AquaLung Zuma - ???

[NAIBdiver1]

My carry-on mostly contains video equipment. Cameras, housing, video lights, batteries.

Knock wood - over the years my dive bag has always arrived with me.

 

[kona74]

Hi All,
It seems for the most part the Zuma is getting good reviews and comments. I am wondering how well the BC works in less than ideal conditions such as currents or surge. I heard from a LDS the BC shifted quite a bit in heavy currents.

More comments on the Zuma please. I like what it offers but I would like to better understand how it functions.

Thanks to all.

 

[Nemrod]

I have seen these in action and have been wanting one for my wifelet. I really like the light weight, minimalist design and packability (to make up a word) and the build quality looks excellent. True, these are not heavy duty units that will stand up to severe duty tech diving use, they are intended for warm water travel diving and for that I would say this unit would be hard to beat.

I did rent an Equator by Scuba Pro several months back and having never, never, ever, ever, used a BC jacket or BI BC rig before in my entire 44 year sport diving career, was quite impressed with it also, alas, I am sorry, either of these will work for my wife just fine, I will being staying with either no BC (as in none, nada, zippo, absolutely nothing) or my Oxy 18/30 Mach V rigs.

N

 

[Acanthurus]

My husband bought me the Zuma for a recent dive trip to Australia and I loved it. We were in some surge as well as current and I didn't have a problem at all.

I would highly recommend it - easily took 16 lbs of weight as well

 

[Skooter]

I used mine for the first time last winter. Opinion-loved it. It rides extremely well and does not shift or turn the way most other bc's do. The tank and bc stability where exellent. I have done just under 60 dives with mine and it shows no wear and tear at all. For a lightweight travel bc it is awesome.

 

[kona74]

Hi Gang,
So stability is good. Are people using this for shoring diving and boat diving? What about a giant stride off a 10 foot cliff - like Oil Slick Leap in Bonaire? Any issues? My dive buddy is nervous about having the tank hitting her in the head and knocking her unconscious.

Thanks again.

 

[nwflyboy]

I'm considering a Zuma, too - would welcome any additional opinions for those with experience.

A few specific questions...

Exactly how small does this pack down?

How is/are the pocket(s)?

And the Dumb Question: I have been shying away from weight integrated BCs - I figure I'm not going to haul weights half way around the world, and would just use their weights on an old-fashioned weight belt. But....can you just load the resort's standard weights into this BCs weight pockets, or does it require its own special weights?

Thanks!

 

[kona74]

And the Dumb Question: I have been shying away from weight integrated BCs - I figure I'm not going to haul weights half way around the world, and would just use their weights on an old-fashioned weight belt. But....can you just load the resort's standard weights into this BCs weight pockets, or does it require its own special weights?

Thanks!

Hi,
Not a dumb question. Weight integrated BCs have pockets to put weights in. They do not have weights built in - just the pockets to put weights into. This allows you to not have a weight belt - you use the same weights but in the pockets.

 

[Skooter]

Hi Gang,
So stability is good. Are people using this for shoring diving and boat diving? What about a giant stride off a 10 foot cliff - like Oil Slick Leap in Bonaire? Any issues? My dive buddy is nervous about having the tank hitting her in the head and knocking her unconscious.

Thanks again.

Mine spent two weeks in Bonaire. No problems with high giant strides, boats or shore.

 

[tom1]

Bought a Zuma in May. Left home for a trip and 16 dives later had a leak. Small 1/4 inch slit through both sides at back bottom center just above seam. May have been a pinch in tank holder. But in any case poor durability and had to rent a BC for my final 2 dives. Will try and return it where I bought it when I get home. Called an Aqua Lung dealer here in Florida and they told me I have to buy a new BC. Hope I can get the dealer where bought to get it resolved. If not just ate $400!!!!

Even If it is replace or repaired under warranty I will buy a new BC and use Zuma as a backup. Will not travel again and have this happen. Guess I will have to take 2.

Other than leak, did like it for the reasons mentioned by others.

Not very happy atm.....