amw5g
Contributor
I have looked deep within myself and after much teeth gritting, have concluded that I would like to explore a move from jacket-style to back inflate. The primary reason is that I feel a bit constricted in the jacket BCD I've used for three years, and it seems to be a great deal more material than I would prefer. I think I may also have sized it a bit wrong, and it would be good to find something that fits better, while providing a more streamlined profile underwater.
Because we dive exclusively in warm ocean water (75F+), and because we travel either by air or by small vehicle to dive sites, I'd also like to take the opportunity to get a travel-style BCD. A few days of research and pricing for options <$300 keep pointing to the Aqualung Zuma (newest model) and the Zeagle Scout.
The former seems to have solved one of its long-standing durability issues with a sturdier bladder. The Zuma also has ditchable weights, which I've grown accustomed to in my existing BCD.
The latter appears to have a more consistent reputation for reliability. I've never used a weightbelt for any appreciable duration, but would need to with the Scout.
Other than back-inflate and travel-readiness, other desirable traits include pockets for occasional small-ish items like a SMB, defog, found-trash, backup-light, a 6" hoagie. We do maybe 30-40 dives a year, warm salt as previously mentioned, and yearn for shore dives over boat.
Thoughts, especially from those who have tried out the latest Zuma and the Scout, would be greatly appreciated. I am afraid it'll be difficult to work out an in-water try-out before I decide. Other back-inflate suggestions are also quite welcome if I perhaps missed an obvious choice.
Cheers,
Amw 5G
Because we dive exclusively in warm ocean water (75F+), and because we travel either by air or by small vehicle to dive sites, I'd also like to take the opportunity to get a travel-style BCD. A few days of research and pricing for options <$300 keep pointing to the Aqualung Zuma (newest model) and the Zeagle Scout.
The former seems to have solved one of its long-standing durability issues with a sturdier bladder. The Zuma also has ditchable weights, which I've grown accustomed to in my existing BCD.
The latter appears to have a more consistent reputation for reliability. I've never used a weightbelt for any appreciable duration, but would need to with the Scout.
Other than back-inflate and travel-readiness, other desirable traits include pockets for occasional small-ish items like a SMB, defog, found-trash, backup-light, a 6" hoagie. We do maybe 30-40 dives a year, warm salt as previously mentioned, and yearn for shore dives over boat.
Thoughts, especially from those who have tried out the latest Zuma and the Scout, would be greatly appreciated. I am afraid it'll be difficult to work out an in-water try-out before I decide. Other back-inflate suggestions are also quite welcome if I perhaps missed an obvious choice.
Cheers,
Amw 5G