Another "BC choice" thread

[Otter]

I'm stuck between the 2008 Ranger LTD Closeout for $499.00 or the Brigade with trim weight pouches for $400.00 after forum discount.

I like the idea of the smaller bladder on the Brigade for travel, but I only do one tropical trip a year. I dive So. Cal. waters the rest of the time and was wondering if the 35 lbs. of lift was enough for the colder waters?
Right now I dive wet and wear up to a 7mm full suit with a 5mm hooded vest.

On the other hand the 2008 LTD is now a great price and already has all the bells and whistles with plenty of lift. Hard to pass up.

What do the fine folks of the forum think?

Thanks.

[kjvander]

I picked up the LTD on the closeout price for just the reason that you stated...i dive mostly cold water in right now a 7mm and soon a drysuit. It has all the bells and wistles that I could want (right now)...and it was an incredible deal.

[MSilvia]

I don't use a Zeagle wing, but I dive year round in New England, including technical and ice diving, and I use 30# singles wings. I also dive with extremely heavy HP100 doubles, and I only use a 40# wing with those. In my opinion, 35# should be plenty.

[Otter]

Thanks KJ and Matt.

The deal on the Ranger Ltd was too good for $445.95, I ordered one.
I won't be traveling for a while, just bought a boat and have a kid on the way, so I won't mind the bigger wing. If I need to I can by the smaller wing later.

[Byte Me]

I was torn like you on which to get and am really happy with the Ranger LTD. It serves me now and can adapt as I start diving dry, etc.

For travel it's not that bad. Sure, it's a little big but with all the other stuff in the "dive suitcase" I've still got a bit of room so no biggie.

[MSilvia]

Originally Posted by Otter

I won't be traveling for a while, just bought a boat and have a kid on the way, so I won't mind the bigger wing.

I'm not sure I quite follow what that means, but congrats on the new BC!

[cummings66]

Yup, congrats and enjoy. Dive locally and have fun.

[bigman241]

If you may size 3xl do not buy the ranger plan to lol.
I planned on the brigade. But after talking wit a st rep named wade. i figured i would go with the ranger because like he said it will take about 30 pounds to get my big a** down and it may take more when i go to 2 tanks.

[mm_dm]

[quote=Otter;250979]I'm stuck between the 2008 Ranger LTD Closeout for $499.00 or the Brigade with trim weight pouches for $400.00 after forum discount.

I like the idea of the smaller bladder on the Brigade for travel, but I only do one tropical trip a year. I dive So. Cal. waters the rest of the time and was wondering if the 35 lbs. of lift was enough for the colder waters?
Right now I dive wet and wear up to a 7mm full suit with a 5mm hooded vest.

On the other hand the 2008 LTD is now a great price and already has all the bells and whistles with plenty of lift. Hard to pass up.

What do the fine folks of the forum think? [quote]

I still have a Ranger LTD in my bag of tricks though I use it mainly for pool work anymore, diving my BPW set up when I go to OW. 35# would have been plenty of lift, but you got a good price with all the trimmings. Having dove both size Zeagles, about the only difference I can remember was more surface drag in a current with the LTD. It's a well built, fairly indestructable BC.

[Otter]

Thanks for the reply's. I recieved the BC last week but had to send it back for another size. However, like eveyoune says, it seems to be a high quality product.

BTW, Msilva, what I meant was I won't be doing any long range traveling in the next year so packing a BC won't be a big deal for me.