sell Ranger Harness with Stiletto Bladder?
If someone does, how much would that cost?

To me, that would be the dream BCD for single tank.
I applogize if this has already been dicussed.
Any info would be greatly appriciated.

 

[Brandon]

Just buy a Brigade and pull the bungie off =)

Likely the least expensive solution, the Brigade is still plenty tough even with a thinner shell.

If that's what you want though, PM Larry at Scubatoys. He can probably order something like that for you.

-Brandon.

 

[WingNutt]

Really though, how much tougher do you need. My friend and I just recieved our Brigades last week. These things are bad to the bone man. We still havent taken them to the water yet (planning on April 1st).

 

[Skinsfan1311]

.
I have heard that Stiletto Bladder is tougher and not bungeed like the escape bladder on Brigade.
QUOTE]

I'm researching for my first BC purchase, and am leaning heavily towards the Escape, or Stiletto. What's the issue with a bungeed bladder? Thanks!

 

[ProfessorAronnax]

Here's the Zeagle BC Link: ZEAGLE BCs

 

[scubatoys]

Sure, you could do that... it would run about $50 more than a brigade... but keep in mind with the stiletto and ranger bladders, it's a bit harder to get into your pockets as the bladder clips up to the vest in the middle of the pockets. But we could easily pop off one bladder and add the other.

But then to also echo the comment, "why a tougher bladder?" We have yet to have a single bladder ever have a problem... not one between all of the Brigades we have sold... and the escapes and zenas that use the same bladder. So lets see... over 2000 sold, zero problems.... Kinda' seems tough enough!

 

[mozz]

larry,

besides $ and a more streamlined bladder, are there any other benefits of the brigade over the ranger?

 

[Brandon]

I'm not Larry... but I do own a Brigade.

You pretty much nailed the main design feature of the Brigade - a more streamlined bladder.

The Ranger has some 44 pounds of lift, the Brigade (using the Escape wing), has 35.

The two BCs are otherwise identical. Brigade is nothing more than a Ranger with a smaller wing.

-Brandon.

 

[pitio]

Thank you for all the comments.
I understand. Escape bladder is pretty strong. I have had no problem with it for over a year with continuous torture from banging on rocks.
It is more like "Wanting More" thing.
I probably do not need the Ranger harness, but I like it tough. Having tougher equipments give me the sense of security. (That was why I went to BP/W half year ago. )
I also heard the Stiletto bladder is a bit more streamlined than the one on brigade.
"Why not bungeed?" well, I believe for the size of this bladder, it may not matter too much.
IMO, non-bungeed bladder is easier to remove air out of the bladder and it traps less air.
I recommend Brigade for anybody, but I thought if my boddies do not mind paying extra money to get tougher BCD, would Zeagle Ranger Harness + Stiletto Bladder be the ultimate BCD for single tank?

 

[Brandon]

"Why not bungeed?" well, I believe for the size of this bladder, it may not matter too much.
IMO, non-bungeed bladder is easier to remove air out of the bladder and it traps less air.

I've never had a problem with trapped air... is this a technique issue?

I recommend Brigade for anybody, but I thought if my boddies do not mind paying extra money to get tougher BCD, would Zeagle Ranger Harness + Stiletto Bladder be the ultimate BCD for single tank?

I guess.

To me, it just seems like a trivial upgrade / hassle / waste of money for the very minor benefit of having a slightly thicker skinned bladder.

Heck, put one together and dive it. It'll probably be an awesome BC, but I'm more than happy with my Brigade, and consider it the "ultimate" bc for me.

As I've said many times, I have no interest in replacing my Brigade until I move to a more tech/dir/gue/hog/koolaid configuration.

Wouldn't hurt to give the Ranger/Stiletto a try, let us know how it works out =)

-Brandon.