Zeagle Ranger to Brigade?

[emmagee]

I've got a Zeagle Ranger LTD that I've had for several years, great BC with no complaints. However, since I am generally traveling with this and don't need the lift capacity it offers, I'm thinking the Brigade might be a better option. It is my understanding that these bladders can easily be switched, is this correct? Other than the size of the bladder, are there any other differences between the Ranger LTD and the Brigade?

Thanks!

[ScubaToys Larry]

The brigade harness and ranger harness are identical, except the brigade has the extra roll down pocket. For the LTD, there are a few extra d-rings, and the lumbar pad... that's the only difference.

So you could buy a brigade bladder and just toss it on your BC.

[emmagee]

Thanks for the prompt reply, Larry. I'm sure you guys have the bladders at the shop, how much do they run? I may try to find someone in the opposite position of me and work a trade, but may have the buy on if that doesn't work out.

Thanks again.

[namabiru]

Kind of an aside, but how exactly did you end up packing your Ranger for travel? The only way I've found is, when my BCD is perfectly dry, to keep minimal air in the bladder and then kind of fold the sides in. Well, not literally fold, but allow them to bend in toward the body.

[emmagee]

Originally Posted by namabiru

Kind of an aside, but how exactly did you end up packing your Ranger for travel? The only way I've found is, when my BCD is perfectly dry, to keep minimal air in the bladder and then kind of fold the sides in. Well, not literally fold, but allow them to bend in toward the body.

That's pretty much it. I've never had that much trouble packing it, but it would be nice to save some space if possible.

[namabiru]

So how much smaller is the bladder on the Brigade as compared to the Ranger, anyway?

[DivingsInMyBlood]

looks like a nice BCD.

[namabiru]

(edit won't work, for whatever reason)

Ah, yes, just found my answer in another thread. Brigade = 35 lbs lift, for singles; Ranger = 44 lbs lift, could run doubles.

And I trust it isn't hard to change the bladders... that's a pretty good system. I bet you can get a Brigade bladder for, oh, $150 or so--maybe more?-- and then you have two BCDs. Then when and if you decide to sell, you've got a nice package.

[ScubaToys Larry]

Originally Posted by namabiru

(edit won't work, for whatever reason)

Ah, yes, just found my answer in another thread. Brigade = 35 lbs lift, for singles; Ranger = 44 lbs lift, could run doubles.

And I trust it isn't hard to change the bladders... that's a pretty good system. I bet you can get a Brigade bladder for, oh, $150 or so--maybe more?-- and then you have two BCDs. Then when and if you decide to sell, you've got a nice package.

Closer to 200 after your discounts... but right in there. And yes, it's pretty easy to change. Maybe 10-15 minutes.

[deepdiver47]

how much smaller is it? how much less weight?