Ranger Vs BPW

[mathematical]

I started single tank diving with Aqualung and Zeagle Ranger Bcd's seventeen years ago before switching to BP/W for both interchangeable/modularized single and doubles/tech diving.

I've come full circle now: should've kept the Zeagle Ranger with integrated weights for dedicated single tank recreational diving. Quicker, easier & more convenient to set-up and tank is more snug; better trim & stability at depth than a BP/W with a weighted single-tank-adapter. . .

(I now use a Halcyon Traveler Pro BCD for single cylinder diving, and the BP/W only for doubles).

Is the Halcyon cinch system still difficult to get snug?

 

[Kevrumbo]

Is the Halcyon cinch system still difficult to get snug?

Can be initially . . .has to be "finessed" (i.e. finding the right angle to pull) at times to make it slide. . .

 

[mathematical]

While I prefer the bpw, my wife and kids are in your camp and prefer a traditional BC because they find it quicker and more convenient to set up. That being said, they dive bpw anyway because it travels much better.
Personally, if I were to dive a BC the Ranger would be very low on the list. The thing is huge. Who needs all that lift for single tank diving? I'd go with something like your Halcyon Traveler or the competing Dive Rite model.

Would the choice between a BPW or Zeagle change if I plan to get a 40 cu ft pony tank?

 

[Hawkwood]

The Ranger has plenty of attachment points suitable for slinging a 40 ft3 tank.

 

[redacted]

With no tech diving interests, why would you be thinking about a 40 cu ft pony???

 

[StefinSB]

I just purchased a Zeagle Ranger, but I have having some doubts that I may want a BPW. What would be the main benefits of a BPW? I do not ever plan to go into tech diving.

Get a DSS backplate wing. I was misguided and had a Zeagle Stiletto for a few dives before I switched and never regret it. Not sure why Kevrumbo says tanks are more stable in a jacket. This is the complete opposite of what I experienced. You can also still use some weight on the waist band of the BP even so that might not be the smartest idea when diving in Cali where you typically have quite some lead on you. Where in Cali are you? Maybe there is somebody close by that can show you one.

 

[doctormike]

With no tech diving interests, why would you be thinking about a 40 cu ft pony???

What does a pony bottle have to do with tech diving?

 

[redacted]

What does a pony bottle have to do with tech diving?

A 40 is excessive as a recreational pony but it can serve double duty in tech diving.

 

[doctormike]

A 40 is excessive as a recreational pony but it can serve double duty in tech diving.

I don't understand. A pony bottle is for redundancy, not for extending the gas supply (stage bottle) or for accelerated decompression (deco bottle).

Why is a 40 excessive? Is there a problem with too much gas? A 40 pretty much disappears when slung (in my experience), and it's a much better cushion than a smaller bottle in case of need. There are so many threads here where people are arguing about the absolute minimum redundancy you would need in case of catastrophic gas loss, I never understood that. Why not just take enough so that you have one less thing to worry about.

 

[redacted]

Hell, an 80 disappears when I sling it. Most recreational divers would be adequately served by a 13 or a 19 pony and they could even fly to dive locations if wanted.