Brigade/Ranger Accessories Question

[CMorrow]

I've had my eye on the Ranger for a long time, and was ecstatic to discover ScubaToys and the Brigade.

I have a few questions relating to the optional components to the Brigade/Ranger BCs. I've used back-inflate BCs on a couple occasions, and they're very nice for exploring the deep, but seem to cause a lot of face-planting on the surface. I've heard some people suggest using back weights to help with levelling on the surface. If this is the case, should I be opting for the trim weight pockets to help with this?

Also, any thoughts on whether to get the lumbar pad or not? Since I haven't used the Ranger or the Brigade, I can't really relate to it's "natural" comfort level. Does anyone here use a lumbar pad with their BC, or is it just extra money that doesn't need to be spent?

[pafindr]

As far as the falling on your face, if your BC is properly inflated you won't have that problem.
If you over inflate the Zeagle on the surface you will began to fall forward.
One reason people tend to over inflate a BC on the surface is because they have to much weight.

[Bryanmc]

There is no issue with "face planting" with a back inflate bc. There are, however, a lot of folks who think more air in a bc is better and if you over inflate one at the surface, it will try to push you forward. It's NOT a life jacket (no bc's are that I'm aware of) meant to get your head and shoulders out of the water.

As far as a lumbar pad, to me that would just be more fluff you'll need lead to sink. YMMV

[Coastie6]

I spoke to Joe about options when I was purchasing my Brigade. He said the lumbar pad is very thick and usually required purchasing a waist one size larger than normal. In his opinion it wasn't an option he'd use.

[DevilDiver]

No need for the lumbar pad at all, very comfortable BC. Trim pockets came with my Brigade but I don't believe this is standard now. I would get them or at least you could try the XS Scuba pockets and thread them on the top cam band.

The yellow weight pouches are a good addition.....

[Mtrewyn]

Originally Posted by DevilDiver

No need for the lumbar pad at all, very comfortable BC. Trim pockets came with my Brigade but I don't believe this is standard now. I would get them or at least you could try the XS Scuba pockets and thread them on the top cam band.

The yellow weight pouches are a good addition.....

This works on one side but the other will need to have velcro stiched on or the strap will not be able to stay down on the band.

I think compudude addressed this a while back, if you do a search you should be able to find it

I like both my rangers one has the lumbar pad and my other does not, it is nice but it holds alot of water once you get out, makes it heavy, and slow to dry, nessary no, nice yes, so your choice, if you dont have it you will not miss it, or think you "need" it.

[CMorrow]

I appreciate the responses. Sounds like the lumbar pad is an extra luxury I don't need right now.

Seems like the rear pockets would be a good idea, though not necessarily for my original assumption. If I'm using the BC right, it seems like it's more for evenly distributing the weight (or adding more ... though that's a lot of lead).

[diversteve]

I split my weight 60/40 front/rear on my Ranger LTD using the pockets as supplied near the bottom of the tank and have never experienced any sort of "face planting". I dive w/o a wetsuit though. And I like the lumbar pad.