Scuba Jackets

Buddy Ranger BCD

Visit site: http://www.zerovisibility.co.uk/BuddyRanger.htm

Buddy Ranger BCD We have already had the pleasure of reviewing the Buddy Commando at at Zerovisibility and we were impressed by the functionality and impressive wear of this jacket. Our one real concern was the lack of an integrated weight system. Integrated weights are certainly in vogue and very popular with divers in tropical regions where far less weight is needed to dive. With less weight needed it is far easier and more comfortable to dive with integrated weights rather than the separate belt. So with this all in mind AP Valves has created the Buddy Ranger. We received the impressive TD version which has more D rings available than the normal Ranger. This BCD retains the strong construction of the famous Commando jacket. The jacket has a twin bag construction and has a very strong look to it. The Commando we reviewed looked virtually indestructible and we have no reason to believe this jacket is any different. As we said in the Commando review many divers have AP Valve jackets that have lasted 10 or more years and are still going strong! So we already know the jackets basic design is proven and good so what about the new integrated weight system? The Ranger features two quick-release weight pouches either side of the BCD. These can take 5KG each. Thus giving 10KG removable weights in the water. The weights sit reasonably comfortably in location and feel secure. They are held in place with velcro and this is a good solution to the weight problem. I would say I prefer the weight system on the Diva LX and also the Mares jacket. However this system is better than that seen on the Tigullio and the Saturn BCD jackets we have reviewed before. There are some good quality handles on the pockets so that they can be dumped quickly and easily should the need arise. Again this is not difficult to do and better than the Tigullio and the Saturn BCD jackets. This jacket as standard comes with a 0.4 litre cylinder for emergency use. This again is a useful addition and as we have said previously anything that can make diving safer sounds good to us. One slight disadvantage is that this obviously increases the weight and this can be a problem for traveling divers. This BCD is certainly not a lightweight option! The buckles and straps are the same as the Commando. We liked these buckles previously as they were not only much more robust looking than other BCD jackets but easy to use. They are of a different style than other jackets but this style has been used for maximum strength and this allows the use of twin sets through to quads. Very impressive claim and better than most BCD jackets at this price. Again the styling of the Ranger is very similar to the Commando before we thought that there many jackets available that are more attractive. However the jacket in black looks purposeful and looks the part. The jacket has large D-rings for attaching equipment and in this aspect is better than the other BCD jackets currently tested by Zerovisibility.

Skimmed by zizther at Feb 12, 2008