coldwaterdufus
Contributor
Here we go. I have a Zeagle Ranger LTD BCD, going on to 210 dives, bought in 2008 (or 2009) mostly coldwater diving /Bare Nex Gen drysuit, fairly lofty ( but I've never been cold) underwear. I just briefly read the other posts, so forgive me if I'm repeating anything. There is no crotch strap on the ranger. I've never needed one. I weigh 150 lbs, 5 ft 7", so not so big. Weighing it myself, I thought it weighed 7 lbs, I just read that it is officially 9 lbs, see sticky. I am trying to find out buoyancy numbers as we speak. IF you know, please PM me. Great BCD, well made etc etc. It is however bulky, I just did a trip to Coz, it took up a lot of space to travel with. I did have an issue ( wouldn't vent) for a lot of dives with the exhaust valve, took it in, told no issues. I finally replaced it with a Viking valve and it was better by a world of difference. Turned out later that it had the "wrong density " foam insert . I fought with that valve for way too many dives. That's the only problem though. You can remove the Ranger's inflator and rinse it out in fresh water. That is a big plus as it saves the sticking inflators syndrom common in low viz waters. Also attach a hose to the bladder, fill and rinse. Works great. I'm now looking at a BP/W and I'm starting to see how bulky the ranger is. Am I sorry I bought it, no. It's been good ( except for the valve ). Just time for something different and hopefully more " efficient " in terms of trim and weight requirements.
Weights required: Al 80's salt water 34-36 , AL + fresh 30, steel 100's salt water 30 , steel 100's + fresh 24, you can see the 6 lbs differences between salt vrs fresh and Al 80 versus steel 100's. I do share the another poster's comments that the side pockets are useless, at least for me . I can open them, but not close them. So , a little on the useless side.
---------- Post added December 3rd, 2013 at 05:46 PM ----------
read the date before, saw Nov, figured that's OK. I just now read 2012..... SIGH
Weights required: Al 80's salt water 34-36 , AL + fresh 30, steel 100's salt water 30 , steel 100's + fresh 24, you can see the 6 lbs differences between salt vrs fresh and Al 80 versus steel 100's. I do share the another poster's comments that the side pockets are useless, at least for me . I can open them, but not close them. So , a little on the useless side.
---------- Post added December 3rd, 2013 at 05:46 PM ----------
read the date before, saw Nov, figured that's OK. I just now read 2012..... SIGH
