Comments about Zeagle Wicked Lite Ranger BCD:

I took this dive to Hawaii, which has water temperature around 26 degrees C (<80 F). I have done about 10 dives so far and I have to say this BC requires some getting used to. My first couple dives I was using a weight belt (because I prefer a belt), and this BC will ride up easily because the waist strap is thin and is not a cumberbund. After realizing the problem, I put the weights into the integrated pockets and it fixed most of the problems. I still had to lower my tank a little and allow the waist strap to go on the thinest part of my waist to make it work just right. However, one issue I realized was that they weights are not easily dumpable using soft weights, because they get stuffed in the pockets and soft weights will naturally widen and end up getting stuck in there. I even had hard times pulling weights out of the pockets while on land/boat. Anticipating this problem, I brought 2 trim weight pockets with me and put some of the weight on the cam band instead. To fix this, use smaller weight pouches if you are using soft weights.

I am still giving this a 4 star because I tried several travel BCs in the store before deciding on this one due to its positives. It has 2 small D-rings to allow me to hook a finger spool and sausage on it, and a pretty hefty camera on the other. The material is the most solid I have tried, so when I go into tighter places I don't have to worry about it ripping on me. While it doesn't have any padding, it's way more comfortable than a backplate and wing system and it has about the same benefits. I am liking it so far. I did boat and shore, square and drift, and semi-cave and tight swim-throughs.

Comments about Zeagle Wicked Lite Ranger BCD:

Just dove it today for first time (two dives). Total bare bones rig. With ten pounds in the two integrated side weight pockets it was balanced fine with no tuning on the first dive (just carry the tank a little low on this wing-style bc). Everyone makes a big deal about the vest vs. bp/wings debate, but this was my first time diving wings and it was no big dif except much less cumbersome and more comfortable. I may have been lucky to have the weight distributed just right on my first dive - others may have to play with the tank height (or add optional back pockets if carrying a lot of weight), but I was upside down and all whichways and very stable and agile. Have heard others discussing some lightweight wing designs (like Lite Hawk) saying a) they may tend to push you face down when on the surface and b) they can ride up and should have a crotch strap retrofitted to remedy this. I didn't experience either issue with this rig. It looks like it's gonna be very durable but hey, two dives so far. It packed super-small and I'm in love. My 15-year-old (150 dives) took one look and wants one too.