Posted: 4/27/2004 12:43:52 PM EDT
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I'm looking into getting a Zeagle Ranger LTD. I have read nothing but good things about it from several sources. The back inflation design looks to be more along the lines of what I want. I had an Oceanic Probe and it just never seemed to be my cup of tea. The Ranger even comes with a lifetime warranty (Zeagle is pretty much the only manufacturer on the market that offers a lifetime warranty). Any of you divers have gripes about a back inflation BC or used a Ranger BC before? I have read that sometimes it will cause you to rock forward while on the surface. The Ranger is supposedly designed so the bladder is centered so that you have good balance while underwater or while on the surface. I know a lot of divers have problems with a weight-integrated BC. I find these problems to be founded mostly in the older BC's with crappy weight systems. The new weight systems are excellently designed.  Detailed Info here |
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I've dove repeatedly with a rental Ranger, and have a similar BCD, the Aqualung Malibu, now. Back inflation doesn't give you the 'squeeze' feeling of vest inflation, and intagrated weights rock. I expect you'd be quite happy with it. It takes a little time to get used to doing the back float thing on the surgace, but it's quite comfortable after you get used to it. I also replaced my octo with a back up second stage tied into the low pressure inflater hose, and went with a hoseless computer. Losing two hoses really streamlines the profile, and makes everything easier. If you haven't done the intagrated weight thing before, be sure to practice ditching the weights. |
Travis
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The Probe that I had has integrated weights. I like the idea of the one-handed ditching system that the Ranger LTD has. The ripcord system uses the same system that is used for parachutes. You snatch the cord on one side and the right and left weights drop simultaneously. I have considered going to an alternate air source that is tied in with the power inflator for the same reasons you stated... one less hose and more streamlined. I was wondering, however, how it would work out if you had to hand off your secondary to a buddy and it was attached to your power inflator. In that situation, you would have your hand in your buddy's face while adjusting the air in your BC. Unless of course, you just pull it out of their mouth every time you need to inflate/deflate... A question for those who have dove with the Ranger: Does the Ranger have dump valves? I have read everything I can find and nothing mentions dump valves on the bladder. Do you have to release air via the power inflator? I really liked just using the dump valves on my Probe. It's no biggie, I was just wondering. |
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Back inflators generally are pretty cool, as mentioned above, I like the no-squeeze effect. It is possible to have a forward rocking for some people, but this is easily corrected with simple ankle weights. I love integrated BC's, they rock!!! I like it much better than weight belts, since you have less equipment to deal with when prepping. As for the integrated inflator/regulator, in an emergency you do not give your inflator/alternate to your buddy. Instead, you give your primary regulator to your buddy and use the secondary for yourself. I have this system, and have already had to do this once. I dove the Blue Hole in Belize, and let my buddy, whom I had met that day, know about my different reg setup. I have found that it is easier in some ways, because instead of having take the few seconds required to look at someone to find the secondary reg in state of panic, I just took the reg out of my mouth and gave it to him. Since I was not panicked, I could grab my inflator since I knew right where it was. In my belief, it helps control panic and confusion, especially at 130 feet! 
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Ah yes, stupid me, I didn't think of that. I guess I just don't want to give up my high dollar primary to someone else  .
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