Zeagle Ranger or Seaquest Black Diamond

[HammerHead_DORK]

Hi everyone,

I am planning to upgrade my OLD BC "seaquest ADV 4" to either the ranger or Black Diamond for better lift also intergrate weight system.
I am doing a lot of dry suit diving about 50F - 55F water and assisting classes for OW , and around 2-4 trip per year for tropical dives and need to upgrade ASAP.

Just wondering if anyone have any input for the Ranger and the BLK diamond.

Happy diving !!
Hammerhead

 

[ShakaZulu]

Well, if you are not going the BP/W direction, I will take the Black Diamond. I like to be clean in the water, and this BC is clean, very little drag. All clips and buckles are easy to reach. The integrated weights are no problem to work with and stay put very well. I use 9lbs in each and have had no problems. I also like the large folding pocket to better hold smaller objects, even when diver is upside-down. It does have too much lift for a single though (50lbs), but works great with the "Rescue the Unconscious Diver" drill........can make bouyency control sensitive.

 

[CRDiver]

Price-wise, you'll probably have more luck finding deals on Zeagle. Both are extremely capable, but I don't believe the Black Diamond has a 1000 denier outer bag around the bladder like the Ranger does. I've owned the Ranger and Ranger Limited, and they're the best conventional BC's I've owned.

 

[Kayla]

I dive with a Ranger, and I love it. Thats my reccommendation to you! :dazzler1:

 

[darkstar]

I dive drysuit with both a Ranger and a Tech modified with a backplate for doubles. Both are great BC's and I've used both down South without issue.

If you buy Zeagle, the weight pouches (mesh bags) are a worthwhile addition. Otherwise smaller weights can slip through the lacing on the release mechanisim.

If you can, try before you buy.

 

[crpntr133]

Seen both and dove both...Ranger. If you don't need the extra lift of the Ranger go with the Brigade. (can only be purchased from scubatoys.com)

 

[opiniongirl]

Ranger.

I much prefer the weight system, removeable bladder, more durable nylon.

 

[smokey braden]

ranger ltd

 

[ScottZeagle]

If we relate this topic to rock bands, the Black Diamond is kinda like "KISS". Large corporation, huge advertising budget, and fireworks.

The Ranger is more like The Dave Matthews Band, Phish, or the Dead - dedicated fans who will spread the word across the words via the "grass roots" method, and will defend them to the very end!!

I happen to love the "grass roots" folks, but to each their own...

good luck with whatever you choose!!!

Scott

 

[Kestrell]

Ranger LTD