Zeagle Ranger Limited BCD

[92630Diver]

It arrived today... UPS delivered my "Zeagle Ranger Limited" BCD.

Up to now I'd only been able to look at the images posted on the Zeagle Ranger web site, but had rented a standard Zeagle Ranger for dives prior to deciding upon the purchase. The additional features offered with the Ranger Limited were icing on the cake.

Now that I am able to examine the real thing I am quite happy with having made the purchase. I'll take it to my LDS and have them prep it for me, and buy the accessory items from them (weights, weight pockets, etc.). Hopefully my relationship with them is such that they won't be too put off by my not purchasing the BC from them. They should be comforted by the fact that I'll be signing up for various Specialty training courses from them now.

I'll post more information about the BC once I've been diving with it, if anyone is interested.

 

[Uncle Pug]

I'll take it to my LDS and have them prep it for me

What is entailed in *prep it*?

BTW a suggestion for the weights pockets:

The shot bags that are sold for the Ranger are very difficult to use. It is virtually impossible to insert them into the weight pockets after the BC is on. This means that you have to don the BC fully loaded with weight.

If you use solid lead *hip* weights with a small cord or nylon web attached you can load the weights after donning your BC and you can remove them after the dive and before boarding your boat using the strap to hand them up or hang them on a transom clip line.

 

[92630Diver]

Hello Uncle Pug! Your advice and experience are appreciated. My comment about having the LDS "prep" the BC for use was due to my thinking that for proper safety it might be best to have the BC tested by the LDS prior to actual use. It is that or trust that everything works as is, right out of the box.

I appreciate the pointer in regard to weight integration. The BC came with two of the 12lb. weight pockets, but I also purchased two of the 20lb. weight pockets which is what I'll be using. I felt that the larger weight pocket would allow for more even distribution of the weight and possibly better management when attempting to put the weight in while wearing the BC.

I've placed 12lbs of weight into 12lb pockets in the past (with a rented Zeagle Ranger) and found that this makes for a bulky mass. The same weight placed in a 20lb pocket equates to less bulk. The integrated trim weight pockets will also allow me to reduce the ditchable weight in each side pocket, thus reducing bulk further.

 

[Uncle Pug]

Have a lot of fun with it and please give us a report when you've dove it.

 

[TexasMike]

The "bulkiness" of the Ranger after the weights were inserted has been one of the few complaints I have had with the system.

Like Pug said, it's difficult to don the Ranger once the pockets are loaded (especially with enough weight to handle a dry suit). And conversely, the challenge to load the Ranger's pockets after you have donned it can make even a yoga master's head spin.


Pug....Last night during a visit to my LDS, I got the chance to swap my OMS wing over to an AL backplate with STA and put it on over street clothes to experience what that was like.

WOW! After I slipped it on and got it fitted into the right place, I kept looking behind me going, "Where's there rest of it?!"

Now I can definitely see why so many like it's simplicity.

 

[Uncle Pug]

Originally posted by TexasMike

WOW! After I slipped it on and got it fitted into the right place, I kept looking behind me going, "Where's there rest of it?!"

Now I can definitely see why so many like it's simplicity.

I went diving yesterday with one of my non-DIR buddies who adamantly insists that her split fins kick up no silt and her BC is just fine (which is odd in that I make no issue of it.)

As we were gearing up... or should I say as I stood in the parking lot and watched her for 1/2 hour gearing up... she kept apologizing for taking so long and couldn't figure out how Shane and I can gear up so fast (Shane wasn't there but she's seen him in action.)

When she was done I stepped over to the tailgate of my P/U slipped into the harness and buckled the waist strap. I was diving my singles rig with a LP104, SS Backplate, 27# halcyon wing.
She looked at me and I could see the wheels turning. She said, "That looks so simple." I said, "I feel almost nekked without my doubles."

And from the front I doubt anyone could tell that I had a rig on except for the two second stages over my right shoulder.

 

[TexasMike]

Originally posted by Uncle Pug
I went diving yesterday...

Now you really made my eyes turn green with envy....

Being scuba-geographically challenged where I'm at (north of Dallas/Ft. Worth) it's not feasible for me to get to a good dive spot after I wrap up work.

But boy do I wish I could!

 

[Uncle Pug]

Originally posted by TexasMike
Now you really made my eyes turn green with envy....

Sorry...that was not the intent and cetainly not fair of me
So if you had your own stock tank could you get a dive in after work?
How about just firing yourself so you could be unemployed and become a dive bum?

By the way back to the original subject....
I dove my Ranger for 5 years and had a lot of fun with it!

 

[TexasMike]

Originally posted by Uncle Pug
So if you had your own stock tank could you get a dive in after work?
How about just firing yourself so you could be unemployed and become a dive bum?

Guess I could always get into the drysuit and go sit in the 5-ft deep swimming pool at the apartment complex. (actually, that might not be a bad idea tonight). Who knows, might get someone curious about scuba and start a conversation.

And I'm still a few million dollars from being able to be a dive bum.

 

[Uncle Pug]

Originally posted by TexasMike
And I'm still a few million dollars from being able to be a dive bum.

I don't think you understand the concept of *bum* Mike.