Anyone rig a Zeagle Ranger for doubles yet?

[Barry Inkpen]

I've used the Ranger with the longer straps for doubles with no problem. I'm not sure I'd want to hike across the country and see if they stay on the pack, but they have been very secure onrocking boats and in the ogin.

 

[jdelprete]

Barry is yours the newer one though? Mine is from 1997 and does not have the holes through it for the plates.

 

[crpntr133]

I just bought a "Ranger" (12 years old so it wasn't called Ranger). The guy that I bought it off of dove doubles and used the system that Scott posted about. He also dove it with a plate and jacket combo using the same system. He said that if it was fitted right he didn't know the difference.
I am sure that Scott will answer the grommet question but my money says that they can add them for a few $$. If you feel like a DIY buy either SS or brass grommets and DIY. I am sure that someone would give you the measurements that you need.

 

[mthirsc]

one last question, in moving to a harness any recommendations as to bladder size? i want enough lift with doubles but still remain streamline enough that I dont have much drag.

Jim

Not sure of your specific bouyancy requirements, it all depends on your equipment and exposure protection, but If 44lb turns out to be enough, why not try out the Ranger wing? It's not too hard to mount it to a BP, especially if it's a Zeagle, but it can work on others too with a little creativity. Than again, if cost is not an issue a new wing would be better. I use a 50lb with double AL-C80's and it is a bit too much but should work with steel too. I have also used a 40lb wing and it was plenty for my configuration.

 

[jdelprete]

Not sure of your specific bouyancy requirements, it all depends on your equipment and exposure protection, but If 44lb turns out to be enough, why not try out the Ranger wing? It's not too hard to mount it to a BP, especially if it's a Zeagle, but it can work on others too with a little creativity. Than again, if cost is not an issue a new wing would be better. I use a 50lb with double AL-C80's and it is a bit too much but should work with steel too. I have also used a 40lb wing and it was plenty for my configuration.

you referring to the 55 pound lift manta wing?

 

[Chad Carney]

I have had my Zeagle Ranger since 1997 and 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.

But has anyone done it in here?

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

Jim,

I have used my Ranger bolted to the mounting plates, rigged like Scott showed, many times with my twin HP100s. Even once with an additional 71.2 steel deco tank mounted as a triple. http://www.mobilescuba.com/e- r2d2 tech rig.jpg (I had no other stage bottle left and had to retrieve the fish in the second pic.) http://www.mobilescuba.com/e-cc uw carbo, blow nose 2.jpg
The 44 lbs bladder has always been fine for me.

The BC handles the weight with no issues. No slipping or sliding either, when properly fitted. One of the biggest reasons for slippage is that most rigs have no grip material between the nylon or metal BC pack and your nylon wetsuit. This does not happen with rubber-out wetsuits, or a grip pad can easily fix the situation on lined suits.

I used the Zeagle double strap system once a long time ago on an old Ranger, and found that it would move side to side about 3" if not secured by weight stops on the straps at the pack's sides.

(I used a compact 27 lbs bladder once on a test dive, but would not suggest it. I had to keep a high lung volume to keep buoyancy when the tanks were full. http://www.mobilescuba.com/CChogDbls-e.jpg )

You could try your Ranger with doubles very inexpensively and then if you find that you are diving twins a lot and want to add a back plate, that would be easy as well. Or switch the bladder to a BP with a harness.

Many divers find diving doubles is more than they like to deal with, as far as weight, cost, etc. I'd suggest gradual gear purchases until you are sure.

Chad

 

[jdelprete]

Jim,

I have used my Ranger bolted to the mounting plates, rigged like Scott showed, many times with my twin HP100s. Even once with an additional 71.2 steel deco tank mounted as a triple. http://www.mobilescuba.com/e- r2d2 tech rig.jpg (I had no other stage bottle left and had to retrieve the fish in the second pic.) http://www.mobilescuba.com/e-cc uw carbo, blow nose 2.jpg
The 44 lbs bladder has always been fine for me.

The BC handles the weight with no issues. No slipping or sliding either, when properly fitted. One of the biggest reasons for slippage is that most rigs have no grip material between the nylon or metal BC pack and your nylon wetsuit. This does not happen with rubber-out wetsuits, or a grip pad can easily fix the situation on lined suits.

I used the Zeagle double strap system once a long time ago on an old Ranger, and found that it would move side to side about 3" if not secured by weight stops on the straps at the pack's sides.

(I used a compact 27 lbs bladder once on a test dive, but would not suggest it. I had to keep a high lung volume to keep buoyancy when the tanks were full. http://www.mobilescuba.com/CChogDbls-e.jpg )

You could try your Ranger with doubles very inexpensively and then if you find that you are diving twins a lot and want to add a back plate, that would be easy as well. Or switch the bladder to a BP with a harness.

Many divers find diving doubles is more than they like to deal with, as far as weight, cost, etc. I'd suggest gradual gear purchases until you are sure.

Chad

Chad, many thanks for the feedback and photos. Pics always help and your insight like everyone else is very much appreciated!!

Jim