Is this a good buy?

[Sharpe]

I was just offered:

a Zeagle Ranger, it's older and used but holds air and the inflator works - $70.00

an Oceanic OMEGA II, with OMEGA octopus and SPG with Depth Guage. It's the one with the diaphragm first stage - works by looks like it could use a service. Also a Sherwood octo that's extra and two new spare inflator intermediate pressure hose. - $100.00

I need both, are these good buys?

[driftwood]

If the zippers and plastic clips are in good shape on the Ranger, it is an excellent buy. Everything else is easy to repair or replace. On Ebay, a good solid deal is around $200. I have seen them go for less than $70, but very rarely. Just make sure that it is a 'Ranger', a lot of folks sell Zeagle BC's thinking that they are all Rangers. Nothing dishonest, just a lot of people don't know the difference. Look for stainless steel D rings, two bottom dump valves and a pull dump valve on the inflater hose.

Edit, if you can also get the LP hose for the inflater, grab it as well. A lot of times those are sold with the reg when they should be sold with the BC. And make sure that the rip cord for the weight pockets is working.

[herman]

If it's a Ranger it will say so on the shoulder strap, in any case if it's a Zeagle and in good shape Ranger or not, it's a good deal. If you do test the rip cord (I see no need) it can be confusing to restring the first time, go to the Zeagle web site and review the instructions first. It's a good idea to restring it a few times anyway, not that you will likely need to pull it but you never know what some Bozo will do on a boat.

Don't know much about that reg but if there is a local shop who services Oceanic and considering the items that come with it, not a bad price.

[Jim Lapenta]

Definitely get the reg serviced. The Omega is an excellent reg. It can be a little touchy to adjust but any good Oceanic tech can do it.