Travel BCD advice - Cressi Air Travel - Aqualung Zuma - Aeris Jet Pack

[ibmerlin]

We are planning a few dive trips this coming year and I am in the market for a travel BCD. I have narrowed it down to these three. I really like the idea behind the Jet pack but there are few reviews on this model and the cost is higher than the other two. Also i worry that having the bdc exposed as a carry on might invite theft. I know it is intended as a carry on but on some small island hopper flights all luggage must be stowed. I have seen many good reviews on the Air Travel but a few questioned the craftsmanship. Does anyone have this BCD? how small does it fold down to? can it be stored in a carry on? The Zuma is the cheapest of the three around 350$ at our LDS. also wondering how small it rolls up to and its durability.

Anyone have one of these? any thoughts on the three?

Thank you in advance
Merlin

 

[OCTAC]

Oceanic IslanderII

 

[kerrycorcoran]

Maybe I'm missing the whole marketing blitz, but any BCD can be used on travel. Some are smaller and may fold a little better, but overall the difference, in my opinion, between regular BCD's and "Travel" BCD is very minimal. All things considered, size, packing and weight, I just don't see the point. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Scubanoobi]

I have a travel BCD (scubapro geo) and a standard back inflate bc, i really want to have just one BCD but there are times when the three pounds of weight difference makes a difference. When I can I bring my standard bc, otherwise I'll take the travel one. There isn't much difference underwater.

 

[RJP]

People who try/buy these two seem to like them:

Halcyon Traveler:
Halcyon Traveler Bc system *Buy Halcyon at DIVESEEKERS.com 888-SCUBA-47

DiveRite TravelPac:
Dive Rite Travel Pac T4000 *Buy Dive Rite at DIVESEEKERS.com 888-SCUBA-47

The DiveRite is less expensive, and packs smaller/flatter.

As to the Aeris Jetpack? To me it sounds like a good idea... sort of like one of those Boy Scout knives that's also a spoon, and a shovel, and a flashlight...

A bit "Rube Goldberg" if you ask me...

Aeris Jetpack - YouTube

 

[halocline]

Also i worry that having the bdc exposed as a carry on might invite theft. I know it is intended as a carry on but on some small island hopper flights all luggage must be stowed.

I wouldn't worry too much about theft, unless it's jewel encrusted or made with 100 dollar bills. I also wouldn't spend any money on a slightly lighter 'travel' BC if you already have a BC you like. Ironically, less is more with BCs (in my opinion) and so if the travel models are stripped down versions, they might be a little better to dive with anyway.

When I travel, I check all my dive gear including a backplate, complete extra regulator set, and 2 or 3 lights, and a week's clothes and toiletries, in one duffle bag and it has never weighed more than 45 lbs. I just don't get the idea of 'travel' scuba gear.

 

[Nemrod]

The Zuma is by far smaller and lighter than any other BC (or BP/wing) I have touched. It will roll up no bigger than a t-shirt.

Some of these are strictly travel BCs, they are not meant to be a general purpose BC. The Zuma in particular is for exactly what the little advertisement showed, a pretty girl (or I assume handsome guy -which rules me out) running down a tropical beach into the water in their swimsuit.

If you are intending diving a 5mm full suit and 30 pounds of lead, do not get a Zuma. My wife find hers fine with her 3/2 full suit. Any more than that and you (she) needs a different BC (which she has three to select from).

Durability, the Zuma is really light, so far so good. It could use a little more beef even if it added a skosh of bulk.

I just don't get the idea of 'travel' scuba gear.

I do.

N

 

[ibmerlin]

Kerrycorcoran-
I normally dive with a zeagle ranger and dry suit. Not really Caribbean attire. I love the Ranger but its about as far from a travel BCD that you can get. This spring we are heading to Belize for 10 days, 5 inland in the jungle and then 5 on the coast. I dont want to drag a bunch of extra dive bags and luggage around with us. If I can find equipment that can fit into my carry on i might be able to get it down to a small backpack and a carry on. At least that is what i am hoping for.

 

[Nemrod]

Kerrycorcoran-
I normally dive with a zeagle ranger and dry suit. Not really Caribbean attire. I love the Ranger but its about as far from a travel BCD that you can get. This spring we are heading to Belize for 10 days, 5 inland in the jungle and then 5 on the coast. I dont want to drag a bunch of extra dive bags and luggage around with us. If I can find equipment that can fit into my carry on i might be able to get it down to a small backpack and a carry on. At least that is what i am hoping for.

Get those new Aeris Accel fins also. Super light and carry on size and very decent power.

N

 

[uncfnp]

I know it's not on your list but the Oceanic Islander really is a great BCD. I can easily get it, my reg set, mask, snorkel, boots, short fins, wetsuit and other small paraphernalia tucked about, all into a carryon duffle.