Zeagle Ranger or OMS IQ pack and wing?

[JCDdiver]

My head is about to explode! I'm trying buy a BC that will do everything I want. I have been diving a friend's Zeagle and really like it. I like have weight integrated rather than wearing a belt but. I want to dive doubles at some point in the future to get more bottom time and possibly get into some technical diving. Any help would be nice.

 

[Jimmer]

well if you're looking into tech and doubles, get a backplate. Now the IQ pack can be used as a standard style BC with the plate in it, and then you could pull the plate out and web it later, but I'd suggest try out a BP/W if you can and see what you think.

 

[IceBergSlim]

The Ranger is fine for recreational diving. If you try to use it with stages or doubles it will self destruct.

The IQ back is ridiculously padded. I would get a basic plate, rings and webbing and set it up yourself. Then buy a wing you like and slap it on the back.

 

[hunter991]

If you are sort of crossing the bridge between rec and tec you may want to consider a transpac, or a transplate. These would grow with you.

Brent

 

[Wayward Son]

Why not a Zeagle plate with a Ranger wing with integrated weights? I got one of these:

http://subseasports.com/store/product1.html

and like it a lot.

 

[JCDdiver]

The Ranger is fine for recreational diving. If you try to use it with stages or doubles it will self destruct.

The IQ back is ridiculously padded. I would get a basic plate, rings and webbing and set it up yourself. Then buy a wing you like and slap it on the back.

Please explain why the Ranger would self destruct?

Other than being more bouyant why is padding an issue?

 

[JCDdiver]

Why not a Zeagle plate with a Ranger wing with integrated weights? I got one of these:

http://subseasports.com/store/product1.html

and like it a lot.

Looks good to me.

 

[IceBergSlim]

Please explain why the Ranger would self destruct?

Other than being more bouyant why is padding an issue?

My experience with the Ranger: Stages pulled the d-rings off the thin webbing they are SEWEN to, the bladder cover shredded at the top from the force of the extra weight and mass of doubles, the weight pockets tore off when loaded, the rip-cord system is foolishly painted RED..I could go on and on. Zeagle were very decent to fix every problem without a hassle and I thank them for it but simply put this is not a BC for tech diving. (que people to say I am out of my mind and Z is the greatest etc..)

The IQ is a very robust and flashy looking thing. I find the padding and "extras" just get in the way, add unnecessary bulk, positive boyuancy and just plain annoying. I put the Transpac in the same category but am sure I will be in the minority on that.

All that said I really don't see the reason for all that stuff if you want to dive technical. A simple plate, webbing and rings can be put together quite easily and for relatively little money. (but if money is a huge obstacle I would recomend you avoid tech diving altogether)

 

[IceBergSlim]

Looks good to me.

I know I (perhaps foolishly) said the money should not be a concern but I quickly added up all the goodies from that link. It comes up to over $820 USD. Do you have any idea how much 2" webbing you can buy for $800?

Look at http://www.reefscuba.com. You can get all the hardware you need there cheaply.

 

[Wayward Son]

You don't need everything on the page. Rap sells the deluxe package for $599 with AL plate, upgrade to SS for about $30. It's pretty complete as packaged that way & if you tell him you're an SB'er he will likely make an even better deal on it.

Since he doesn't need doubles now, the doubles bands are irrelevant until he needs them. This rig is quite stable with a single tank as it is, no need for an STA with the Zeagle plate & tank bands.