Zeagle stuff for BP/W and GUE

[stargost]

I've seen that many people are using DSS, Hollis, or dive Rite for BP/W, but i read little about Zeagle.
They do offer a harness and plates though, and I was wondering whether it would be an acceptable approach (for example to getting into GUE-F class) to use my ranger 44lb wing and get the zeagle plate and harness for a BP/W set up.

Idea of course is to save money and avoid a complete new rig, as i still like diving with the ranger.
If fact, to go even down in cost, i could get an even cheaper used diverite plate and basic harness if it can be compatible with the zeagle ranger wing ?

Any one has any further recommendation ?

Thanks !

 

[Jimmer]

I am pretty certain the Ranger wing can only be used on a Zeagle BP. As for it's GUE acceptance, talk to a GUE instructor. I use one of the Zeagle Manta Wing's on a Dive Rite plate, and have been very happy with it.

Jim

 

[Rainer]

Are you diving singles or doubles? The Ranger wing is really (too) large for singles.

My best gear decision was made the day I traded in my Zeagle Ranger for a DSS singles rig. The latter fits much, much better (among many other benefits).

You could probably sell your Ranger for about the cost of a new DSS set up.

 

[stargost]

I'm diving single. But in cold water, and with lots of layers, and weights. I know the ranger wing is large, but i like the overall comfort of the ranger with pads, pockets, B&W...

Now, don't tempt me too much about switching to a DSS ;-)

Are you diving singles or doubles? The Ranger wing is really (too) large for singles.

My best gear decision was made the day I traded in my Zeagle Ranger for a DSS singles rig. The latter fits much, much better (among many other benefits).

You could probably sell your Ranger for about the cost of a new DSS set up.

 

[Rainer]

SoCal water isn't cold. It's temperate. Or at least, it's a whole heck of a lot warmer than what I was used to in MA.

I found the DSS rig (w/ hog harness) to be immensely more comfortable than the Ranger. A much better fit (infinitely adjustable), more secure, much more streamlined, cleaner chest area, better cylinder stability, allowed for better weight distribution (over lungs), requires substantially less weight to sink, and better wing venting with an appropriately sized wing compared to the Ranger.

DSS is local to you. You really should consider stopping by Tobin's place.

You really could flip that Ranger for close to the cost of a new DSS rig. In any case, I know *I'm* glad I made that switch.

I'm diving single. But in cold water, and with lots of layers, and weights. I know the ranger wing is large, but i like the overall comfort of the ranger with pads, pockets, B&W...

Now, don't tempt me too much about switching to a DSS ;-)

 

[fnfalman]

I'm diving single. But in cold water, and with lots of layers, and weights. I know the ranger wing is large, but i like the overall comfort of the ranger with pads, pockets, B&W...

Now, don't tempt me too much about switching to a DSS ;-)

You should go dive with one of us SoCal Scubaboard people and we can help you do a weight check. Yes, we do layer up here in SoCal, but generally speaking SoCal divers carry too much weight (like most other divers in the world) anyway.

When I started out I carried 26-lbs of lead. Two years later, same equipment, same everything, I am down to 10-lbs of lead.

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

I did as Rainer suggested (flipped my Ranger and an older poodle jacket for a BP/W). It was a good move for me. A lot of it is based on you comfort with integrated weights on the Ranger (which require the larger wing) vs harness or belt on a BP (which allow a much smaller wing).

(Removed incorrect statement)

 

[Gombessa]

Regardless, I believe they relax the gear requirements in DIRF to long hose and no-splits. Check with you instructor.

Hi GOG,

You may be thinking of UTD's Essentials class. GUE-F requires a backplate/wing setup. The equipment requirements are listed on their site:
GUE Fundamentals | Global Underwater Explorers

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

Hi GOG,

You may be thinking of UTD's Essentials class. GUE-F requires a backplate/wing setup. The equipment requirements are listed on their site:
GUE Fundamentals | Global Underwater Explorers

I stand corrected, maybe GOG drank to much Grog. Thanks

 

[Scared Silly]

When I first started diving doubles I used my Ranger wing on a Zeagle backplate. It worked fine for AL80 and similar sized cylinder like the LP85. The wing is really too big for singles.

Using the Ranger wing on the backplate works but IMHO it is a bit of a PITA as removing the wing for the plate is not quick. You use 8 bolts so in reality it is semi-permanent.

To start off with and if acceptable to the instructor you could go that route as later on once you have the wings you want they can be use with the zeagle backplate. Backplates are pretty universal so almost any wing can be used with them. That said some like the DDS have a features that make using their wings on them nicer.