Zeagle Ranger LTD or Diverite Transpac

[AirDive]

I'm in the market for a new BC and deciding between a Ranger, Ranger LTD and a Transpac. Some questions:

1. What is the true bouyancy properties of the Ranger, Ranger LTD and the Transpac with Travel Wing? I tried searching but am confused. Some threads say that the Ranger LTD is positive 3lbs bouyancy (yikess :11: ) . Other threads say that the LTD is positive 1 pound. What's the real score here ? Diverite transpac with Travel wing, I assume is neutral or negative?

2. Can I order a Stiletto Wing in place of the Ranger LTD wing? For my type of dives (5mm, single tank AL80), I don't really need 44 pounds lift.

3. Can I put a Diverite Travel Wing (great aircell for travel and single tank) on a Ranger LTD? Dream setup .

4. In typical open water dives on AL80s, 5mm full one piece wetsuit (old), I dive with 10 pounds of lead on a weight belt. Can probably bring it down to 8-9 pounds on the 2nd day when the suit is compressed good. My bouyancy is very good. I use air in lungs to control trim. With a Ranger LTD or Diverite Transpac/Travel Wing, how much weights should I carry? How will I allocate them to avoid a face plant?

5. Size is a problem for me. I'm 5' 10. 170 pounds. 32-33 inch waist. Size 38-40 inches for a suit jacket. 5mm full wetsuit. Comes out that I'm borderline between Medium and Large. I've tried a Large Ranger LTD and the waist seems snug and fits well (probably due to the sewed-in lumbar pad), but the shoulder straps are almost maxed out when I tighten them. Can someone help give me some sizing suggestions?

6. Where should the cummerbun or waist strap sit when wearing a transpac or zeagle? Should I aim for the hips, or should the cummerbun/waist strap be centered on the belly button?

I am familiar with the specs and accessories of both Transpac and Zeagel. I just don't have actual experience with them. Thanks for any help.

 

[Mike126]

AirDive - Talk with ScubaToys.... They took a Ranger harness and matched it with the Stiletto bladder. I ended up with the Brigade. All Ranger dealers can swap out bladders and mix/match shoulders and waists. I have a Large/XL setup and it fits great.

I also went with the smaller bladder size (Escape 35#) becuase I'm a recreational diver and don't tend to take a lot of weight. I only need 20#s with a 7mm wetsuit.

Mike

 

[AirDive]

Mike,Thanks for your response. Yes, I've thought of the "Brigade" but kinda like the Ranger LTD better because of the additional D-rings in the LTD. I may decide to do some tech dives someday, who knows . I've also considered the Stiletto due to the compact size. But the 2 inch D-rings and D-rings placement of the LTD made me shift focus to the LTD. I like the single bladder and small size of the Stiletto wing, however. I wish I can get a LTD with a Stiletto wing without paying extra.

 

[Jarrett]

Both companies make great products. I really like that Zeagle is online here and always trying to keep their customer base happy. My brother dives a Ranger and loves it. I dive a Transpac and love it. I used to dive a Brigade and loved it as well.

I dive with my Transpac stripped. No pads other than shoulders, small XS Scuba weight pockets and use the Travel wing. When I went to this config from my Brigade, I dropped 4-6lbs from my weight setup. I went from using 6-8lbs in the pool with a swimsuit in the Brigade, to 1-2lbs with the stripped down Transpac in the same pool/swimsuit. That really surprised me, but I was happy to see it happen.

I just got back from Cozumel this weekend. In June I dove the Brigade down there with just a swimsuit and needed 20lbs. to get down. This time I had the Transpac and wore a 3mm shorty (usually +6lbs for me) and I dove with 18lbs. On the last day I felt quite overweighted and the instructor felt I should have dropped to 16lbs. of weight. Hope that helps.

 

[Mike126]

I think the LTD has the zipper attachments that are specific to the bladder. You might call Zeagel or PM Scott Zeagle and see what can be configured.

 

[ScubaThor]

I dive with a Ranger Ltd and love it! There are indeed zipper attachments on the inside of the wing. As far as weighting goes, in a full-length 5mm with hood, I carry 12 pounds (I'm 5'10, 200 lbs).
In short, tons of attachment points, D-Rings, comfortable and scalable....I highly recommend it!

 

[ScottZeagle]

1. What is the true bouyancy properties of the Ranger, Ranger LTD and the Transpac with Travel Wing? I tried searching but am confused. Some threads say that the Ranger LTD is positive 3lbs bouyancy (yikess :11: ) . Other threads say that the LTD is positive 1 pound. What's the real score here ? Diverite transpac with Travel wing, I assume is neutral or negative?

Based on the testing we have done, I am going to say 1 to 1.5 lbs positive.

2. Can I order a Stiletto Wing in place of the Ranger LTD wing? For my type of dives (5mm, single tank AL80), I don't really need 44 pounds lift.

Yes - although there would be an additional charge to add the "LTD Zip Mount Platform" to the Stiletto bladder. The Stiletto bladder is available in 24lb, 35lb, and 44lb lifts. Choose the one that works for you!

3. Can I put a Diverite Travel Wing (great aircell for travel and single tank) on a Ranger LTD? Dream setup .

I'm not sure, to be honest with you, but somebody might chime in...

4. With a Ranger LTD or Diverite Transpac/Travel Wing, how much weights should I carry? How will I allocate them to avoid a face plant?

That is something you will have to experiment with. A good starting rule of thumb is 2/3 of your weight in front, and 1/3 in the back....adjust as needed.

5. Size is a problem for me. I'm 5' 10. 170 pounds. 32-33 inch waist. Size 38-40 inches for a suit jacket. 5mm full wetsuit. Comes out that I'm borderline between Medium and Large. I've tried a Large Ranger LTD and the waist seems snug and fits well (probably due to the sewed-in lumbar pad), but the shoulder straps are almost maxed out when I tighten them. Can someone help give me some sizing suggestions?

That's where our Personal Fit System comes into play. If the LG vest fits you, but you need a bigger or smaller shoulder section, no problem! Your dealer can help you achieve a "custom fit" without paying a cutom price!

6. Where should the cummerbun or waist strap sit when wearing a transpac or zeagle? Should I aim for the hips, or should the cummerbun/waist strap be centered on the belly button?

The Zeagle BC should be worn so that the weights sit on the hips. For females, it normally ends up at the belly button, due to body shape.

Hope this helps, and good luck!!

Scott

 

[ScubaThor]

Hope this helps, and good luck!!

Scott

This is why I LOVE my Zeagle....

 

[Geoffrey]

I'm in the market for a new BC and deciding between a Ranger, Ranger LTD and a Transpac. Some questions:

1. What is the true bouyancy properties of the Ranger, Ranger LTD and the Transpac with Travel Wing? I tried searching but am confused. Some threads say that the Ranger LTD is positive 3lbs bouyancy (yikess :11: ) . Other threads say that the LTD is positive 1 pound. What's the real score here ? Diverite transpac with Travel wing, I assume is neutral or negative?
Transpac is Slightly positive

2. Can I order a Stiletto Wing in place of the Ranger LTD wing? For my type of dives (5mm, single tank AL80), I don't really need 44 pounds lift.
The Transpac will accept any Dive Rite wing (and some other brands too) so you get only the aircell that you want for the type of diving you want to do. There is not a pre-packaged aircell with the Transpac.

3. Can I put a Diverite Travel Wing (great aircell for travel and single tank) on a Ranger LTD? Dream setup .
No, The Travel wing will only work on the Transpac.

4. In typical open water dives on AL80s, 5mm full one piece wetsuit (old), I dive with 10 pounds of lead on a weight belt. Can probably bring it down to 8-9 pounds on the 2nd day when the suit is compressed good. My bouyancy is very good. I use air in lungs to control trim. With a Ranger LTD or Diverite Transpac/Travel Wing, how much weights should I carry? How will I allocate them to avoid a face plant?
Your Instructor would really be the best person to answer this question.

5. Size is a problem for me. I'm 5' 10. 170 pounds. 32-33 inch waist. Size 38-40 inches for a suit jacket. 5mm full wetsuit. Comes out that I'm borderline between Medium and Large. I've tried a Large Ranger LTD and the waist seems snug and fits well (probably due to the sewed-in lumbar pad), but the shoulder straps are almost maxed out when I tighten them. Can someone help give me some sizing suggestions?
You would wear a Size LARGE Transpac. The size Large is extremely adjustable and will fit almost any diver between 5'7" and 6'1" and between 150-210lbs. Shoulders and waist and cummerbund are all easily adjusted by you.

6. Where should the cummerbun or waist strap sit when wearing a transpac or zeagle? Should I aim for the hips, or should the cummerbun/waist strap be centered on the belly button?
Whatever works best for you. Again that is somewhat adjustable on the Transpac.

I am familiar with the specs and accessories of both Transpac and Zeagel. I just don't have actual experience with them. Thanks for any help.

Come out to Ginnie Springs this weekend for the DEMO DAY and dive one for yourself!

 

[ScottZeagle]

Welcome to the board, Geoffrey!!!!

Both sides of the story is win/win for the customer....but shouldn't we fight back and forth a bit first???