2009 Akona Evolution Bag AKB159

[hypersonic]

Purchased two of these bags from LP earlier this year, cost $230 each.

Was willing to pay more to get a bullet proof bag, instead I suspect I purchased $460 worth of grief. Also the weight of the bags each top 14 lbs. Didn't mind paying the weight penalty either if it translated to durability...it didn't!

Both bags are back at LP for repair since they are warranted for 24 months. Since we do 5 dive trips per year, also suspect this is not the last time the bags will travel to NYC (well actually Jersey).

Here is my review as posted on the LP web site:

Was quite pleased with my purchase of two Evolution bags and even took one to an evening divers get together to show off what I thought was a well designed product that should have incorporated years of development on the part of Akona.

Big wheels so it pulls easy, 5/16" bolts for axles that I could change myself if they got bent. Heavy duty handles for lifting, perfect size for scuba gear and dry clothes for a week of diving.

Unfortunately, a chain is no stronger than its weakest link and the Evolution bag has a couple of weak links.

After a May trip to Belize, both bags had seams rip out in exactly the same place. The covering over the padding in the top grip. Not a problem that compromised the integrity of the bag but annoying none-the-less. And with both bags failing, an obvious design deficiency.

My wife and I just returned from a dive trip to the Red Sea. Now one of the bags has a good size tear in the side of the bag where a sharp corner on the plastic frame, cut the nylon side of the bag. The plastic frame should have been padded.

Based on what I am seeing, I don't think the bags will last six trips. The bags have a premium price, they are not a premium product!

[mwall04]

I had a similar experience. I purchased the Evolution bag last month in preparation for a trip to photograph great white sharks at Isle Guadalupe. Since I didn't need to transport any scuba gear other than a couple masks, the Evolution was primarily packed with a small amount of photography equipment (only my dome port and a small UK box), clothing, and personal items. Completely packed, the bag was less than the airline limits of 50 (by a lot) and certainly less than if I had brought along dive gear.

After my first airline flight with this bag from Hartford to San Diego, the bag already had its first tear and zipper problem. The tear was in the same place as the prior posting (fabric over the top handle).

By the end of my trip, the main zipper that closes the bag was stuck. Thankfully I could use the other to get the bag closed and get home.

I'll be taking the bag back to my LDS this week for repair work. Suspect they'll ship it back to Akona for replacement. Hopefully they have good customer service.

Its really too bad with these issues. I like the look, size, and capabilities of this bag. However, I worry about its durability. However, I can't be carrying my dive gear and photo equipment around the world and have my bag tear of a zipper get stuck mid-trip.

[huisen]

I own 5 various Akona bags. Obviously a product I like. I have no complaints so far as they all have survived a year completely unscathed.

The least the rep could do however is to answer the 2 postings above.

[mwall04]

FOLLOW-UP:

I finally got around to taking the damaged bag to the local dive shop I purchased it from. After a quick inspection of the bag and my original receipt, they exchanged my old bag for a new one. They also commented that Akona is very good handling warranty exchanges.

I really like the style and size of this bag, so I am hopeful that the replacement bag holds up better.