Zeagle Ranger

[Sharky1948]

Scott,
Yes, I realize that. The guy was way overweighted and could only surface for about 2-3 seconds...enough to yell out "AIR OFF!" He had no opportunity to orally inflate. Not trying to be inflammatory here....just pointing out that in some anxious situations (in this case a simulated emergency, air turned off, rushing to save the "victim") accidents can happen. Fortunately a surface swimmer was able to swim down, turn on his air, and inflate the BCD.
Mike

 

[ScottZeagle]

Mike,

I am not in the least bit "inflamed"!!

Like I said before, thanks for you input! Good or bad, it all helps us make a better product, and we appreciate it.

Now - to the issue of removing the waist panels....

The main problem I see with removing the panels and making somethig as simple as a clip that attaches to the open grommet is that all of the stress is going to fall on that single point - the entire weight of the tank and everything. I am not at all comfortable selling something like that...it is a HUGE failure point.

The best thing I could suggest, for the very few people who want to try something like this, is to take the BC into your local dealer and have them send in the BC to us. We will have remove the waist panels and sew a new "shoulder to waist" strap to the vest section of the BC. If you decide to put the waist panels back on later, you would simply have to cut the strap right above the stiching, or tuck it away someplace. You are probably looking at around the $50 range to do this little trick.

Thanks,

Scott

 

[mach2plus]

Mike,

I am not in the least bit "inflamed"!!

Like I said before, thanks for you input! Good or bad, it all helps us make a better product, and we appreciate it.

Now - to the issue of removing the waist panels....

The main problem I see with removing the panels and making somethig as simple as a clip that attaches to the open grommet is that all of the stress is going to fall on that single point - the entire weight of the tank and everything. I am not at all comfortable selling something like that...it is a HUGE failure point.

The best thing I could suggest, for the very few people who want to try something like this, is to take the BC into your local dealer and have them send in the BC to us. We will have remove the waist panels and sew a new "shoulder to waist" strap to the vest section of the BC. If you decide to put the waist panels back on later, you would simply have to cut the strap right above the stiching, or tuck it away someplace. You are probably looking at around the $50 range to do this little trick.

Thanks,

Scott

Hi Scott. Haven't heard back from Veronica yet or received a reply to my email so I'll continue to work with the boss! I don't no where the word clip or single point ever entered into this dialogue, but I wouldn't put my trust in such a system either...

Each Ranger side panel (cummerbund), out of the box, is attached to the BC with three plastic barrel-screws. What I was proposing was to remove the side panels, which happen to have the lower shoulder straps sewn into them, and replace them with the very same lower shoulder strap material. Each lower shoulder strap would have a minimum of two grommets for connection to the BC, and preferably three (no single point of failure or clip).

You might be surprised at how many very few people might be interested in eliminating the cummerbund from their Ranger for a more streamlined system. Mach

 

[plwtwo]

I'd like to hear how you think a cummerbund restricts streamlining? ( Especially since you have a tank strapped to you! )

 

[ScottZeagle]

Hi Scott. Haven't heard back from Veronica yet or received a reply to my email so I'll continue to work with the boss! I don't no where the word clip or single point ever entered into this dialogue, but I wouldn't put my trust in such a system either...

Each Ranger side panel (cummerbund), out of the box, is attached to the BC with three plastic barrel-screws. What I was proposing was to remove the side panels, which happen to have the lower shoulder straps sewn into them, and replace them with the very same lower shoulder strap material. Each lower shoulder strap would have a minimum of two grommets for connection to the BC, and preferably three (no single point of failure or clip).

You might be surprised at how many very few people might be interested in eliminating the cummerbund from their Ranger for a more streamlined system. Mach

I told Veronica that I had this under controll, and that she didn't need to return your call...I hope that is ok. I have not seen nor heard about the email...

If I am understanding you correctly, you basically want the part of the waist panel that attaches with grommets, but no velcro that goes across your body....right?

We can do that, I suppose...the cost would be around $75.

We have been making the Ranger BC for quite some time now, and this is the first request I can recall for anything similar to what you want, so I am not expecting to put my kids through college by coming up with this contraption...

Scott

PS. plwtwo - I'm with you...but why bother trying to argue. Scuba divers are a different breed than most people!! :lol:

 

[shark.byte.usa]

...You might be surprised at how many very few people might be interested in eliminating the cummerbund from their Ranger for a more streamlined system.

More streamlined? Now I agree you can be more streamlined with different setups, but eliminating the cumberbund on the ranger would have a negligible effect in the grand scheme of things IMHO. If streamlining is your concern why not a bp/w (the zeagle's look nice and streamlined) or the Zeagle tech as pointed out before [no cumberbund]; why try to reinvent the wheel

 

[mach2plus]

I told Veronica that I had this under controll, and that she didn't need to return your call...I hope that is ok. I have not seen nor heard about the email...

If I am understanding you correctly, you basically want the part of the waist panel that attaches with grommets, but no velcro that goes across your body....right?

We can do that, I suppose...the cost would be around $75.

We have been making the Ranger BC for quite some time now, and this is the first request I can recall for anything similar to what you want, so I am not expecting to put my kids through college by coming up with this contraption...

Scott

PS. plwtwo - I'm with you...but why bother trying to argue. Scuba divers are a different breed than most people!! :lol:[/QUO

I didn't realize that my request for simple information was degenerating into something argumentative or adversarial, so I'll stop here. It would have obviously been much easier to discuss this matter over the phone with one of your customer service representatives. If you would like a copy of the email, I would be glad to forward it to you.

 

[ScottZeagle]

Mach -

I have been lighthearted about the entire issue. Sorry if it came across wrong to you. If you want to call me tomorrow to discuss it, the number is 813-782-5568 and my direct extension is 14.

I will be there most of the day, but it is probably best to call between 9:30 and noon EST.

Scott

 

[shark.byte.usa]

I don't think we're being degenerates, just pointing out that removing the cumberbund will make you more "streamlined" is a preposterous statement. You have the large integrated weight pouches and pockets on the side which create far more drag than a properly fitting cumberbund ever would.

I went back, and didn't realize you already owned a Ranger, I based my reply on a new purchase, so if you have the $$ and time to be without your BC and that's what you want; do whatever floats your boat, who are we to judge. But my point was; Zeagle already offers products for divers who want a more streamlined BCD, and I don't think they're going to change their cornerstone product based on your assesment of the cumberbund in which the general consensus here seems to be is false.

Personally the two suggestions [after 55 dives] I have for the Ranger are:

• the trim weight system should be able to be utilized on the top cam band or the bottom cam band; which I believe it is not unless you turn them upside down. I'm about ready to take mine off and put on some XS Scuba pouches on the top cam band for better horizontal positioning, I need my trim higher.
• the pockets are practically useless for me personally, I keep an smb inside one and my car key in the other; shows how often I access these on a dive. I just ordered some of those shorts with pockets that go over the wetsuit, because I became frustrated with not having useful pockets.

Garrett

 

[Flea Dog]

My dealings with Zeagle:

Everything positive, the Range is perfect for me. I like the ability to add and distribute weight and change bladders to different sizes as needed.

During the first season with my Ranger, the zippers on the pockets broke, (pulled the tab off). As usual, I procrastinated until March before sending it back for repair, (did not want to let my baby out of my sight).

I express mailed my Ranger to Zeagle on a Saturday. The following Friday the Ranger was back in my hands with new, (and larger) zippers.

NOW THAT IS CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!!

Flea Dog

(Hey Scott, how about a free 65 pound bladder for this wonderful endorsment.)