Brigade or '09 Ranger Ltd

[openhelix]

I stopped by the LDS to try on BCs. Loved the new '09 Ranger LTD. It fit great and was really comfortable. It felt lighter than I expected as well. i'm 5'11", 210, 44" chest and 34" waist. Mostly cold water diver near monterey (i live <1 hour north) but like to travel 1-2x a year and mostly rec with some wreck and caves hopefully mixes in in the future.

I was also surprised at how small the Ranger packed down. After hearing "you can't travel with the Ranger" over and over again it packed down pretty small and would easily fit in my carry on along with the rest of my gear.

I'm wondering if some of the people claiming it's too big/bulky are built differently than me. I'm pretty stocky. I realize the ranger bladder may be a bit overkill but is there significant downside? Being a bit of a brute I can be a little rough on gear in use but take very good care of it out of the water.

On the other hand is the Brigade that everyone seems to rave about. Obviously I can't easily try one on since ST is the sole source and a bit far of a drive I like the idea of the brigade but it lacks some of the features on the ranger ltd like the shoulder dump and as stupid as it sounds I like the looks a little better too.

Anyone have any thoughts or comments? Am I missing something?

[ianr33]

Whats so special about the 09 model? New colors? More powerful engine?

Seriously though,if you think you might dive caves one day you might as well just get a BP/Wing now and save yourself some money in the long run.

[openhelix]

The 09 has the shoulder dump and moved back to the "personal fit system", something ST has always offered on the Brigade and given my dimensions I prefer.

hehe, the "engine" could always use a little more work

[nrembis]

The fit will be the same on the ranger and brigade. As far as packing goes, I can pack a Ranger LTD just fine.....if you do not get carried away and pack half your closet like many do you should be just fine.

Get what YOU like and fits well. If a Large Ranger fit you well in the store a large brigade from ST will fit well.

[DevilDiver]

I agree you might want to look into the BP/W setup before you commit but as long as you are happy and everything fits you well it's all good.

If you call ST and explain that you are divided between the 2 Zeagles I am sure they will work something out for you. Give it a try......

I have had a Brigade for 5 years and been very happy with it. It does have a shoulder pull dump on the inflater.

[openhelix]

Good advice, I'll try to give them a call this week

[cbope]

Prior to 2009 models, the only difference between the Ranger (std) and Brigade is the lift. The Brigade has a slightly smaller 35lb bladder while the Ranger has 44lb. The harness is identical between the 2 and you can "upgrade" a Brigade to a Ranger simply by swapping in a Ranger bladder.

The 2009 Ranger is a new harness though. Note that since the Brigade is an ST-only item, I don't think they have changed the harness on the Brigade to the new 09 Ranger harness. The LTD has a few extra "features" like zip-on accessory mounting.

I've had a Brigade for almost a year and love it. I'm about the same size as you, only about an inch taller. I have the standard "L" which I just picked up off the rack at ST, I didn't need to do any custom sizing. I don't need the lift of a 44lb bladder, so I would definitely buy another Brigade if necessary.

[Otter]

openhelix,

Just curious, what size Ranger fit you the best "L" or "M"?

[Byte Me]

I've got the pre '09 version of the Ranger Ltd and take it with me when I travel no problem. I typically fit that, fins, mask, wetsuit, mesh rollerbag (if needed) and a couple other goodies in my "dive suitcase" and easily stay below the 50lb line. I've got the L and am 6'2", 215. I lost a little weight recently (was 240) so I had to pull the cummerbund back on both sides so it fit better. It was very easy to do and nice to know it's got some "range".

Tried it on at OWU and loved it. Once on and underwater I don't think it's bulky at all, I like to try and stay pretty streamlined but it's got enough pockets and d-rings to hang my light(s), camera, etc on when I have them along.

[IndyDiver]

The only real difference between the brigade and the ranger ltd is the size of the baldder and the zippers for accessories on the back of the ltd.

Zeagle does not sell any accessories, that I know of, in the zip-on variety that it doesn't also sell in clip/bolt on. SMB sleeves, pony bottle holders, etc. come in both - so I don't see that as a real differentiator.

IMO, the 44 lb lift on the ranger is overkill for a single tank. I think the 35lb is a better wing size. I have used both bladders and I find that the 44 lb on the ranger tends to trap air on one side or the other and I have to roll to balance it out 4 or 5 times during a dive. I don't seem to have the same issue with the brigade bladder. YMMV.