Zeagle Ranger size

[kolik]

Hi,
I am buying my first gear for diving since I plan to dive a lot and its cheaper in the long run and am thinking about Ranger Zeagle. I read a lot of good comments about it. The problem is that I have 48" weist and the largest size Zeagle makes is XL which is 42" to 50" and I am affraid that with an 5mm neopren on it could be too small to fit. Unfortunately there is no dealer around here where I could actualy put one on and try it so I am asking you for an advice. I am 6' 2", about 275 lbs and 48" weist.
I also found an online dealer selling sizes up to 3XL (http://www.scuba.com/shop/product.asp?category=3&fromsearch=1&hashvalue=005088) but the price is just too high for me. I cant find any other dealers selling this size of the Zeagle Ranger.
Any advice is welcome.
Thanks!

Also I just read on this forum that Zeagle Ranger is kinda big to travel with. Since I usualy go out of the country to dive I travel mostly by plane. Is it really that bad? Is there anything similar in quality that would be more travel friendly?

 

[ScubaCrew]

Hey,

I'd call up ScubaToys.com and talk to Larry, I know he is always good about taking care of ScubaBoard members and they always have the hard to get stuff in stock.

I'm sure if you give him a call he'll make you a great deal and be able to help you with what size to get.

good luck!

 

[diversteve]

Actually Zeagle jackets go up to 3XLarge. As indicated on the link you provided. I'm sure Larry at Scubatoys can get you one. Since Zeagle has their PFS system, all the components are mix/match. www.scubatoys.com

I'm about your size, 6'3" 285 but have a 42-44" waist. I have a 2XL Ranger Ltd with the jacket sides expanded to their second position. So I have one more adjustment left. But I never wear a wetsuit, only a t-shirt. So a 3XLarge might/might not be too big for you in a 5mil.

I've read that Larry has a pretty liberal trial policy, if you don't get it wet, he'll probably let you exchange it if necessary. Ask him.

I travel all over with my Ranger. It's not going to go in your carry-on, but it fits fine in a rolling duffle bag with all my other gear. Realistically with all the recent size/weight restrictions by most of the airlines this summer, you won't be carrying-on any BC unless you get a travel version, which might not have enough lift. You could also look at the Brigade that Scubatoys sells, it's slightly smaller. At your weight with enough lead to sink in a 5mil suit, you might consider the 66lb. bladder also.

 

[Chad Carney]

Hi,
I am buying my first gear for diving since I plan to dive a lot and its cheaper in the long run and am thinking about Ranger Zeagle.Is there anything similar in quality that would be more travel friendly?

Hello kolik,

That link was to a Ranger LTD, a more expensive BC than a standard Ranger.

The Zeagle Stiletto fits just like a Ranger but is much lighter and more compact, yet just as tough. It was rated a Travel BC "Testers Choice" by Scubadiving Magazine. It's new 2006 MSRP is $539. (The Ranger MSRP is $155 more at $684.)

Zeagle BCs run bigger than most others, so divers often fit in the next size down from their wetsuit size. (Of course that depends on the brand of suit as well.) Sizes bigger than XL have a reasonable custom charge.

You're probably a 3XL, but may need just a 2XL shoulder.

Where are you? (Fill in your profile.)

Chad
Zeagle Rep.

 

[kolik]

I know that the link was to Ranger Ltd. but that was because this was was offered to up to 3XL unlike the regular Ranger (XL). Looks like the Stiletto or Brigade would both be a good choice. Problem is than with customizing it to my size it will probably cost a fortune. I was hoping since size XL in Zeagles chart sayz 42"-50" and I am 48" it should still fit me ok but your replies looks like it wont. I am surprised you are suggesting 3XL tho which is for 54" to 60" weist and I "only" have 48". Wouldnt that be way to big? I also need 29lbs of weight with my 3mm shorty on so with a 3mm full or even 5mm full I would probly need more weight than these BCDs can hold?

 

[scubatoys]

I know that the link was to Ranger Ltd. but that was because this was was offered to up to 3XL unlike the regular Ranger (XL). Looks like the Stiletto or Brigade would both be a good choice. Problem is than with customizing it to my size it will probably cost a fortune. I was hoping since size XL in Zeagles chart sayz 42"-50" and I am 48" it should still fit me ok but your replies looks like it wont. I am surprised you are suggesting 3XL tho which is for 54" to 60" weist and I "only" have 48". Wouldnt that be way to big? I also need 29lbs of weight with my 3mm shorty on so with a 3mm full or even 5mm full I would probly need more weight than these BCDs can hold?

Yes, but it will only be a small fortune!

Actually, you can do a brigade in XXL or XXXL and with the rear weight pockets, you're looking at $480 before you take into account your ScubaBoard discount... So custom fit for about $435.

 

[ScottZeagle]

Not a lot to add from me, except that we can pretty much make any size you need. A XXXL isn't uncommon, and we have made up to a XXXXXL (5-XL) in the past...

We even made a BC for an injured manatee that the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa was rehabing!!! What I am trying to say, I guess, is that size isn't a problem.

Scott

 

[kolik]

Thank you all very much. You helped me a lot. I sent Larry an email and am sure that we will work out something.
Thanks again,
Kolik