BC vs Backplate/wing

[scubert]

I dove a Ranger too, and loved it. Once we started ice diving on as regular a basis as you can, I realized I hated how bulky it felt with all the crap you needed on there. I decided to go to a plate and wing right then and never looked back.

Talking about your weighting, there are several things to consider. One is that your Ranger has a fair amount of inherent buoyance, which you won't need to offset with lead. If you are diving a single tank you might want to look at a plate with an STA instead of the wing with the STA integrated, as you can pick up a few more negative pounds that way.

In addition to the brands mentioned below, you should look at Fred T for the plate and STA. I'll dig up his email address asap.
He makes plates on his own, and you don't have to pay for the name brand.

Good luck