Welcome to ScubaBoard, an online scuba diving forum community where you can join over 205,000 divers from around the world discussing all things related to Scuba Diving. To gain full access to ScubaBoard (and make this large box go away) you must register for a free account. As a registered member you will be able to:
Participate in over 500 dive topic forums and browse from over 5,500,000 posts.
Communicate privately with other divers from around the world.
Post your own photos or view from well over 100,000 user submitted images.
Gain access to our free classifieds marketplace to buy, sell and trade gear, travel and services.
Use the calendar to organize your events and enroll in other members' events.
All this and much more is available to you absolutely free when you register for an account, so sign up today!
If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact the ScubaBoard Support Team.
I dive a Ranger and really like it. I do however have two gripes, mine is older and does NOT have the side zip pockets, and it's rather huge for travel.
I'm considering downsizing.
So what are the differences between the Stiletto, and the Brigade. Seems to be the Brigade is the way to to go as It's basiclly my Ranger without a big bladder.
I'm looking for specifics, like bulk (is the stiletto smaller), build durability, construction, features?
I'm also looking at the Stiletto, namely as I travel long distances to my dive sites.
Look for a copy of the March issue 2005 of Scuba Diving magazine for a comparison of the light / travel BCDs, the Stiletto is highly rated. I think it compares more closely to the Escape.
Just a random thought, but since you already own the Ranger why not just buy the Stilleto or Escape bladder and use that with your Ranger harness? Sort of a DIY Brigade.
I think it was his lack of pockets along with the bulky bladder that was talking him into getting something new....
The escape and stilleto are basically the same... with a stilleto being an escape harness with some metal d-rings.. while the brigade has the ranger harness, which is much sturdier material, wider shoulder straps, has the ability to swap bladders to a 35, 45, or bigger if your future brings dual tank diving, also includes the roll down pocket...
So I'd tell you go with the Brigade... but since the Brigade was my idea, you'd probably expect that!
If you are traveling with the BC then you might want to consider the Escape. It's made of a lighter material so it weighs less and packs smaller. I went from a Ranger to a Scout for that very reason. The ligher material is not really a concern, I seriously doubt you could actually wear out any quality BC, Zeagle or anyone else.
[countdown=10/8/2010 12:00 PM;Vortoberfest VI]Count down:[/countdown] VORTOBERFEST VI Long after man is gone and his dams burst, the rivers will, once again, flow freely to the sea.
[countdown=10/8/2010 12:00 PM;Vortoberfest VI]Count down:[/countdown] VORTOBERFEST VI Long after man is gone and his dams burst, the rivers will, once again, flow freely to the sea.
I agree with Stsomewhere, change the bladder. I own a Brigade and love it. Probably more than what I need with D-rings but I think those are like M&M's, just can't have too many.