Only £399.00
RRP £495.00
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The Zeagle Ranger was the first BC to combine high quality heavy duty construction, weight integration, and rear flotation. It's introduction created a new category of buoyancy systems, and it is without doubt the most imitated BC in history! But it's the Ranger's incredible versatility that keeps knowledgeable divers recommending it year after year. Zeagle's modular construction allows the Ranger to transition between tropical travel diving, rugged cold water diving in wet or dry suits, single or twin cylinders, and even (with optional bladder assemblies having up to 2 X 85-LB lift and easily mounted backplates) technical diving!
No other BC has such a loyal following and such a solid reputation for functionality, comfort, and durability. The Ranger has all the features of the legendary Ranger BC, PLUS many innovative additions that make it even more functional and versatile!
If you are a diver who wants a rugged recreational buoyancy system, but also want one that can adapt and change to meet different diving needs, the Ranger is a system you won't outgrow.
Standard Ranger Features:
44-LB lift capacity Ballistic bladder (standard, other capacities available as options)
30-lb capacity Ripcord® weight system
20-LB capacity rear trim weight system
PFS Modular Sizing
Heavily reinforced 1050 denier Ballistic nylon construction
11" grommets for mounting twin cylinders
Two Zippered utility pockets at sides
Adjustable elastic waist panels
4 Stainless angled D-rings on shoulders (two adjustable)
2 Stainless D-rings on vest
Adjustable Sternum Strap
Single or twin tank capability.
Options:
Member reviews from
DIVEmagazine.
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| Author: |
Mish |
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| Strengths: |
Big pockets, plenty of well positioned D-rings, high level of adaptability and customisability, it's totally modular so in the unlikely event that a part becomes damaged it's a doddle to replace. This also makes it very easy to maintain and gives it a great fit since if, like me, you're not a 'standard' body shape you can assemble parts to make it fit properly (mine has the shoulder straps from a large and the cummerbund of a medium). It has a lot of accessories available, a great one handed integrated weight release mechanism, a nice, big, virtually impenetrable duble layer wing that provides plenty of bouyancy for single or twin tanks but can also be upgraded (with larger bladders and backplates) for tech diving. The wing positioning, lower slung design and saddle straps keep you floating chest deep on the surface instead of neck deep like other BCDs. It also has extra pockets on the back for trim weights or other storage (I keep my pocket mask and SMB in mine). Being a wing design you can fully inflate the bladder without feeling any squeeze whatsoever. |
| Weaknesses: |
Like any rear floatation BCD when fully inflated it'll tend to try to push you face first into the water when on the surface; the saddle straps can cause some serious wedgies when worn without a wetsuit; some of the grommets holding parts together can become loose through use so require thorough checking and sometimes tightening before each dive; and re-threading the weight release ripcord takes some practice. |
| Overall: |
As i said above, a great BCD. Its not perfect, but then what BCD is? And the ranger is about the closest to it that i've managed to find. At least four in six of the instructors that i have met here use a ranger, one of whom claims to have had his for nearly 20 years. It's a BCD that will grow with you from beginning scuba diving, to twin tanks, to tech requiring little modification for each transition. According to their site you can now even place orders for custom designed ones, with each panel a different colour if you wish (if only i'd been able to do this when i bought mine a year and 50 trouble free dives ago). While the customer service at their chosen retailer here leaves something to be desired, that can't really be blamed on the company themselves and i am yet to meet ranger owner (and there a lot of them here in Saudi) who is dissatisfied with their BCD. I personally opted for the extra lumbar support pad that is available. There's nothing wrong with what's already there, i just wanted a little extra. |
| Breakdown |
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Overall Rating |
| Performance |
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80% |
| Quality |
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100% |
| Value |
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80% |
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