ScubaLab: BCs - Aqua Lung Zuma

Specifications

Style	Back Buoyancy
Warranty	Two Years
Size/Buoyant Lift (in lbs.)	XXS/XS-22, S/M-22, ML/L-34, XL/XXL-34
Integrated-Weight System	Yes
Dry Weight	4 lbs., 11 oz. (Size ML/L)
Price	$395
www.aqualung.com

Features:

• 600-denier nylon construction
• Lightweight and foldable
• Unique tank band design
• Upgraded SureLock II integrated weight system
• Open-cell foam padding in shoulders, back and lumbar areas
• Sternum-strap rail system with 14 adjustment points

Performance:

In the water you’d never guess the Zuma was a soft backpack BC. Its unique tank-security system — with a standard band positioned low on the tank and a smaller strap weaved around the valve — locks the cylinder in solidly without a hint of wobble. This not only makes the Zuma comfortable to wear, it contributes to its excellent stability at depth. “It’s virtually molded to your frame,” said one test diver. “No bulk, no wobble.” Testers found that the low-pro power inflator’s inflate/deflate buttons allowed for pinpoint buoyancy control. The SureLock II weight system also worked like a charm. Weight pouches — positioned well forward — self-align on a rail system, making them very easy to load when wearing the BC. Aqua Lung ratcheted up the system’s security by increasing the pull force required to release the pouches, but test divers found they still ditched easily. The BC comes with a very usable fold-down cargo pocket, four plastic D-rings for clipping extra gear and grommets for attaching a knife.

Bottom Line:

The Zuma was this year’s runaway favorite BC in the Travel category. It not only earned the first place spot on every test diver’s favorites list, but it also turned in the best ergo scores.