Ayisha
Contributor
Yup, definitely echo getting a bp and wing, but I see I'm too late. Ok then, I recommend returning it, especially the 60 lb lift monstrosity that will unnecessarily challenge your buoyancy.
Zeagle ranger BCD ???? I am a big guy...
- Thread starter calabash digger
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Yup, definitely echo getting a bp and wing, but I see I'm too late. Ok then, I recommend returning it, especially the 60 lb lift monstrosity that will unnecessarily challenge your buoyancy.
HOG doesnt currently make a 60lb wing?
I am 5' 10' and 290#. I have an Aqua Lung Dimension. It is back inflate so it "lives" between a jacket and a BP/W. I love it since I don't get that squeeze but I still have 2 pockets and ditchable weights. The more traditional straps are liked also. The back inflate only helps to offset the extra buoyancy I carry around my middle.
Addicted2H2O
Contributor
Late to the party, as usual, but I'll throw in my $.02 anyway seeing as how I currently dive a Zeagle Brigade, which is a Ranger with a 34 lb Escape bladder. It's my first BC and so far it's been great! I've learned how to dive it, where to place weights, how to get in good trim, how to get in and out of it....don't know that there's really a whole lot more I could learn about it. I'm also about your size...same height, but about 50 lbs lighter. I don't remember off the top of my head what the sizes of each individual piece of my BC is, but I could look and tell you. Certainly happy to do that if you want. But I'll say two things:
1. If you like the Ranger better, don't settle for something "lesser". And I'm not at all saying Hog is a lesser product...I dive a D3 1st stage with a Classic 2.0 2nd (when I'm not diving my ffm) and will absolutely buy another when I finally get off my ass and go sidemount/doubles. What I'm saying is if you have your heart set on the Zeagle, don't settle for something else that you don't feel would be as good just to have something. It's worth the wait.
2. As a Zeagle diver, I can tell you honestly I'm in the market for a BP/W and have been for some time. Not because I don't love my Zeagle because I absolutely do and may consider one for my son as his first BC if I don't put him in a BP/W first. I just want something I can use for multiple types of diving. If I want to run single tank, backmount doubles, sidemount...whatever I want to dive, having one rig that can do all of those things would be preferable. That's why I want to move over to a BP/W. So just food for thought.
If you're not absolutely sold on that Hog (and wow 60 lb wing?) I'd consider returning it and getting what you really want. I hate waiting for things as much as anyone but if it's something I'm dead set on....it's worth it because I know I won't be happy if I get something else just to have something.
1. If you like the Ranger better, don't settle for something "lesser". And I'm not at all saying Hog is a lesser product...I dive a D3 1st stage with a Classic 2.0 2nd (when I'm not diving my ffm) and will absolutely buy another when I finally get off my ass and go sidemount/doubles. What I'm saying is if you have your heart set on the Zeagle, don't settle for something else that you don't feel would be as good just to have something. It's worth the wait.
2. As a Zeagle diver, I can tell you honestly I'm in the market for a BP/W and have been for some time. Not because I don't love my Zeagle because I absolutely do and may consider one for my son as his first BC if I don't put him in a BP/W first. I just want something I can use for multiple types of diving. If I want to run single tank, backmount doubles, sidemount...whatever I want to dive, having one rig that can do all of those things would be preferable. That's why I want to move over to a BP/W. So just food for thought.
If you're not absolutely sold on that Hog (and wow 60 lb wing?) I'd consider returning it and getting what you really want. I hate waiting for things as much as anyone but if it's something I'm dead set on....it's worth it because I know I won't be happy if I get something else just to have something.
CraigMcD
New
I dive the Zeagle Brigade (basically the Ranger harness with the Stiletto wing). Zero complaints about form, fit or function.
As others have noted, the Zeagle BC's are pretty adjustable for fit. Maybe not as customizable as a backplate/wing, but it it fits you and you like it, who cares about the difference?
As others have noted, the Zeagle BC's are pretty adjustable for fit. Maybe not as customizable as a backplate/wing, but it it fits you and you like it, who cares about the difference?
What do you mean too much? I have a Stiletto, which I quite enjoy. But have been toying with the idea of getting a BP/W. What advantages have you gotten with the BP/W?
OP
calabash digger
Contributor
Yes Hog makes a 60 lb wing ….I dove my new BC with a 117 and a 133 on the second dive. 20 ft was max depth that day and it performed flawless for what I do. The only gripe was the Sherwood power inflator / regulator which wanted to free flow. It is being returned and replaced with a Tusa duo air 2. I should have noted that my max dive depth is around 35 ft and 90 percent of the time I am in 25 ft or less. I am not comfortable going deeper than that in 2 ft viz type wate .
OP
calabash digger
Contributor
The BC seems like a real high quality product. I will report back after I get some tanks on it.....
Looks like their 58 lbs doubles wing. Why are you using a doubles wing for single tank diving?
Jackie Treehorn
Contributor
I liked mine too. The original reason I swapped was to do doubles, but for rec diving... it was the ability to better streamline my kit.
I do mostly tropical diving. So I opted for the Apeks SS plate, STA, an 18 pound wing, and two tank bands. This means that I dive without extra lead.... no weight belt and no pockets. Yes, it makes it a heavier travel load, but I don't really mind.
The D rings are in the perfect spots because you can just put them where you want them. I clip my backup brass/glass pressure gauge to my left hip and my 1000 lumen torch is clipped to a chest D-ring and strapped along the webbing... 100% dangle free and still have room to sling an extra cylinder.
Also my safety sausage and reel gets clipped onto my D ring on my backside.... completely out of the way and easy to get to when needed.
Pockets really aren't needed unless I'm tech diving. Then i'm in a dry suit or strapping on some tech shorts with pockets for masks, slates, yadda.
Lastly, I loaned my Stiletto to a friend this weekend who newly certifieid and went diving with him. I was able to notice the bladder making him more face down in the water when at surface. Also the fact that it itsn't a full donut made exhausting gas a bit trickier.
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