Zeagle Ranger: Trapped Air? Single Tank OK?

[Topper79]

Zeagle Ranger divers: Have you experienced trapped air where the four small straps with pinch-buckles hold the bladder to the harness? If so, was it a serious or minor problem, or any problem at all? Do thse straps really keep the bladder from flaring out duirng a dive?

Does the Ranger dive well with a single tank? How is surface flotation?

Thanks much for your anticipated replies.

 

[PARADISE HUNTER]

I have experienced some trapped air in my Ranger. But I have experienced that with a number of BCs I have owned. Although I am not sure that it is happening at the buckles you mentioned. I will look into that in a couple of days. (Heading to Cozumel on Wed.) Is just a matter of getting used to the equipment.

I have used it in a singe tank application just fine. In fact, that is it's primary design.

Just like all back inflated BCs, when on the surface and the bladder is mostly full, the Ranger does push you forward some. But this is the cost of not being squeezed by a vest style when you are diving.

All that said, I like the Ranger a lot. I reccomend it to anyone looking for a back inflated BC. Rugged construction. One and two tank option. Extra lift. SS D-rings. Lots of Pockets. Trim Pockets. Integrated Weight system. Great Manufacturer that stands behind it's product.

My only complaint is that it is a little bit bulky when traveling. But manageable.

I reccomend getting it from www.scubatoys.com. They will give you a SB discount and it will come with the manufacturer's warranty.

 

[herman]

Welcome to the board.
I dove a Ranger for a number of years and now dive a Scout. I never had any problems with air trapping. I seems to be a problem more related to a misunderstanding of how to vent the BC rather than a BC problem. Any back inflate BC will tend to plant you forward if you inflate the BC a lot at the surface. Many people who trained in a jacket style BC will fill the bladder like they did with the jacket style in an attempt to get their head higher out of the water. This does not work well with any back inflate BC. Trim weights in the rear also help.

 

[Otter]

While I dive with a BP/W now, I have hundreds of dives on my Ranger and for a BCD, its probably my favorite.

 

[dl348]

I also have a Ranger and have not had any problems with it trapping air. I think you just have to get used to using the correct dump valve depending on your position.

 

[jpcpat]

100+ dives on my Ranger and never noticed trapped air. Can't say about the straps. It's primarily made for singles, and that's what I usually have.

Surface floatation is great, partly because of how well it fits. I've never noticed any tendency to be pushed face down. I prefer to swim on my back, though.

Excellent BC, rugged, adjustable, and the best support in the business. Only downside is that they are a bit bulky to pack. I ship mine in a duffel, and pack my gear around it. it all fits.

 

[jdelprete]

On another note.... Since everyone in here seems to be familiar with the Ranger has anyone use doubles on it yet? The BC says it will handle doubles if you get the bands that hold the mesh against the tank bands. OK, I understand and get this. However, having not done it yet and knowing that many doubles use backplate systems I wonder how well the BC will carry the weight of lets says two steel 108's. Anyone have any experience with this?

Jim