Zeagle Ranger LTD BCD with Drysuit

[BoltSnap]

I am looking at getting the Zeagle Ranger LTD BCD to use when diving with a drysuit. Does anyone have feedback on this BC model when used with a drysuit in terms of fit, comfort, compatibility with drysuit valve (sternum strap covering the valve), riding up while on the surface or any other feedback please?

 

[fnfalman]

One of my dive partners use this BC with the Whites Fusion drysuit. He does leave the torso strap undone for access to the inflator valve.

 

[Aqua-Andy]

I would suggest saving some money (like $300 or so) and go with the Zeagle Brigade from Scubatoys. The Brigade is a Ranger with a 35# wing (the 44# is just massive) I would suggest the split saddle strap to keep things stable. I dove one for around 60 dives or so with a drysuit and liked it very much. I have a friend that is selling a size large Brigade with the 44# wing in excellent condition, due to medical reasons he is getting out of diving.

 

[BoltSnap]

The strap can't be moved up or down to make the valve more accessible?

One of my dive partners use this BC with the Whites Fusion drysuit. He does leave the torso strap undone for access to the inflator valve.

 

[Aqua-Andy]

Actually the strap does have two positions so you can avoid the valve problem, I never had an issue with it interfering.

 

[BoltSnap]

Actually the strap does have two positions so you can avoid the valve problem, I never had an issue with it interfering.

Which BC do you use with your drysuit? Also, what drysuit do you use?

 

[Aqua-Andy]

I now dive a BP/W, I switched when I started into tech. I wanted to keep the same system for singles and doubles so that meant standardizing on a BP/W. I did use the Brigade with a Bare NexGen drysuit and it worked well for recreational diving. After diving with a back plate I could never see paying over $700 or $800 for a conventional BC when a $300 or so BP/W works as well or better in most cases and is way more streamlined.

---------- Post added November 19th, 2012 at 03:25 PM ----------

Oh ya, diving a drysuit you will appreciate the 5# back plate.

 

[Colliam7]

I am looking at getting the Zeagle Ranger LTD BCD to use when diving with a drysuit. Does anyone have feedback on this BC model when used with a drysuit in terms of fit, comfort, compatibility with drysuit valve (sternum strap covering the valve), riding up while on the surface or any other feedback please?

You shouldn't have a problem with fit or comfort it is actually quite a comfortable BCD (it should be, with the padding it has). I did not have a probem with the sternum strap covering the inflator valve on my drysuit - it would clip almost diractly over it but it was never a problem to inflate the suit. With a crotch strap, there is no problem with the unit riding up on the surface (I wouldn't use a Ranger / Ranger LTD without one).

The issue, as others have mentioned - the Ranger / Ranger LTD are padded, very buoyant BCDs. You pay a price - in terms of needing extra lead - for that buoyancy. You are already looking at needing a bit of lead for the drysuit, particularly when diving with thicker undergarments and a single cylinder. Adding an aditional lead requirement for the Ranger is inefficient. I needed a huge amount of lead when diving a single AL80, dry.

I switched to a SS backplate because of the buoyancy issue. Even with the BP I needed 16 pounds when diving with thick undergarments and a single (HP steel) cylinder).

Great BCD, Zeagle has been a good company to deal with. I just prefer something simpler, and more negatively buoyant, when diving dry.

 

[BoltSnap]

Does the Zeagle Ranger LTD BCD come with a crotch strap as a standard item? If it doesn't, you can still add it no problem without too much "customization" work to the BC?

You shouldn't have a problem with fit or comfort it is actually quite a comfortable BCD (it should be, with the padding it has). I did not have a probem with the sternum strap covering the inflator valve on my drysuit - it would clip almost diractly over it but it was never a problem to inflate the suit. With a crotch strap, there is no problem with the unit riding up on the surface (I wouldn't use a Ranger / Ranger LTD without one).

The issue, as others have mentioned - the Ranger / Ranger LTD are padded, very buoyant BCDs. You pay a price - in terms of needing extra lead - for that buoyancy. You are already looking at needing a bit of lead for the drysuit, particularly when diving with thicker undergarments and a single cylinder. Adding an aditional lead requirement for the Ranger is inefficient. I needed a huge amount of lead when diving a single AL80, dry.

I switched to a SS backplate because of the buoyancy issue. Even with the BP I needed 16 pounds when diving with thick undergarments and a single (HP steel) cylinder).

Great BCD, Zeagle has been a good company to deal with. I just prefer something simpler, and more negatively buoyant, when diving dry.

 

[Aqua-Andy]

Does the Zeagle Ranger LTD BCD come with a crotch strap as a standard item? If it doesn't, you can still add it no problem without too much "customization" work to the BC?

No mods needed all you need is this Zeagle Split Saddle Strap discounts on sale Zeagle it's a two minute install and designed by Zeagle for there BCs