Back Inflation BCD

"Andy K." <Krapchaa@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
news:tCp0d.135575$%n4.81980@bignews6.bellsouth.net ...
> Anyone seen or used an Eagle Z-1 BCD? Supposed to be like an improved
> Zeagle
> Ranger. I've been looking for a new BC and may go to a back inflation to
> get
> rid of the jacket squeeze. Also looking at the Dive Rite Transpac II. Like
> the way you can change the configuration on it with the different options
> available.
>
> So far I've seen the Ranger and a Black Diamond. Don't care much for the
> ripcord system used in the Ranger. Black Diamond uses clips and bags. I
> like
> the setup on the Transpac, but the cost is step.
>
> Any comments?
> Andy K.
>
>

Skip the Zeagle and instead investigate the BP/Wing combination as offered
by a few manufacturers.

Halcyon, Dive Rite, OMS and others make variations.

Andy K. wrote:
> Anyone seen or used an Eagle Z-1 BCD? Supposed to be like an improved Zeagle
> Ranger. I've been looking for a new BC and may go to a back inflation to get
> rid of the jacket squeeze. Also looking at the Dive Rite Transpac II. Like
> the way you can change the configuration on it with the different options
> available.
>
> So far I've seen the Ranger and a Black Diamond. Don't care much for the
> ripcord system used in the Ranger. Black Diamond uses clips and bags. I like
> the setup on the Transpac, but the cost is step.
>
> Any comments?
> Andy K.
>
>

Skip the intermediate step and go straight to a bp/wing from Halcyon or
Oxycheq.

"Andy K." <Krapchaa@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
news:tCp0d.135575$%n4.81980@bignews6.bellsouth.net ...
> Anyone seen or used an Eagle Z-1 BCD? Supposed to be like an improved
Zeagle
> Ranger. I've been looking for a new BC and may go to a back inflation to
get
> rid of the jacket squeeze. Also looking at the Dive Rite Transpac II. Like
> the way you can change the configuration on it with the different options
> available.
>
> So far I've seen the Ranger and a Black Diamond. Don't care much for the
> ripcord system used in the Ranger. Black Diamond uses clips and bags. I
like
> the setup on the Transpac, but the cost is step.
>
> Any comments?
> Andy K.


Hi Andy,

It's a tough choice figuring out which particular BCD you need or has
features you want.

I personally have never used an Eagle Z-1 BCD, but I am familiar with some
of the other products you mentioned.

I must agree with you in regards to dive rite equipment being nearly
prohibitively expensive (or at least they appear that way). The pricepoint
though when setting up a unit pretty much is in line with any other higher
end back-inflate BCD (IE: Zeagle Tech 911 etc.)...
The largest obvious benefit is their modular nature though - which is a huge
benefit. If your style of diving changes the BCD can grow with you rather
than a complete replacement. May save you money by buying one now, rather
than replacing it later.

Alternatively, you could go with your run-of-the-mill homemade BCD... a
little webbing, a backplate and some tinkering and you have a BCD that is
exactly custom to your needs. Seems to be a popular thing among some groups.
From what I hear, pretty in-expensive as well.

I personally dive a Sherwood Outback with a 45 lb lift bladder. I like it. I
don't see myself doing doubles - but for only a few bucks I can outrig it
with a stainless steel backplate and away I go. I have also dived the
Ranger - I like it too - but the difference for me was fit. I find the
outback fits me better than the Ranger ever did.

I know its a tough decision, but I supposed I would try and put a bit of
meaningful analytical input in before you drowned out by the glory of
backplate and wings.

Brad

Andy K. wrote:

> So far I've seen the Ranger and a Black Diamond. Don't care much for the
> ripcord system used in the Ranger. Black Diamond uses clips and bags. I like
> the setup on the Transpac, but the cost is step.
>
> Any comments?
> Andy K.
>
>

I don't understand why the ripcord weight system is such a big negative
to some people. I have used mine exactly once - when I deployed my
weights unto the dive shops floor when I tested out the deployment
system prior to purchasing my bcd some years back. If you are capable
of lacing your shoes, you are capable of lacing the system back to
original operating conditions in a few minutes time. It is also very
easy to unzip the pockets and pull the mesh weight bags (yep, these were
extra $) out whenever you'd like as well. I have never lost any of my
weights unintentionally as some with those velcro pocket jobs have done,
either. I concede that it may be possible to lose a small soft weight
if you don't use the mesh weight bags, however.

I'd get the bcd that best fits you and supports your present and planned
diving needs. What's the extra cost for something that accomodates
the way you like to dive amount to when you prorate it over your usage
over the next 5 to 10 years?

"greatviz" <greatviz@noescapeNOTSPAM.net> wrote in message
news:2qj7nsF105opoU1@uni-berlin.de...
>
>
> Andy K. wrote:
>
> > So far I've seen the Ranger and a Black Diamond. Don't care much for the
> > ripcord system used in the Ranger. Black Diamond uses clips and bags. I
like
> > the setup on the Transpac, but the cost is step.
> >
> > Any comments?
> > Andy K.
> >
> >
>
> I don't understand why the ripcord weight system is such a big negative
> to some people. I have used mine exactly once - when I deployed my
> weights unto the dive shops floor when I tested out the deployment
> system prior to purchasing my bcd some years back. If you are capable
> of lacing your shoes, you are capable of lacing the system back to
> original operating conditions in a few minutes time. It is also very
> easy to unzip the pockets and pull the mesh weight bags (yep, these were
> extra $) out whenever you'd like as well. I have never lost any of my
> weights unintentionally as some with those velcro pocket jobs have done,
> either. I concede that it may be possible to lose a small soft weight
> if you don't use the mesh weight bags, however.
>
> I'd get the bcd that best fits you and supports your present and planned
> diving needs. What's the extra cost for something that accomodates
> the way you like to dive amount to when you prorate it over your usage
> over the next 5 to 10 years?
>

To each their own. I can lace and tie my shoes and sometimes like to take
them off one at a time. That could become overly complicated if they were
secured with a ripcord system and you were not the one managing your gear
(as in an emergency situation).

FWIW, I'm a side scan sonar operator for the company I work for. If called
upon to go and do a visual on what we see on the screen, I'd prefer to have
the simplest cleanest rig I can use. That is why I'm leaning towards the DIR
rigs.

Thanks for your input. I'm not in a hurry to buy anything as I can use the
shops gear as long as I like.

Andy K.

Andy K. wrote:

> "greatviz"
>>
>>I don't understand why the ripcord weight system is such a big negative
>>to some people. I have used mine exactly once - when I deployed my
>>weights unto the dive shops floor when I tested out the deployment
>>system prior to purchasing my bcd some years back. If you are capable
>>of lacing your shoes, you are capable of lacing the system back to
>>original operating conditions in a few minutes time. It is also very
>>easy to unzip the pockets and pull the mesh weight bags (yep, these were
>>extra $) out whenever you'd like as well. I have never lost any of my
>>weights unintentionally as some with those velcro pocket jobs have done,
>>either. I concede that it may be possible to lose a small soft weight
>>if you don't use the mesh weight bags, however.
>>
>>I'd get the bcd that best fits you and supports your present and planned
>> diving needs. What's the extra cost for something that accomodates
>>the way you like to dive amount to when you prorate it over your usage
>>over the next 5 to 10 years?
>>
>
>
> To each their own. I can lace and tie my shoes and sometimes like to take
> them off one at a time. That could become overly complicated if they were
> secured with a ripcord system and you were not the one managing your gear
> (as in an emergency situation).

I can unzip a pocket and remove one shoe at a time as well ;)

> FWIW, I'm a side scan sonar operator for the company I work for. If called
> upon to go and do a visual on what we see on the screen, I'd prefer to have
> the simplest cleanest rig I can use.

The dive shops in my area seem loaded with big pocketed behemoths, I've
been looking for a minimalist tropical travel bcd and haven't found
anything I want to own yet. If it needs an "adapter" to dive single
tanks, then I figure it's not done right either.

That is why I'm leaning towards the DIR
> rigs.

Well, since you were looking at the Eagle z-1, Ranger, and a Black
Diamond, which are rather bulky, weight integrated, and have the dreaded
plastic quick release buckles, I had no idea you were considering a DIR rig.
Looks like you've already gotten a few good suggestions for a BP/wing.

> Thanks for your input. I'm not in a hurry to buy anything as I can use the
> shops gear as long as I like.

I must not be in any hurry either, I've been "kind of looking" around
for a couple of months but wind up just breaking out my Zeagle.

> Andy K.
>
>

Anyone seen or used an Eagle Z-1 BCD? Supposed to be like an improved Zeagle
Ranger. I've been looking for a new BC and may go to a back inflation to get
rid of the jacket squeeze. Also looking at the Dive Rite Transpac II. Like
the way you can change the configuration on it with the different options
available.

So far I've seen the Ranger and a Black Diamond. Don't care much for the
ripcord system used in the Ranger. Black Diamond uses clips and bags. I like
the setup on the Transpac, but the cost is step.

Any comments?
Andy K.

Andy K. wrote:
> Anyone seen or used an Eagle Z-1 BCD? Supposed to be like an improved Zeagle
> Ranger. I've been looking for a new BC and may go to a back inflation to get
> rid of the jacket squeeze. Also looking at the Dive Rite Transpac II. Like
> the way you can change the configuration on it with the different options
> available.
>
> So far I've seen the Ranger and a Black Diamond. Don't care much for the
> ripcord system used in the Ranger. Black Diamond uses clips and bags. I like
> the setup on the Transpac, but the cost is step.
>
> Any comments?
> Andy K.
>
>

Skip the intermediate step and go straight to a bp/wing from Halcyon or
Oxycheq.

"Andy K." <Krapchaa@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
news:tCp0d.135575$%n4.81980@bignews6.bellsouth.net ...
> Anyone seen or used an Eagle Z-1 BCD? Supposed to be like an improved
> Zeagle
> Ranger. I've been looking for a new BC and may go to a back inflation to
> get
> rid of the jacket squeeze. Also looking at the Dive Rite Transpac II. Like
> the way you can change the configuration on it with the different options
> available.
>
> So far I've seen the Ranger and a Black Diamond. Don't care much for the
> ripcord system used in the Ranger. Black Diamond uses clips and bags. I
> like
> the setup on the Transpac, but the cost is step.
>
> Any comments?
> Andy K.
>
>

Skip the Zeagle and instead investigate the BP/Wing combination as offered
by a few manufacturers.

Halcyon, Dive Rite, OMS and others make variations.

"Andy K." <Krapchaa@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
news:tCp0d.135575$%n4.81980@bignews6.bellsouth.net ...
> Anyone seen or used an Eagle Z-1 BCD? Supposed to be like an improved
Zeagle
> Ranger. I've been looking for a new BC and may go to a back inflation to
get
> rid of the jacket squeeze. Also looking at the Dive Rite Transpac II. Like
> the way you can change the configuration on it with the different options
> available.
>
> So far I've seen the Ranger and a Black Diamond. Don't care much for the
> ripcord system used in the Ranger. Black Diamond uses clips and bags. I
like
> the setup on the Transpac, but the cost is step.
>
> Any comments?
> Andy K.


Hi Andy,

It's a tough choice figuring out which particular BCD you need or has
features you want.

I personally have never used an Eagle Z-1 BCD, but I am familiar with some
of the other products you mentioned.

I must agree with you in regards to dive rite equipment being nearly
prohibitively expensive (or at least they appear that way). The pricepoint
though when setting up a unit pretty much is in line with any other higher
end back-inflate BCD (IE: Zeagle Tech 911 etc.)...
The largest obvious benefit is their modular nature though - which is a huge
benefit. If your style of diving changes the BCD can grow with you rather
than a complete replacement. May save you money by buying one now, rather
than replacing it later.

Alternatively, you could go with your run-of-the-mill homemade BCD... a
little webbing, a backplate and some tinkering and you have a BCD that is
exactly custom to your needs. Seems to be a popular thing among some groups.
From what I hear, pretty in-expensive as well.

I personally dive a Sherwood Outback with a 45 lb lift bladder. I like it. I
don't see myself doing doubles - but for only a few bucks I can outrig it
with a stainless steel backplate and away I go. I have also dived the
Ranger - I like it too - but the difference for me was fit. I find the
outback fits me better than the Ranger ever did.

I know its a tough decision, but I supposed I would try and put a bit of
meaningful analytical input in before you drowned out by the glory of
backplate and wings.

Brad