Two specific questions about the Aqualung Zuma

[Diver0001]

@Dave Kay a DM is a "dive master". This is someone who assists in training and can guide dives. Most of the time on internet forums DM is used synonymously with "dive guide" although the role of a DM can be much broader.

A DSMB is an inflatable tube that can be inflated at depth as a "marker". DSMB stands for 'Delayed (or deployable) Surface Marker Buoy". Many divers call them a "blob" or a "safety sausage" (see picture).

 

[The Chairman]

DSMB stands for 'Delayed Surface Marker Buoy"

I always thought it was "deployable" and many divers call them sausages.

 

[Diver0001]

edited my post to include your feedback, Pete.

R..

 

[The Chairman]

I hadn't heard that term before... No harm no foul with it I guess... I think I like deployable better. It describes what it does.

 

[Umuntu]

I'm asking because I blundered across this little beauty when I was looking for a travel BCD (Ultralight Travel Plate). It looks like if you pair it with their WTX 30 or 40 single cylinder wing that you wouldn't need an STA and you put pockets on it then you could make something very similar to the Zuma but with dual cam bands and a proper harness.

The Apeks Wings are excellent. I have an Apeks WTX18 wing paired with an aluminium backplate and some generic trim pockets as a travel rig.

Although the prices of US suppliers look initially attractive, importing into Europe you have international courier charges, VAT and customs duty to pay. The Apeks and Mares Wings and backplates are far more price competitive here and are superb quality. You would likely qualify for instructor discounts too.

 

[Scott]

I used a Zuma, Zuma Pro actually, for a few years for warm water teaching and travel until I switched to bp&w. At your experience level you may be disappointed, Rob. The cylinder doesn't move a lot, but you can feel it at times and the upper band does an all right job of holding it.
What I struggled with was the lack of a second band. I needed more weight up top to trim out properly. I ended using another band with pockets, but not attached to the Zuma.
Not being able to easily un-thread the shoulder straps, it had me making some makeshift bungees to hold my lights.

I did like how compact it would fold up and light it was. Made for easy packing and traveling.
I'll second the Apex wing, Al plate with trim pockets.

 

[RayfromTX]

I used a Zuma, Zuma Pro actually, for a few years for warm water teaching and travel until I switched to bp&w. At your experience level you may be disappointed, Rob. The cylinder doesn't move a lot, but you can feel it at times and the upper band does an all right job of holding it.
What I struggled with was the lack of a second band. I needed more weight up top to trim out properly. I ended using another band with pockets, but not attached to the Zuma.
Not being able to easily un-thread the shoulder straps, it had me making some makeshift bungees to hold my lights.

I did like how compact it would fold up and light it was. Made for easy packing and traveling.
I'll second the Apex wing, Al plate with trim pockets.

That was my experience too.

 

[Lake Hickory Scuba]

In regards to the Soft Plate, Harness, and Wing System from the Mares XR Line, this is what I am currently using for international travel. I will be flying to Curaçao on December 16th for a week long Spearfishing trip, and this is the System I will be taking.

 

[Diver0001]

If I'm going with the wing option am I going to need a stabilizing adapter? I'm assuming I would or the tank would wobble, right?

R..

 

[Diver0001]

The Apeks Wings are excellent. I have an Apeks WTX18 wing paired with an aluminium backplate and some generic trim pockets as a travel rig.

Although the prices of US suppliers look initially attractive, importing into Europe you have international courier charges, VAT and customs duty to pay. The Apeks and Mares Wings and backplates are far more price competitive here and are superb quality. You would likely qualify for instructor discounts too.

This won't be a problem. The shop where I work is an Apeks dealer.

R..