Brigade Vs Ranger

[Vlane]

Originally Posted by GMDGeek

The Dive Rite Transpack looks pretty decent but I'm still reading through the BP/w posts now looking for feedback and input to fuel my ever growing scuba addiction and to make sure I get what I want and not regret it.


Dive Rite Transpac Package reviews and discounts, Dive Rite

You sound like me, you research a lot before you buy. I did the same thing before I bought my Stiletto and came down between it, a BP/W setup, and a Brigade. I spent a lot a lot time looking over them and settled on the Stiletto despite the fact that many people suggested a BP/W setup. Now I'm wishing I had gone BP/W first because of my future goals.

I can't say much about the Transpac myself, but I can tell you that some instructors or tech divers may have a problem with it. Buckles can be seen as a failure point, which is why they use a continuous piece of webbing. On the other hand, some may not have a problem some instructors will be more picky than others.

Overall, do your research and do what you're happy with. Whatever setup you get will meet your current needs, just one may save you some $$$ in the long run.

[in_cavediver]

Originally Posted by GMDGeek

The Dive Rite Transpack looks pretty decent but I'm still reading through the BP/w posts now looking for feedback and input to fuel my ever growing scuba addiction and to make sure I get what I want and not regret it.


Dive Rite Transpac Package reviews and discounts, Dive Rite

Some will argue the transpac is limiting and not suited to tec diving - they are wrong. The transpac does add more limitations that the traditional hog harness BP/W but can also add some nice features as well and is ffully suited to just about any dive you want to do. Fair warning though - if you go GUE's route for tec, you won't be using the transpac.

What I strongly recommend is getting the plate/hog harness and diving it. (pick it up used if you want to really save $$$). If you decide to go with the transpac later, all you drop is said plate/harness. The wing and STA/cam bands can move over to the transpac without any issues.

[Splitlip]

Originally Posted by crandf

You are BUILT man! 250lbs mostly solid is huge! I'm 5'8" myself and I can't get past 180lbs with mostly muscle.

Get a room already. OK?

[Splitlip]

Originally Posted by GMDGeek

The Dive Rite Transpack looks pretty decent but I'm still reading through the BP/w posts now looking for feedback and input to fuel my ever growing scuba addiction and to make sure I get what I want and not regret it.


Dive Rite Transpac Package reviews and discounts, Dive Rite

You will regret the transpac. It has some of the advantages of a BPW. Everyone I know who purchased a transpac for singles ended up with a wing.

As for wings, I have owned several and useed a few more. The Oxychec Mach V is by far the best out there. Narrow for ease of bubble management as well as a donut. Yo CAN move the bubble over your butt contrary to what some say. Heavy duty outer shell and inner bladder. And the inner bladder can be accessed for user repair.

Two wings below. Note how narrow and low profile the Oxycheq Mach V is.

[in_cavediver]

Just to clarify - the transpac is simply the harness. It does NOT have a wing built in. It is a soft backplate with padded shoulder straps. They use the exact same 'wings' as the hard plates do and do require the same STA for singles use.

As I said above - go for the cheaper hard plate first. If you find it lacks something you want/need, then drop the $$$ on the transpac. You can pickup a BP/hog harness cheap and if you want, easily sell it later as well. The transpac is quite a bit more outlay of cash.

Then again - if you can, dive each one on 5-10 dives and see what you like. Or - own both.

[cozlover]

just out curioisty how many of you that dive a bp/wing set do techinical diving as well as just sport diving and how many that dive that set up don't do any techical diving at all. I'm interested in bp/w setup but do not plan on doing any technical diving.

[GMDGeek]

After a bit of reading and some research and special thanks to Joe @ ST for his input, and of after speaking with some instructors - I am going to begin my journey with the Brigade. I plan on TAing (teaching assistant) which requires a regular bc - no bp/w.

Tried the Ranger a bit to bulky for what I am after - tried the Bridge ... just right. (Suddenly I am thinking of Goldy locks and the 3 bears ... )

However with that said I will be purchasing a hog harness, aluminum bp, and a travel wing sometime in January for travel. So much lighter and less bulky but for now the Brigade looks like it will do the job for me.

[Vlane]

Congrats on your Zeagle GMDGeek and welcome to the club . Good luck with the TAing job.

[DMWiz]

Originally Posted by cozlover

just out curioisty how many of you that dive a bp/wing set do techinical diving as well as just sport diving and how many that dive that set up don't do any techical diving at all. I'm interested in bp/w setup but do not plan on doing any technical diving.

Lots of people down here and in both camps you mention. But there are a lot more people using just regular plain ole BCDs. If you're curious I'd suggest borrowing one if you're able and do a few dives in it. That's about the only way you'd be able to satisfy the curiosity.

[in_cavediver]

Originally Posted by cozlover

just out curioisty how many of you that dive a bp/wing set do techinical diving as well as just sport diving and how many that dive that set up don't do any techical diving at all. I'm interested in bp/w setup but do not plan on doing any technical diving.

I do both. Went to the BP when I went to doubles. I can't say I have ever really dove the BP/W with a single. I dove with several who did but I never did. The few times I dive a single, I use either a sherwood stab jacket or the zeagle ranger we have (last time in a single was 2007 according to my log book).