Brigade Vs Ranger

[GMDGeek]

I have found a few threads comparing the two and have even read an ST post about the two BCs and how the Brigade to be. But like always I am still in a quandary. Which one to get ...

Originally I had looked at and decided on the Ranger because of its ability to support Doubles HOWEVER as I've read more and looked more I believe that when I am ready to move to doubles I will build a custom backplate, wing, harness rig.

So now removing the "doubles" from the equation I want to factor in travel, weight, size, comfort and functionality. I am starting to lean towards the Bridge as it has a smaller bladder, travels more easily, and weighs less.

With that said it might help to understand my body size ... I'm 5'9" and about 250lbs. most of which is pretty solid. And as a bigger buy I am not fond of weight belts so I want a system that supports integrated weights.

So what I pose to the experienced divers that have used either / or both the Ranger and the Brigade can you tell me what you like better about each one and why?

Thanks,
Gerry

[thor]

The Brigade and the Ranger are the same BC except for the wing. The Brigade is smaller wing with 35# lift and the Ranger with 44#lift. I guess it depends on how much lift you need, but diving single tanks, I seriously doubt you would ever need 44# of lift. I currently dive the Brigade, and it is plenty of lift for cold water diving with steel tanks. The only negative, to both BCs is that they both seem to trap air in the wing more than others I have tried.

[Vlane]

This is completely different than what you're asking, but if you want something that will travel light you might also check out the Zeagle Stiletto. The Ranger/Brigade is going to be bigger with the pockets and vest while the Stiletto is going to be slimmer. Out of the Brigade or Ranger, the Brigade would probably be you're better bet since you won't need the big wing.

Another thought is to skip both of them and go straight to a BP/W setup. I dive a Stiletto right now and since I'm hoping to eventually go into tech diving I'm kinda wishing I had just done a BP/W right away.

[DMWiz]

Originally Posted by Vlane

Another thought is to skip both of them and go straight to a BP/W setup. I dive a Stiletto right now and since I'm hoping to eventually go into tech diving I'm kinda wishing I had just done a BP/W right away.

What Vlane said is exactly what I was thinking... Skip the BCD if you're planning on buying a BP&W anyway. Also you would not need as much weight with a BP&W as you would not have to deal with the inherent buoyancy of the BCD.

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by thor

The Brigade and the Ranger are the same BC except for the wing. The Brigade is smaller wing with 35# lift and the Ranger with 44#lift. I guess it depends on how much lift you need, but diving single tanks, I seriously doubt you would ever need 44# of lift. I currently dive the Brigade, and it is plenty of lift for cold water diving with steel tanks. The only negative, to both BCs is that they both seem to trap air in the wing more than others I have tried.

Agreed. I'd get the Brigade in a heartbeat over the Ranger. Just not needed... at all.

That said, I also agree with the thinking of just getting the bp/w first and skipping the intermediate step. They pack WAY better than traditional BC's, too, especially big and bulky ones like the Brigade and Ranger.

[GMDGeek]

What setup would you go with for a BP/W then? I've seen the posts about the hog harness setup.

[Vlane]

First decision will be either aluminum or stainless steel, stainless steel being heavier.

After that there's different choices for harnesses. The hog harness is very basic with a single piece of 2" webbing which makes it easy to replace if something happens to it. There's also other harnesses that may have padded shoulder straps, nice if you have a long walk to water, and ones with various quick releases, may be seen as failure points by some tech instructors.

Next is a wing. Just based off reading from looking for the future myself, the Oxycheq Mark V wing is a wing that is pretty popular. There's many other choices it's just a wing I've seen mentioned most frequently. Along the same lines is a single tank adapter (STA). Some wings say you don't need one with them, but some prefer using one regarldess.

Last, you'll need cam bands to hold the tank on. With this you can either go SS or plastic. Whichever you go with is up to you but some prefer the SS just beause they can stand more wear and tear.

That should be about it for buidling a BP/W, someone may correct me on it though. Check ST for building one or check out Deep Sea Supply

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by GMDGeek

What setup would you go with for a BP/W then? I've seen the posts about the hog harness setup.

Possibilities are endless. There are a zillion mix-and-match options to put together the rig you like best... or the rig you think you'll like best... or the rig someone else likes best.

I'm partial to the Halcyon plates, but only by a hair, and I'd never pay full retail for one. I also like the Halcyon STA's. Any SS cam bands will do, I just happen to use the Halcyon ones because they came with my STA... before that I used DiveRite and they were just as good. I'm also partial to the Oxycheq Mach V wing... as are many others. And my DiveRite plate worked just as well as my Halcyon plate does. And the Hammerhead plates work just as well as any others, too. Even the Hollis, Oxycheq and OMS plates get the job done. To a certain extent a plate is a plate.

Or you can order a rig from Tobin at DeepSeaSupply.com and get a fully integrated system... better than mixing and matching DSS stuff. There are some advantages to their integrated stuff.

Which is best? Something of a tossup... I'd put the integrated DSS system every so slightly ahead in some areas and ever so slightly behind in others. Call it a tie, and get the one you want. It does warrant a call to DSS to chat with Tobin, however.

[crandf]

Chk out the scubatoys BP/W package, harness + mach V wing + Al BP + 2xSS tank bands for $337 after forum discount. There's also colors other than black for the harness and wing.

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

[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