Zeagle Stiletto and Ranger

[Vlane]

Ok, I've been doing my homework and finally decided on a Zeagle Stiletto, however, i have hit a fork in the road. I have found a website offering a Zeagle Ranger for the price of a Stiletto and I'm stuck.

I know the Ranger is kinda a Stiletto bulked up so I'm not quite sure i need that. Right now i'm just getting into diving and I really only have easy access to lake diving so a Ranger isn't necessary. The only reason i would get a ranger is to have something to grow into, but in the meantime it's just extra weight. I would really love to get into diving enough to justify having a Ranger but i don't know how long it will till that time comes. So what do you guys think, take the deal or stick with the Stiletto?

By the way, i'm currently leaning more towards the Stiletto if that makes a difference.

 

[diversteve]

I own a Ranger and briefly owned a Stiletto - it was missing parts so sent back - so although I never dove it, here are my observations:

Both are well-built.

I was able to test pack the Stiletto into an airline approved carry-on, that will never happen with my Ranger. Which is why I initially bought the Stiletto.

The difference in weight is exactly one lb.

The Stiletto has 35' lift, the Ranger 44'. Is the lake you're diving cold? With a 7mil wetsuit and the weight required to compensate for that, you might need more lift than the Stiletto provides. I'm not sure though as I only dive warm so possibly call Scubatoys and ask them.

I'm pretty certain the Stiletto bladder is sewn on also, the Ranger's can be changed as needed.

Ever going to dive doubles? The Ranger can with an optional mounting kit.

To further confuse things: Another option might be the Brigade sold by Scubatoys, it's a Ranger with a Escape Bladder.

ScottZeagle here on SB is their manufacturer's rep. if you have any questions. And they have their own manufacturer's forum here also.

my .02

 

[Nick_R]

You may be able to still find Ranger LTD's for closeout prices, they come with the lumber pad and rear trim weight pouches standard, which is a better deal. Since it looks like your just gonna be doing cold water freshwater diving you might be best served with the Ranger LTD. But, choice is yours get what fits you best and you feel more comfotable in.

 

[Vlane]

I plan on doing lake dives as well as ocean dives whenever possible. I'm not sure if i'll get into cold water diving anytime soon because of the cost of dry suits. I only weigh around 120 lbs so do you think a a 35' lift bladder would work alright?

Thanks for the link to the Brigade though steve, really looking at it now!

 

[Carlos Danger]

I would always look to optimize equipment chioces based on what best supports the type of diving you plan on doing; nothing more/nothing less. If you're traveling, or otherwise doing warm water recreational diving, the Stiletto is a perfect choice. The Ranger is a bulker heavy-duty rig, better suited to more demanding conditions that may require higher lift, and/or more robust construction.

Both are good products, and Zeagle does a great job of supporting their customers; you picked a good manufacturer. Excellent in-water performance aside, one other nice aspect of Zeagle's BC line is that they're all modular. So, you could mix parts to suit one need today, and reconfigure it for a different application tomorrow. This also makes for easy repairs.

While cost/value may always be valid consideration, performance in the intended environment should always be a focus that drives your examination everything scuba.

Hope this helps.

 

[diversteve]

I only weigh around 120 lbs so do you think a a 35' lift bladder would work alright?

I'm not good at that stuff so suggest you call Scubatoys or ask ScottZeagle.

 

[Vlane]

Thanks for the info guys, very helpful.

 

[LowVizWiz]

I only weigh around 120 lbs so do you think a a 35' lift bladder would work alright?

The lift of the BC is for your ballast not your weight, if you're not diving with a dry suit and or a bunch of weight 30# of lift is more than enough!

Do you know how much weight are you using or will be using?

For warm water diving both BCs you mention are more than adequate although the wings on both, specially the Ranger are rather large for single tank warm water diving. The ranger with a smaller wing is a good idea. The Stiletto is less bulky and already has a smaller wing. Both will serve you well, I prefer the Stiletto, but dove a Ranger until recently because I got a great deal on it. Now it's looking for a new loving home