Aqualung Zuma vs Pro HD Compact

[DivingPanda55]

Looking into getting a travel BCD as that is when I will be doing most of my diving. I have found plenty of info on the Zuma, but came across the Pro HD Compact. The two look like identical designs except for color and d-ring material. However I can not find any info on the Pro HD Compact anywhere. Does anyone know if these are one in the same? Did the Zuma replace the Pro? Any known issues with the Pro? Very few places even offer it for sale.

I have tried to ask shops that sell the Pro HD Compact and Aqualung themselves but they have only replied with non-relevant answers.

 

[wnissen]

Looking into getting a travel BCD as that is when I will be doing most of my diving. I have found plenty of info on the Zuma, but came across the Pro HD Compact. The two look like identical designs except for color and d-ring material. However I can not find any info on the Pro HD Compact anywhere. Does anyone know if these are one in the same? Did the Zuma replace the Pro? Any known issues with the Pro? Very few places even offer it for sale.

I have tried to ask shops that sell the Pro HD Compact and Aqualung themselves but they have only replied with non-relevant answers.

That's interesting, I never heard of the Compact model, and it's not shown on Aqualung's page of BCDs.

Certainly looks very similar to the Zuma, and bears little in common with the Pro HD (the regular one that's ubiquitous rental gear around here).

 

[DivingPanda55]

That's interesting, I never heard of the Compact model, and it's not shown on Aqualung's page of BCDs.

Certainly looks very similar to the Zuma, and bears little in common with the Pro HD (the regular one that's ubiquitous rental gear around here).

I’ve only found three places that sell it. One has it in a package similar to the Zuma package that is everywhere but it comes with the i330 computer instead of the i300 dual console. Very tempting for only $250 more.

 

[RIHappyDiver]

I’ve only found three places that sell it. One has it in a package similar to the Zuma package that is everywhere but it comes with the i330 computer instead of the i300 dual console. Very tempting for only $250 more.

I think you are correct about the Zuma replacing the Compact based on the marketing blurb being the same for both. As far as the packages, the $250 difference is hard to understand unless I missed something. The Compact is selling on line for about $35 more than the Zuma, but the i330R sells for about $50 less than the i300 console. Double check me but, if this is true, the Compact with the i330 should be about $15 less, maybe $40 more when you add the SPG back in.
If you are really interested in the Compact my recommendation would be to price the package individually. Also, make sure everything else in the package is something you want.
Erik

 

[stewartlife]

Somehow from my dealer in Indonesia where I live, I got a quote price for the Pro HD Compact is much more expensive (at $800) than Zuma ($586), and even more expensive than Rogue price ($735).

Those are just the price for the BCs by the way.

(Yes, I know, BC price here is crazily expensive)

 

[ElCarlos]

Wow, those are hefty prices. Here in Germany, the Zuma is sold from 280€ (300USD).

 

[Open Ocean Diver]

I have the Zuma, the compact looks identical other than Color and metal d-rings... Oh and price over $100more.

 

[SCUBAMrG]

How did you go? End up getting the Compact? I have the Compact for travel and the Dimension for week in / week out bubbles. Thinking of a move to XDeep Ghost or similar, but very much enjoy the Compact while on holidays. Never seem to see them or hear much about them.

 

[David Haas]

To my knowledge the ZUMA was discontinued and replaced by the HD PRO Compact which was only available in the orange accent colors.

HD Pro Compact is back mount while Aqualung HD Pro is a jacket style.

The only difference I've noticed on the HD Pro Compact other than color is some metal d-rings and maybe a different colored or whatever back pad.

I continue to dive my 5+ more year old ZUMA and love it. It's like wearing almost nothing

I hated Aqualung removing shoulder blade rear small pockets for distributing your weight like on heavier Balance and other back mounted models. I know the ZUMA was designed for warm water but I've used mine in all diving with a 5mm suit down to low 70s. I'm officially a warm water wimp these days LOL......

To add higher tank weight and not load the waist pockets with the allowable 10# each I put a spare tank strap with 4# - 6# weights threaded on up top. This balances me a bit better and might work if others need a bit more weight or don't like putting it all at the hips.

Aqualung sells pockets you can strap on the BCD tank band but I found this just keeps all the weight at my hips. My small amount of weight added higher works better a least for me,

Either way the ZUMA and now HD Pro Compact BCDs are fabulous to swim underwater with

David Haas

 

[jonhall]

Saw the date of first post was Mar. 16, 2022. I purchased a new Zuma in Nov. 2021 for $449 at my LDS. Contacted Aqualung and confirmed warranty registration on Mar. 28, 2022 - haven't had any problems - just wanted to be sure it was registered.) As mentioned earlier, the name seems to be the change (to Pro HD Compact), the price, for me, is now $549, the D-rings are metal, and the back pad is a different material (the Zuma had a mesh covering the back pad.) I really like my Zuma for lighter-weight travel.

Looks like the OP checked out after this thread.