travel bcd, aqualung zuma vs zeagle covert

[Mariner11]

Hi everybody,
these were the lightest bcds that i found. The zuma is a familiar form factor to a newbie diver like me but was wondering if you guys had any insight into one vs the other

thanks

 

[webcubus]

I've got a Zuma. I definitely like the expandable pocket and shoulder dump - I think I'd miss both of those things. A little extra weight carrying capacity is also good for me since I'm drysuit diving when I'm not in the tropics.

 

[JohnnyC]

Are you tied to a choice between those two, or are you simply looking for a lightweight travel BCD?

Do you have any specific requirements or desires in a BCD that would prevent someone from suggesting an alternative?

 

[Mariner11]

No I'm not only looking at those two , but since I'm a beginner I didn't think I would be able to handle the switch over to a bpw set up. One other bcd I did see was a "ghost" which is more of a bpw but is preassembled so that would be an option but I am open to suggestions .
Due to work time constraints I usually get out for 4 day weekends to the keys and so a travel bcd that let's me pack just a carryon is what I would prefer
thanks

 

[Altamira]

I love my very comfortable, light weight Covert, with integrated weight pockets, 3.9 pound total weight, and 32# lift bladder. I added a couple of things that made this bc work better for me: 2 Zeagle utility pockets to carry flashlight, safety equipment, and swapped out the top velcro tank strap for a standard cam band. I put weight pockets on the top band, and found I could not get the velcro cam strap tight enough to suit my preferences. The top cam band that comes with the bc is very useable as is, but I wanted a tighter band. Of course you can have the same features with perhaps more flexibiltiy with a bp/w, but I did not need the flexibility at my stage of life. I looked very carefully at the Zeagle Express Tech, but by the time I would have added the integrated weight pockets, the weight of the ET was slightly north of 7 pounds, which was going to mean 3 extra pounds in my suitcase that I did not want. I found that there are a lot of bc choices out there, and making a decision without being able to rent the bcs that interest you, is difficult.

As a side note, if you decide on something available from Leisure Pro, give them a call, and you might be pleasantly surprised with a lowered price from what is shown on the website. I have found them very "user friendly".

 

[Centrals]

A travel bc should be devoided of gadgetry ie. plain and simple. A simple weight belt beats any integrated weight system any time.
Bring your own SS buckle if you do not fancy plastic one supplied by some operators.

 

[RJP]

No I'm not only looking at those two , but since I'm a beginner I didn't think I would be able to handle the switch over to a bpw set up.

Setting aside the discussion (debate? argument?) over whether or not a BP/W is a better choice... there is no reason that you shouldn't "be able to handle the switch" to one. I've used them from day 1 with open water students with zero issues - you don't get more "beginner" than pool dive #1.

 

[webcubus]

A travel bc should be devoided of gadgetry ie. plain and simple. A simple weight belt beats any integrated weight system any time.
Bring your own SS buckle if you do not fancy plastic one supplied by some operators.

In your opinion.

In my opinion, integrated weights are very convenient, particularly for repeat dives or boats where you remove your gear before climbing back aboard - one less thing to deal with.

 

[tbone1004]

get a deep sea supply kydex rig, and then if you want some weight pockets for weight, buy the generic ones that can slide onto the waist belt. Will be a little bit more expensive ~$100 with the weight pockets, but you'll be in a much better rig that will actually last a lifetime

 

[Altamira]

A travel bc should be devoided of gadgetry ie. plain and simple. A simple weight belt beats any integrated weight system any time.
Bring your own SS buckle if you do not fancy plastic one supplied by some operators.

This is the kind of dumb statement that comes from opinionated/myopic thinking that demonstrates a failure to appreciate the fact that there is not one hobby accessory in this world that is best for everybody in every circumstance. That is especially true for scuba gear. While you might love your weight belt, as I did back in the mid 60s (since that's all there was then), there are a lot of divers that hate them for a wide variety of reasons including back issues, body shape, preference for supporting the weight with the shoulders instead of the hips, and to have the flexibility to dump all or partial weight. You have a lot of good comments on SB, but please try to be a little less dogmatic.