travel wings or zuma?

[afdiver]

hey, about to head to the galapagos for 5 weeks for some a diving extravaganza - and i am super last minute purchasing equipment and I am flip flopping between buying the zuma bcd or a set of travel wings. has anyone had experience with both or feels strongly about one versus the other? thanks!

 

[SlvrDragon50]

Travel wings.

Allows you to pursue doubles still and you can keep larger wings for at home.

 

[Scott]

Since I already had a plate and harness I opted for a travel wing.

I've tried the Zuma in the pool and it dives pretty well. I wouldn't want it for anything other than very warm water.

You can probably find a BP&W for the same cost as a Zuma ($350?) and the BP&W will be more robust, versatile and they make you look good on the boat.

 

[orenbvip]

Zeagle express tech!

 

[sansky]

hey, about to head to the galapagos for 5 weeks for some a diving extravaganza - and i am super last minute purchasing equipment and I am flip flopping between buying the zuma bcd or a set of travel wings. has anyone had experience with both or feels strongly about one versus the other? thanks!

It sounds like you are a fairly new diver since you are just now purchasing gear. Why would you want a back inflate? Unless you are going to be a technical diver and need the extra lift or ability to dive with doubles - back inflate BCs tend to force you face down towards the water when you are on the surface.

I have been to the Galapagos twice on the Aggressor. There were times when we were on the surface for awhile waiting on the dingy/panga to come get us.

I dive with the Oceanic Probe (on my second one actually). I am rebreather certified, advanced nitrox, solo diver and have made over 3500 dives and I swear by a comfortable, front adjustable BC!

We also dive in the Dry Tortugas for lobster and on every dive everyone goes different directions and the big boat (Ultimate Getaway) picks everyone up wherever they come up - I have been on the surface for as long as 45 minutes and I sure wouldn't want to do that in a back inflate.

We also own a dive shop and would never put a new diver in a back inflate.

... just my 2 cents worth ... diving in the Galapagos can be extreme, so whatever you choose, be sure you are comfortable with it.

Have a great time!!!

 

[scubamama5]

Just today I ordered my own ZUMA..have wanted it since seeing it. Not likeing the color shoice tho...I like straight Black
I use Jacket style B/C's in the pool...(cause my students do...unless they have their own of course)
I wear my good stuff out at sea....Tried the Libra (it's the womens version of the Balance) for me..it was uncomfortable...am comparing my Diva LXT (back inflate..does wrap around..and is discontinued..the Pearl is the next best...
I do have a harness, fitted just right..with dble bladder wings for my doubles..even have a bracket to switch into a single...if I want..(the set is kinda heav..and a bit extreme for reef dives... I'm in warm water..(86* at Looe Key Reef today)
On the surface..I have to wait awhile.. for students to get off the boat...I like to just lean back and rest on my wings...as a new diver..wings can be a surprise....you don't "BOB" vertical .. and fighting to stay upright will take too much energy .With wings, if you don't lean back (like being in an easy chair)...your face goes under
A pleasant surprise?..or too much work..stressful? ...everybody's different..deeper, cold...warm water? Local diving? Travel divin'?
I know 3 divers that got the Zuma..they like it.
That's why I ordered mine today....

 

[SangP]

It sounds like you are a fairly new diver since you are just now purchasing gear. Why would you want a back inflate? Unless you are going to be a technical diver and need the extra lift or ability to dive with doubles - back inflate BCs tend to force you face down towards the water when you are on the surface.

I have been to the Galapagos twice on the Aggressor. There were times when we were on the surface for awhile waiting on the dingy/panga to come get us.

I dive with the Oceanic Probe (on my second one actually). I am rebreather certified, advanced nitrox, solo diver and have made over 3500 dives and I swear by a comfortable, front adjustable BC!

We also dive in the Dry Tortugas for lobster and on every dive everyone goes different directions and the big boat (Ultimate Getaway) picks everyone up wherever they come up - I have been on the surface for as long as 45 minutes and I sure wouldn't want to do that in a back inflate.

We also own a dive shop and would never put a new diver in a back inflate.

... just my 2 cents worth ... diving in the Galapagos can be extreme, so whatever you choose, be sure you are comfortable with it.

Have a great time!!!

I'm IANTD tech trained, advance nitrox & deep air and I have the opposite view. A bcd is a very individual item where fit matters!

Being fairly thin n lanky, I have never found a jacket that fit well from the awful cumber bands, the loose fit underwater to the feeling on the surface like that of the Michelin tyreman.

I much prefer a back inflate or bp/w with a wide, soft crouch strap. This is much more secure and stable for me with the great advantage of an uncluttered chest.

The myth of a back inflate or bp pushing you face forward is just that... a myth.

Properly used with the correct amount of gas, a back inflate WON'T face plant you.

For long surface waits, I'll just flop on my back, cover my eyes and float like a sea otter... bliss.

SangP

 

[SangP]

hey, about to head to the galapagos for 5 weeks for some a diving extravaganza - and i am super last minute purchasing equipment and I am flip flopping between buying the zuma bcd or a set of travel wings. has anyone had experience with both or feels strongly about one versus the other? thanks!

If you prefer a light weight back inflate, have you considered these other bcds?

1. Scubapro litehawk/seahawk
Buoyancy compensators - SCUBAPRO-UWATEC

2. Zeagle express tech w/ 35 lbs wing

3. Dive rite TravelPac BC
TravelPac BC by Dive Rite - Dive Gear Express

4. or the modular transpac
TransPac Harness by Dive Rite - Dive Gear Express

SangP

 

[scubafanatic]

hey, about to head to the galapagos for 5 weeks for some a diving extravaganza - and i am super last minute purchasing equipment and I am flip flopping between buying the zuma bcd or a set of travel wings. has anyone had experience with both or feels strongly about one versus the other? thanks!

....5 whole weeks diving in the Galapagos, an advanced dive site, yet you own no significant dive gear (ie. regs or BC) and know little of even what dive gear you want/need ???

 

[ronscuba]

The myth of a back inflate or bp pushing you face forward is just that... a myth.

Properly used with the correct amount of gas, a back inflate WON'T face plant you.

For long surface waits, I'll just flop on my back, cover my eyes and float like a sea otter... bliss.

SangP

Not so fast. Not all back inflates are alike. The location of the weight pockets, the type of wing, a crotch strap or lack of, will affect whether or not you get pushed face forward.