skatingforums

I put a post on the Uk skating forum too but didn't get much replies  :P

I have a zuca bag and love it, but take loads of unneccessary junk to the rink with me in it teehee...

...just wondering what the rest of you take in your zuca bags (or holdalls/suitcase bags) just the neccessary things or random things as well? How do you pack them, coz I have literally no space in mine (big feet means big skates take up all the room)
And those who have one, what do you think of them, good things, bad things?

I love my Zuca bag, but it does have shortcomings.  Because I also have big feet, my skates take up a lot of room....I place them heels down, blades to the back in order for them to fit better. This leaves room for my "soft bag" I can stuff inside (containing clothes, jacket, etc).  I found the top too hard and the "cushions" not soft enough so I obtained a squishy gardening cushion (square), covered it to match my bag, and put it on top. I hold it in place with a large velcro strap that I can also use to hold another bag on the top.

I find I stuff too much in the side pockets, and the netting tends to rip from the elastic. If I had time, I'd modify and replace it with collapsing side pockets that have an overflap, which would also protect that stuff from the elements. I'd worry about stuffing too much stuff, though, because sometimes my Zuca looks like a pregnant guppy!!!!  :o

Once, I had my skates, my son's hockey skates, and two sets of skating clothes (including jackets) stuffed inside....I had to lay it on it's back and really cram it all in but it held!

I love my zuca! I've had it for about 3 1/2 years now and it's held up great - same insert even because I'm too cheap to buy a new one. The only issue I've had is the mesh side pockets get holes in them - they probably get kicked with toepicks in crowded lockerrooms plus where I put my skates on at the rink tends to get crowded. I just take some embroidery thread and sew them back up, works just fine.
My skates do take up a lot of room but I can still fit other stuff in there. I love the little tiny pockets for punchcards, checks, car keys and hairclips. I probably have 50 pairs of gloves in the side pockets plus my knee pad, tissues and my bungas. Inside is for my skates, guards, skating "socks", mittens for winters, a couple towels to dry my blades and anything else that ends up there...I keep CDs in the side zipper pockets. I'm thinking it's probably time to clean it out since I can't find anything and honestly, I only use about 5% of that stuff on a regular basis....

I really really love that it's a seat - afternoon sessions at my rink get crowded and between parents and skaters, the warmroom runs out of chairs. Plus, it's the perfect height to have someone sit on and do hair at competitions where the locker room only has benches around the wall.

They aren't considered "cool" anymore by the 13-16 year old set - they've switched to fancy little rolling suitcases at least at the competitions I've been to over the past year (Liberty, South Atlantics). I'm not really cool anyway so I'll stick to my trusty zuca! I use a backback at school because I bike to skating but I love having the wheels at home - plus, the lights help me get safely to my car at 5am!

Makes you think how johnny weir managed to fit everything in there when he promoted zuca. Or is there a large size?

Makes you think how johnny weir managed to fit everything in there when he promoted zuca. Or is there a large size?

Quote from: jjane45 on June 25, 2011, 02:17:05 PM
Makes you think how johnny weir managed to fit everything in there when he promoted zuca. Or is there a large size?

I didn't know Johnny Weir promoted zucas..i've watched 'Be Good Johnny Weir' but i've never actually seen him using a zuca himself :P

Quote from: skatingpasty on June 25, 2011, 02:56:04 PM
I didn't know Johnny Weir promoted zucas..i've watched 'Be Good Johnny Weir' but i've never actually seen him using a zuca himself :P

I never saw him use one either, when he skated at The Pond....(he actually used a rather plain black rolling suitcase).

But promoting one and using one are two different things.

Quote from: CaraSkates on June 25, 2011, 12:21:53 PM
They aren't considered "cool" anymore by the 13-16 year old set - they've switched to fancy little rolling suitcases at least at the competitions I've been to over the past year (Liberty, South Atlantics). I'm not really cool anyway so I'll stick to my trusty zuca! I use a backback at school because I bike to skating but I love having the wheels at home - plus, the lights help me get safely to my car at 5am!

I know what you mean, there's only a few girls around my age who use the zucas and they all have the more let's say "mature" inserts - I have the 'pigs can fly' insert haha how childish :) I'm nearlly 16
Yeah everyones bringing little suitcases/wheeled duffel bags now, even the little kiddies are using them - their parents must freak at the price of a zuca and find an 'alternative'

Quote from: Skate@Delaware on June 25, 2011, 02:57:35 PM
I never saw him use one either, when he skated at The Pond....(he actually used a rather plain black rolling suitcase).

But promoting one and using one are two different things.

Yeah I know...just thought he might have been one of the few male skaters who used one (i've only seen girl skaters use them)
I think he used a green suitcase to take his stuff in - well on BGJW he did

Quote from: skatingpasty on June 25, 2011, 03:19:05 PM
Yeah I know...just thought he might have been one of the few male skaters who used one (i've only seen girl skaters use them)
I think he used a green suitcase to take his stuff in - well on BGJW he did

it was probably a big upgrade from his black case---that one was really beat up!

I have thought about using a suitcase, but I've been in situations where there are NO SEATS to be found at my rink (smart management removed 30% of the seating in the lobby)...so we sit on our bags. I saw another bag online (somewhere...) that was similar to the Zuca, but had some improvements; not only could you sit on it, the front opened up and lay like a carpet so you'd have a larger "clean" space to put your skates on. I don't think it was as heavy, either.

Quote from: skatingpasty on June 25, 2011, 03:09:47 PM
I know what you mean, there's only a few girls around my age who use the zucas and they all have the more let's say "mature" inserts - I have the 'pigs can fly' insert haha how childish :) I'm nearlly 16
Yeah everyones bringing little suitcases/wheeled duffel bags now, even the little kiddies are using them - their parents must freak at the price of a zuca and find an 'alternative'

Mine is just plain green - I have a sparkly pin on the front though. The littles at my rink still all have Zucas (the 7-12 group loves them!). We even have one boy with a Zuca and I know another who used to have one but has switched to a duffle now that he is 18. We still have a couple teens/young adults with them...probably 4 or 5 of the 15-20 year old set. I don't really care what any one else thinks, so I'll use mine till it falls apart and then find something new.

Quote from: Skate@Delaware on June 25, 2011, 03:28:50 PM
I have thought about using a suitcase, but I've been in situations where there are NO SEATS to be found at my rink (smart management removed 30% of the seating in the lobby)...so we sit on our bags. I saw another bag online (somewhere...) that was similar to the Zuca, but had some improvements; not only could you sit on it, the front opened up and lay like a carpet so you'd have a larger "clean" space to put your skates on. I don't think it was as heavy, either.

Wow that actually sounds better than a zuca!! Do you happen to remember what is was called, i'm interested now :)
There's nowhere to sit at our rink - well there is as it's a hockey rink as well, but we have to change/put skates on in the lobby area where, you guessed, there's just the cold floor to sit on.
One of the adult male skaters at the rink who I was talking to said 'i've never actually seen the point of bags you can sit on, until now'

Quote from: CaraSkates on June 25, 2011, 04:01:27 PM
Mine is just plain green - I have a sparkly pin on the front though. The littles at my rink still all have Zucas (the 7-12 group loves them!). We even have one boy with a Zuca and I know another who used to have one but has switched to a duffle now that he is 18. We still have a couple teens/young adults with them...probably 4 or 5 of the 15-20 year old set. I don't really care what any one else thinks, so I'll use mine till it falls apart and then find something new.

I don't think i've seen a boy at our rink with a zuca, I think coz the rink shop tends to just advertise the bright pink frames and brightly coloured inserts - not very appealing to young male skaters I reckon.
I have the black frame with my insert (probably one of the few people who has, everyones got pink!)

There's sooo many little 5 year olds at our rink with the zuca bags - and of course the plush keyrings covering every zipper on the bag! There are a few older ones with them though, it's just cute to see little kids pulling zucas that are only like a ft smaller than them :P

There's always this (http://www.magellans.com/store/Luggage___Luggage___Wheeled_LuggageLC299). The handle gives you someplace to hang your jacket or layout a costume at a competition. Just don't let your parents see the price tag. But if you ever fly through Narita airport, you'll have someplace to sit.

The bag you're referencing with all of the "neat" components might be the one made by Grit; it's a Canadian company, and they started making hockey bags.  Here's the link. The Grit hockey towers have taken over the market for hockey players ... everyone uses them - b/c they are practical, sturdy and well made. I really like them - but, frankly, my DD loves using her LuLuLemon bag: it's pretty, practical, holds her skates and everything - and she doesn't like the wheelie bag b/c they are awkward to haul around behind her. And, yes, they are a "little girl" phenomenon in our area.

I don't care for Zuca's.  I especially don't like it when the little girls sit on the things and race each other up and down the arena screaming at the top of their lungs.

http://www.gritinc.net/skate22.html

can't find weir's blog entry now, it was about him sitting on his zuca while people around him had to stand. about 2 years ago maybe.

Quote from: Skate@Delaware on June 25, 2011, 02:57:35 PM
I never saw him use one either, when he skated at The Pond....(he actually used a rather plain black rolling suitcase).

But promoting one and using one are two different things.

Quote from: Sk8tmum on June 25, 2011, 08:48:24 PM
The bag you're referencing with all of the "neat" components might be the one made by Grit; it's a Canadian company, and they started making hockey bags.  Here's the link. The Grit hockey towers have taken over the market for hockey players ... everyone uses them - b/c they are practical, sturdy and well made. I really like them - but, frankly, my DD loves using her LuLuLemon bag: it's pretty, practical, holds her skates and everything - and she doesn't like the wheelie bag b/c they are awkward to haul around behind her. And, yes, they are a "little girl" phenomenon in our area.

I don't care for Zuca's.  I especially don't like it when the little girls sit on the things and race each other up and down the arena screaming at the top of their lungs.

http://www.gritinc.net/skate22.html

They look so cool, an a lot more organised and spacious than a zuca. Probably expensive though I reckon?
I think if I got one and took it to the rink everyone would eventually ditch zucas and go for these - especially since they're really only there as a fashion statement or to give you a "figure skating look".

When my zuca bag eventually dies (which I hope not too soon - one of the little feet at the bottom has already bend inswards slightly) i'll probably get one of these :)

The bags are listed in Canada at $139 for the medium and $149 for the large; the garment bags that zip onto them are $19.99. So, don't know what your pricing is for Zucas, but, it's higher than the prices on these things.

http://www.skatingboutique.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=5_480

Quote from: Sk8tmum on June 26, 2011, 07:41:10 AM
The bags are listed in Canada at $139 for the medium and $149 for the large; the garment bags that zip onto them are $19.99. So, don't know what your pricing is for Zucas, but, it's higher than the prices on these things.

http://www.skatingboutique.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=5_480

Still quite pricey but probably worth it in the long run, I paid £132 ($210.79) for my zuca at the rinks shop plus £19.95 ($31.85) for the seat cover...total of £151.95 ($242.57) for the zuca
For the grit it'll probably come to.. $168.99 (£105.86)  providing i get the large bag and garment bag
...so its much cheaper :)

Can the Grit bag fly as carry on?  That would be important to me.

I used a backpack style skate bag for years, and really liked it, but it gets too heavy to carry around at competitions so I switched to a Zuca.  I once used cheap rolling suitcases, but they didn't hold up and the Zuca's been doing a great job in that respect.  I like that I can sit on it.  I do wish it was roomier, but it was very useful to be able to fly with it as a carry on.

Quote from: Clarice on June 26, 2011, 08:42:22 AM
Can the Grit bag fly as carry on?  That would be important to me.

I used a backpack style skate bag for years, and really liked it, but it gets too heavy to carry around at competitions so I switched to a Zuca.  I once used cheap rolling suitcases, but they didn't hold up and the Zuca's been doing a great job in that respect.  I like that I can sit on it.  I do wish it was roomier, but it was very useful to be able to fly with it as a carry on.

Is it the zuca sport you have? I heard that most planes don't allow them as carry ons as the wheels are too big to fit. Not sure about the grits, I think the smaller bag might as it's not that big but not sure about the larger one?

I like that I can sit on it too...having to travel to the rink by public transport really takes its toll, especially when there's no seats left on the train - yey i have my own little seat (although i do get some rather odd looks from other passengers..probably just jealous as they have to stand :))

Of all the places I've skated at (including adult skate camps), I've only seen one adult with a zuca bag. It seems to be a little girl/teenager thing.

Quote from: skatingpasty on June 26, 2011, 08:33:11 AM
Still quite pricey but probably worth it in the long run, I paid £132 ($210.79) for my zuca at the rinks shop plus £19.95 ($31.85) for the seat cover...total of £151.95 ($242.57) for the zuca
For the grit it'll probably come to.. $168.99 (£105.86)  providing i get the large bag and garment bag
...so its much cheaper :)

The zuca is not that expensive in the US...depending on the bag you get. Rainbow for example sells the frame for $105 and the bags range from $30 to $50.

The one US website I found with the grit bag so far had the small one at $150...so it is about the same.

Lots of skaters at our rink have zucas, little kids, teens, and adults. I still just use a back pack. But I kind of want one. It's not in the budget though. I just got new skates.

They Heys bags seem to be becoming popular among the more adult wheelie set.  They are sturdy; some can be used a carryons - and they protect the contents because of the hard shell.  They also have neat patterns on some of them.  Plus, if the airlines decides that you can't carryon your skates - which I have heard happen - the bags can be checked through and they will be safe in their hard plastic shell.

Our coach was quite directive about Zucas when they came out: she ranted on two topics: the cost (better spent on skates or lessons) and that the skates were just jumbled in with other stuff thrown on top.  As a result, neither of my kids ever asked for one when they were of an age when Zucas were used; now, in their teens, they would be highly unusual if they did have one. 

Quote from: Sk8tmum on June 26, 2011, 10:59:27 AM
They Heys bags seem to be becoming popular among the more adult wheelie set.  They are sturdy; some can be used a carryons - and they protect the contents because of the hard shell.  They also have neat patterns on some of them.  Plus, if the airlines decides that you can't carryon your skates - which I have heard happen - the bags can be checked through and they will be safe in their hard plastic shell.

Our coach was quite directive about Zucas when they came out: she ranted on two topics: the cost (better spent on skates or lessons) and that the skates were just jumbled in with other stuff thrown on top.  As a result, neither of my kids ever asked for one when they were of an age when Zucas were used; now, in their teens, they would be highly unusual if they did have one. 

I guess they'd be good for competitions and such abroad - I would hate to put my zuca in the hold, it would get bashed about to bits and my skates probably damaged :P
A lot of adults at our rink use the little suitcases - they're quite cute actually the little coloured ones.

I've heard of a few coaches complaining about the zucas - yes our rink shop does advertise and sell them but i've heard of coaches going against them for the same reason.
Paying £132 ($210) for a bag which could be used on 6 one-hour private lessons with your coach. I can see why they aren't the coaches favourite, I haven't seen a coach at our rink with one.

Yeah- the jumble of stuff in the Zuca bag does seem to be a design flaw.  Of course, my backpack is a jumble of stuff, but the thing cost me $30 and was used as a book bag for 8 years first!  

I'm going to look into the Grit bag, as it seems to be designed to actually have stuff go in a certain place a little better.
I don't really like the "carpet"-  I think one of Zuca's design changes was that it used to have the door fall open, but they changed it so that it would open sideways.     It also doesn't look big enough to sit on, but someone said you could...will have to check it out further.

Quote from: skatingpasty on June 26, 2011, 10:41:03 AM
Is it the zuca sport you have? I heard that most planes don't allow them as carry ons as the wheels are too big to fit. Not sure about the grits, I think the smaller bag might as it's not that big but not sure about the larger one?

Yes, I think so - it's the one normally carried by skate shops, anyway.  I flew with it to US Adult Nationals this year, and it was accepted as carry on - I measured to be sure.  If I remember right, the wheels were a little wider than the width allowment, but this airline defined carry on as either x height, y width, z depth, or all measurements added up together had to be less than x inches.  It fit by the 2nd definition.  As it was, this plane didn't allow anybody to actually bring the carry ons into the cabin - they were taken away from us as we boarded and loaded in with the rest of the baggage.  When we landed, we got the carry ons back as we left the plane, and then had to go pick up our other bags as usual.  I hadn't flown in 20 years, so I don't know how typical my experience was.

At Nationals, quite a few adults had Zucas, and it's pretty common where I am.  As I said earlier, the big advantage for me is not having to carry it, and it's a lot more durable than my past rolling suitcases.  I'll check out the Heys bags for next time and see whether I like that better.

I don't have an issue with stuff being jumbled up.  I put my skates in the main compartment, along with my Bungas and socks.  My gloves and dance skirt go in the mesh pocket at the top.  My test book goes in the big pocket inside the door, my towels and rinkside carryall in one mesh outside pocket and my CD case in the other.  My guards get tucked in the back.  All the other little pockets hold various small things like extra laces, screwdriver, bandaids, etc.  I can cram my jacket in, but don't usually do that.  My old backpack had a little more room to stuff clothes in, but things were more jumbled up inside it.

I guess you got lucky with the carry-on, I wouldn't risk putting my zuca through with the rest of the baggage - probably get lost or stolen :( At least you know who's handling it and are certain it's gonna be safe when you have it as carry-on :P

I try to keep my zuca as organised as possible but as it was not originally designed as a skate bag it's not so easy to keep in order.
I have my skates in the main compartment (my hoodie is folded up on the floorpiece, and i put my skates on top of that)
In the door bit I have a 2 halves of a car sponge (which I use as padding for my knees when I do jumps) and little kitchen sponges which I put in my socks to prevent blisters. I have a little first aid kit (bandaids, paracetamol, gel blister pads etc.) in the top pocket on the door and many pairs of nylon socks in the bottom pocket.
In the mesh 'shelf' thing at the top I keep a little towel, hairbrush, gloves (about 4 pairs :P)
In one ouside pocket I keep my guards, a notebook/pen and a tea towel to dry skates
In the other outside pocket I keep deodorant, water bottle, snack, ipod
I keep my money in one of the really little pockets on the outside (it has about 3 plush keyrings hanging from it :D)
I don't tend to keep anything in the outside mesh pockets as I travel to the rink on public transport i'm afraid stuff with fall out :P

I love not having to carry the zuca, my old skate bag gave me bad shoulder pain (I did stuff a lot of stuff into it :P) the only bad thing is trying to get the zuca on and off buses and trains...bit of a hassle

Another thing, I thought the zuca wheels were meant to mean you could wheel your zuca around quietly...you can hear me miles away with mine it's so noisy on normal paths :P

Quote from: Skittl1321 on June 26, 2011, 11:30:06 AM
I don't really like the "carpet"-  I think one of Zuca's design changes was that it used to have the door fall open, but they changed it so that it would open sideways.     It also doesn't look big enough to sit on, but someone said you could...will have to check it out further.

I don't mind the carpet but it would be handy if you could sit on the bag...what's the point in having a carpet for your feet when you have to sit on the floor to tie your skates? :P
I saw the old zucas with the old doors, I prefer the modern ones that open like a door, it would have just gotten really dirty if I had one like that :P

The custom-made skates that go in our backpack bag cost $1,700 a pair, including blades.  There is no way that they are going to be put in anything that doesn't wrap them in soft-cozy, well protected breathable comfort  88) 88) 88) - and the skate guards get tucked into a seperate pocket so no nasty, gritty unpleasant stuff gets into them that could wreck the sharpening or the $700 blades. 

All that goes inside the bag is skates and a chamois, and deodorizer ball. Guards, spare laces, and screwdriver for emergency repairs are in a side zip pocket. UltraCrash gel pads are zipped into another side pocket. Price, with monogram:  $75, Lord Bless LL Bean! Includes ergonomic padded shoulder straps, and waist belt if necessary ... but, it's not too heavy as there isn't too much in it. Definitely carry-on sized.

Skating clothes, if necessary for changing into, are carried in an UnderArmour gym bag with the running shoes, water bottle and warmup clothes used for pre-skate warmup. Said gym bag also goes to the gym on the way to or from skating - meaning that we don't have to off-load skates.  Price $39.99

Our less expensive pair of skates ($1,200) are in a nice LuLuLemon gym bag with a bottom zippered compartment that holds skating pants and tights. Guards slide into an inner pocket with the chamois. Outside water bottle pocket holds water bottle.  All in price:  $79 on sale (Yay!!!), and seriously trendy in our area, and doubles for an overnight bag for travelling.

When it comes to competitions, all of the attire is carried in a seperate dress bag ...

The carpet, IIRC, is designed so that you sit on a bench, then, with the bag placed in front of you, the carpet extended, you place your skates on them to lace them up. I don't think you are supposed to sit on the carpet thingee itself - ! 

oooh expensive skates, you'll definetely want to protect them. I wouldn't risk putting skates that valuable into the hold, oh no :P

Is it not a pain to be carrying two bags around, I myself prefer the wheeled bags, if I didn't have a zuca it would probably be a wheeled duffel or something. I've had a look at the LuluLemon bags and they're really pretty, I haven't seen anyone at our rink with them though as I think they're more designed for yoga am I right?

Haha I know, I just think the carpet thing would be a bit pointless if your rink didn't have seats. Unless you tied your skates standing up :P

I looked at the LL Bean bag, but I carry a lot more than just my skates, and don't want two bags.

I thought about getting a rolled bag a few years ago, but I used to bike to skating a lot- the backpack was handy for that.

The Zuca does have a cover that goes on it if you have to check it (Clarice, I think you got lucky- even Zuca says it is not meant for a carryon- just the "pro" which is a lot more expensive).  I think they are pretty hardy...I wouldn't worry about checking it anymore than I normally worry when I check my skates.

Around here the planes are too small for carry-ons, so everything is gate checked. I don't think that luggage is treated with anymore TLC than regular checked luggage, it's just placed on the plane last and moved out gateside for you to pick up.  

Looking at the Grit further, it doesn't look like it would work for me.  The "sit on" is the main part I like about the Zuca.  Without that, either of them are just expensive suitcases. (The hard-shell one someone else mentioned also just looked like a suitcase...anything that makes it a skate bag, other than marketing? It's also $150...that seems to be the designated fancy skate bag price point...)

Skate bags are as personal as boots. Everyone has different needs. Pockets or no pockets. Enough space for a jacket, or just enough space for the boots. I've tried three or four over the years and for local use I keep going back to a beat up old simple gym bag with pockets on the ends. When I take my skates on travel I take an underseat Victorinox roller bag.

Yeah I agree, there's skaters at our rink who just take with them a normal skate bag (like a risport one) which probably holds skates, guards, soakers and that's about it.
but when i'm travelling 1 1/2 hours to the rink for a 2 hour practise I like to bring a bit more than just that :)

Skittl1321 - I know what you mean, even though the zuca looks cool and that if you couldn't sit on it I wouldn't have bothered buying on. Sitting on its one of the best things about it, when there's no seats on the train I'm already equipped (i get a few strange looks from people but they're probably just jealous teehee)

I used to ride to the train station on my bike but since i got my zuca it's pretty much made that impossible. So it's a 15min walk to the station which would have taken about 5mins on the bike...they should have like a strap for them, although I think the metal frame would be awkward to carry :P

I wonder if this would work:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000G1KTMM/joshgarcia-20/

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41BEQEYG7QL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)

$30 and you can sit on it, plus you can fold it up when not in use.

(All those spiral patterns on the Grits make them pretty girlie too!)

Zucas are still "in" here. Outside the ice surface during a freestyle session in Cabin John, MD, it looked like a Zuca convention. So Just as are the little "phones" the little skaters pulled out of their Zucas, to play video games and surf the web.

Zucas suffer from an obvious defect. They don't breath, so skates rot and rust.

So, my suggestion, if your DD needs a Zuca to carry her skates, get her a $1 breathable mesh bag from the supermarket. If they don't want to sit on the dirty floor, throw in a schmata. Any proper :angel angel will appreciate the practicality, and be well satisfied.

;D I'm not missing something, am I?

Quote from: Isk8NYC on June 26, 2011, 04:15:47 PM
I wonder if this would work:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000G1KTMM/joshgarcia-20/

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41BEQEYG7QL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)

$30 and you can sit on it, plus you can fold it up when not in use.

In my experience, this wouldn't do the job.  I'm the music librarian for my community band, and I use these things to haul around the music folders and extra parts.  They're convenient, but not really good for heavy use.  I have to replace them pretty much annually, and that's only dragging them around once a week.  Although, at that price, maybe you wouldn't care?

Quote from: Query on June 26, 2011, 05:02:20 PM
(All those spiral patterns on the Grits make them pretty girlie too!)

Zucas are still "in" here. Outside the ice surface during a freestyle session in Cabin John, MD, it looked like a Zuca convention. So Just as are the little "phones" the little skaters pulled out of their Zucas, to play video games and surf the web.

Zucas suffer from an obvious defect. They don't breath, so skates rot and rust.

So, my suggestion, if your DD needs a Zuca to carry her skates, get her a $1 breathable mesh bag from the supermarket. If they don't want to sit on the dirty floor, throw in a schmata. Any proper :angel angel will appreciate the practicality, and be well satisfied.

;D I'm not missing something, am I?

You're exactly right, my old pair of skates stunk out my zuca as they were not getting any air. What I do now when I store my skates in my cuboard is after i've dried them thoroughly, i put all my skate clothing in the main compartment and stick each boot on the outside mesh pockets of the zuca, that way they are at least getting some air for the boots to dry properly and not stinking out my zuca again! :P

If I was to get a grit i'd probably get the black one with the black spirals, so it's not as obvious. It's bad enough getting on to public transport with a 'pigs can fly' insert zuca bag, if i had a wheeled swirly whirly bag i'm sure i'd be the centre of attention on the bus :P

Quote from: skatingpasty on June 26, 2011, 05:19:55 PM
You're exactly right, my old pair of skates stunk out my zuca as they were not getting any air. What I do now when I store my skates in my cuboard is after i've dried them thoroughly, i put all my skate clothing in the main compartment and stick each boot on the outside mesh pockets of the zuca, that way they are at least getting some air for the boots to dry properly and not stinking out my zuca again! :P

If I was to get a grit i'd probably get the black one with the black spirals, so it's not as obvious. It's bad enough getting on to public transport with a 'pigs can fly' insert zuca bag, if i had a wheeled swirly whirly bag i'm sure i'd be the centre of attention on the bus :P

Hmm may have to try this...however my current boots are two years old (the blades are 5 1/2!) and seem to be doing ok in the Zuca - not to smelly. I do use my stinkeez religiously and usually leave the top 1/4 of the bag unzipped. I am not a good model for skate care - my skates currently sit in a hot car 5 days a week for 5-8 hours while I am at work. It's just not practical for me to bring them into the office...They seem to be doing ok. I am sure that I will have to replace the boots within the next 6 months but that was already in the plan.

Regarding the folding cart - I don't think it would work for skates. I have one at school and use it when I need to haul stuff around campus - great for that but no way to secure skates inside, they break easily and the plastic is very cheap feeling.

Quote from: Clarice on June 26, 2011, 05:15:47 PM
In my experience, this wouldn't do the job.  I'm the music librarian for my community band, and I use these things to haul around the music folders and extra parts.  They're convenient, but not really good for heavy use.  I have to replace them pretty much annually, and that's only dragging them around once a week.  Although, at that price, maybe you wouldn't care?

The wheels on this one don't look terribly sturdy or durable.

Quote from: CaraSkates on June 26, 2011, 05:44:13 PM
Regarding the folding cart - I don't think it would work for skates. I have one at school and use it when I need to haul stuff around campus - great for that but no way to secure skates inside, they break easily and the plastic is very cheap feeling.

Don't be so quick to dismiss the little carts - quality varies, so shop around.  I had two really well-made ones from Creativity that I used for swimming meets/practices to carry all the team gear and they lasted four years.  I agree that the cheap plastic ones don't hold up, but this one says you can stand on it, so it must be more durable. 

I'm thinking about putting a few open grommets in my DD's Zuca bags to let the air circulate.  Hopefully, that will help.  Part of the problem is that Jacksons' insoles reek if you don't air them out.

The only unique advantage to the Zuca bags are the seat, right?  So why not bring a chair or try a variation.  Here's another option:

http://www.amazon.com/Rolling-Shopping-Storage-Folding-Chair/dp/B003HEUPDS

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Dlw0wKu3L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)

DO kids race around on each others' Zucas? Picture coming back after an exhausting skate to find pieces of your precious bag and its contents strewn around the floor!

With the extra large model (http://www.flickr.com/photos/frankipanki/2829100388/), you don't need a locker room.  8)

Everyone gets what they want. I carry my skates upside down, by the blades, in my hand.

Quote from: Query on June 26, 2011, 06:13:59 PM
DO kids race around on each others' Zucas?

Yep. They put their little selves on top of them, straddle them and then pushing with their feet careen up and down the arena screaming.  They do use their OWN Zucas of course.  Some days, it looks like a bumper car setup ....

Quote from: Sk8tmum on June 26, 2011, 06:50:47 PM
Yep. They put their little selves on top of them, straddle them and then pushing with their feet careen up and down the arena screaming.  They do use their OWN Zucas of course.  Some days, it looks like a bumper car setup ....

The girls at one rink here do it even bigger-- one sits on the zuca holding onto her jumprope, which a friend than uses to pull the "horse cart" around the lobby at full speed.  I have to admit, it does look like fun if it were not so reckless!   :o

Oh wow, someone needs to post some of those races on youtube for those of us at low-zuca-saturation rinks.  :laugh:

I carry a cheap Champion duffle from Target for now, but it's falling apart and I'm considering this rolling duffle (http://www.overstock.com/Luggage-Bags/CalPak-Champ-Solid-21-Inch-Rolling-Duffel-Bag/4094806/product.html) as a replacement.  If it lasts a year, I'll consider that pretty good.  I'm just not ready to drop much more on a bag just yet.

I've never seen anyone at our rink riding on zucas, I didn't know you could. Do you wheel them on their back so all 4 wheels are on the floor or something?

It seems like fun, yeah i wonder if anyone has posted any 'zuca bag races' on youtube yet :P

Quote from: Elsa on June 26, 2011, 07:14:04 PM
I carry a cheap Champion duffle from Target for now, but it's falling apart and I'm considering this rolling duffle (http://www.overstock.com/Luggage-Bags/CalPak-Champ-Solid-21-Inch-Rolling-Duffel-Bag/4094806/product.html) as a replacement.  If it lasts a year, I'll consider that pretty good.  I'm just not ready to drop much more on a bag just yet.

That's a nice looking bag!

My backpack is getting a wash tonight.  I decided my gorgeous new skates cannot go into that yucky bag.

Ooh i like that rolling duffel, especially the one with the red on :)

Haha I should really wash my zuca insert, its filthy :P I just can't be bothered to take everything out, remove it from the frame and then hand wash it...too much effort teehee :P

This is really the same thing as an older thread on what people keep in their skate bags. I do have one of those. I use my skate bag to store gloves and boot covers (though both also go into my jacket pockets), sharpening equipment, screwdrivers and other boot maintenance stuff, first aid stuff, and books (e.g., ISI Skater's Handbook, USFSA Instructor's Manual - I'm not an instructor, but it has lots of useful info, ice dance patterns.) Also pencils, pens and paper. While I'm skating, sometimes my shoes and boot covers, when there are more than a few people on the ice. Upon occasion, I've stuck in a snack.

I.E., everything but skates.

P.S. Do hockey kids get Zuca envy?

Quote from: Query on June 28, 2011, 04:47:15 PM
This is really the same thing as an older thread on what people keep in their skate bags. I do have one of those. I use my skate bag to store gloves and boot covers (though both also go into my jacket pockets), sharpening equipment, screwdrivers and other boot maintenance stuff, first aid stuff, and books (e.g., ISI Skater's Handbook, USFSA Instructor's Manual - I'm not an instructor, but it has lots of useful info, ice dance patterns.) Also pencils, pens and paper. While I'm skating, sometimes my shoes and boot covers, when there are more than a few people on the ice. Upon occasion, I've stuck in a snack.

I.E., everything but skates.

P.S. Do hockey kids get Zuca envy?

I'm not sure about hockey kids, I don't think i've seen hockey kids with zucas, I don't think they're big enough to hold all of the equipment and gear needed.

I should really put a screwdriver in my zuca for my skates, I have lot's of extra screws, just no screwdriver...useful :P

Quote from: Skittl1321 on June 26, 2011, 11:30:06 AMI'm going to look into the Grit bag, as it seems to be designed to actually have stuff go in a certain place a little better.
I don't really like the "carpet"-  I think one of Zuca's design changes was that it used to have the door fall open, but they changed it so that it would open sideways.     It also doesn't look big enough to sit on, but someone said you could...will have to check it out further.

Doesn't seem like you can sit on it at all! I took a look at the user guide for the Grit skate bag (found it from their website) and the first of the important notices says "Do not lean or put weight on top of the Skate Tower".

I do like the wheel design of the Zuca, it does makes it easy climbing stairs & curbs.

The first time I saw a Zuca, I thought, "Well, they're kinda cutesy. But if they had a non-cutesy type, maybe I'll get one. Let's have a look online. Click, click - HOW MUCH? NOT ON THIS EARTH!"

When my dad came to my first test session, he saw all these Zucas with the light-up wheels and went, "Hey, they're awesome, you should get one!" I turned around and said, "Does that mean you'll pay the $150+ for me?" Dad:  :o :o :o :o

I used to use a gym bag, until the weight of everything I was packing in it started ripping apart the seam where the shoulder strap attached. After that I bought myself a plain black small wheelie suitcase from Big W for $19. It works absolutely perfectly and has the added bonus of being easily converted to hand luggage. (Although it has lost a foot. My fault - I think it was at Melbourne Airport when my plane was boarding and I was at the wrong end of the terminal. Oops.)

To be quite honest (and this is just my opinion), I think Zuca bags are a complete and utter waste of money, along with Chloe Noel and flashing skate guards and all the "branded" practice gear. There are much cheaper alternatives that work just as well - the $19 wheelie suitcase, the plain skate guards, the $20 lycra pants from Target etc. The money spent on all these things could be much better spent.

None of these things will make you a better skater. Only practice and lessons will make you a better skater. I see all these kids at the rink, with their flashy Zucas and wearing the latest "branded" skate fashions and I look at some of them and go, "But you SUCK." The money wasted on those items could be much better invested in lessons and ice time.

JMO.

Quote from: karne on July 05, 2011, 09:49:31 AM
The first time I saw a Zuca, I thought, "Well, they're kinda cutesy. But if they had a non-cutesy type, maybe I'll get one. Let's have a look online. Click, click - HOW MUCH? NOT ON THIS EARTH!"

When my dad came to my first test session, he saw all these Zucas with the light-up wheels and went, "Hey, they're awesome, you should get one!" I turned around and said, "Does that mean you'll pay the $150+ for me?" Dad:  :o :o :o :o

I used to use a gym bag, until the weight of everything I was packing in it started ripping apart the seam where the shoulder strap attached. After that I bought myself a plain black small wheelie suitcase from Big W for $19. It works absolutely perfectly and has the added bonus of being easily converted to hand luggage. (Although it has lost a foot. My fault - I think it was at Melbourne Airport when my plane was boarding and I was at the wrong end of the terminal. Oops.)

To be quite honest (and this is just my opinion), I think Zuca bags are a complete and utter waste of money, along with Chloe Noel and flashing skate guards and all the "branded" practice gear. There are much cheaper alternatives that work just as well - the $19 wheelie suitcase, the plain skate guards, the $20 lycra pants from Target etc. The money spent on all these things could be much better spent.

None of these things will make you a better skater. Only practice and lessons will make you a better skater. I see all these kids at the rink, with their flashy Zucas and wearing the latest "branded" skate fashions and I look at some of them and go, "But you SUCK." The money wasted on those items could be much better invested in lessons and ice time.

JMO.

Even though I have a zuca bag myself, i completely agree.
I only got one because a) my old skate bag thing was starting to wear and there wasn't enough room in it to take all the things to the rink  and b) i had spare money saved up with nothing to spend on (i had all my lessons and practise time costs covered :))
Plus since I travel 1 1/2 hours to the rink by public transport, I needed something that would stand up to all the bashing about and being hurled up stairs :P

I couldn't agree more about the little kids and zuca bags, I'm nearlly 16 and there are a few teenagers (and some adults) with them but they JUST have the zuca bag, they don't have all the other fancy branded clothing or flashing guards - what is the point in flashing guards? Complete waste of money, what's wrong with non-flashing guards, they're cooler ;)
Yeah you instantly think that since they have all the "gear" they're great skaters, when most of them can barely land a decent waltz jump :P

Yeah they are a bit cutesy but you can get some plain ones that aren't as cutesy haha
I have the black frame with the 'pigs can fly' insert (its blue with clouds and a pig on) it is quite cute, when I first got it my dad was like "do you not think it's a bit childish for your age?"
It is a bit, but I like it - however I do get strange looks from people on the bus on the way to the rink - probably jealous of my cool bag haha :D

And the price for zucas are ridiculously, but I suppose you're paying for the brand name as well as the whole bag inself - just moneymaking for the company :P

Where we skate, there are a lot of people with lots of money.  If they want flashing guards or all the bells and whistles, it doesn't bother me.  We know people who spend about 1500 a month on skating, their kids are amazing skaters - they have the top coaches, equipment and time.

I shop the pro-shop and everything dd has asked for in clothing eventually goes on the half price clearance rack.  We just wait.  Her "name brand" skating clothing has lasted 3 years, I just bought new pants because the seams are frayed and they are now faded.  Not bad for pants that are worn and washed days a week for 3 years!  They stay dry so she goes straight from ice to dance and doesn't need to change.  She has worn regular leggings in a pinch but they absorb water like a sponge.  To cover that expense, I cut expenses elsewhere or go without new things for myself. 

Little girls especially want to fit in - and that can mean wanting the cute jacket and pants.  Some kids get rewards for passing tests that include things on their skate "wish list".  My dd put a Kiss & Cry bag on her Christmas list (we are very frugal with holiday gifting).  I'd hate for someone to look at her in her clothing with her non essential Zuca bag (her one present for her birthday) and think "But you SUCK!"  She works really hard at skating.  She might not be on the Olympic track, I always tell her she is only skating against herself and not to worry about what others are doing (or wearing or thinking).

Zuca bags - don't see the point of. Nor do I see the point of people having eight practice dresses, skate covers that make animal noises, or little stuffed animals with pretend skates hanging off of their skate bags - but, you know, they make the people who own them happy, and that's okay.  Same way I don't see the point of iPhones that are bought so you can play games; cars with heated seats and onboard computers who talk to you; laptops that let you switch the covers to reflect your "changing mood" etc etc etc. There are lots of frivolities in the world - and as somebody who would rather buy one really nice handmade chocolate vs a dozen commercial chocolate bars ... we all have our own thoughtprocesses.

However, not all of the "branded" skating stuff is a waste of money or a poor budgetary choice. As an example ... we tried to buy less expensive skating pants from WalMart or such than Chloe's, or LuLuLemon, or UnderArmour - and found out we were wasting money - as the Chloe etc, lasted forever.  We are on year 4 of one pair of LuLu pants and year 6 of a jacket ... and they still look like new - skating year round, 6 times a week, and amateur coaching too (which involves sitting on the ice with small children :). Sometimes, you get what you pay for.    Having hung around ice arenas for too many hours and years ... I don't look at the stuff people bring into the change room, or what they wear: I look at their skates and how well they use them; you can tell a lot more from that.

As for the flashing guards ... you know something really nice about them, once they stop - flashing - ? They're sturdier, more ridged, and wider bottomed than regular guards, and are easier for small girls to get on and off their skates, and easier to walk on. Some of the stuff makes sense in weird ways.

Chloenoel are actually worth the price. I have a pair and they've got a few holes on the heel, but otherwise in great shape. I have a pair of nice Karisma pants as well and they never hold any water. I used to skate in cheapo leggings and they ripped and holed like no tomorrow.

Now the cute little shirts and jackets? No. A little girl that I know came back from a recent competition with two new Karisma outfits- matching pants, shirt AND jacket. That's a couple hundred bucks right there. No skater needs more than two jackets, and no skater needs a special skating shirt. I wear athletic tops or tank tops from places like Target.

I don't think I could ever fit my stuff in a Zuca. And it would be a pain to lift it (dirty wheels and all) into my mother's pickup truck. I have a Transpack, but I want one of those hard-cover rolling suitcases I see a ton of skaters at my rink with.

People with a practical perspective look at simple, inexpensive solutions to problems as Elegant and Cool. 

People who worship fashion look at the same solutions as Cheap and Uncool.

The opposite applies to complex, expensive solutions.

No objective argument will bring the two perspectives together.

May your choices bring you the greatest happiness.

Have you considered adding a motor? A self propelled Zuca can carry all the gadgets your heart desires.

Quote from: Query on July 05, 2011, 11:35:46 PM
Have you considered adding a motor? A self propelled Zuca can carry all the gadgets your heart desires.

OOH what a great idea!

Wait, what about a motor on my blades as well so I can relax & still skate  :D

Quote from: Sierra on July 05, 2011, 07:19:35 PMI don't think I could ever fit my stuff in a Zuca. And it would be a pain to lift it (dirty wheels and all) into my mother's pickup truck. I have a Transpack, but I want one of those hard-cover rolling suitcases I see a ton of skaters at my rink with.

It seems the new trend around here is Tumi's... which are serious $$$ compared to Zucas.  I actually do think after a point the bags become more of a status symbol than a functional item... as an adult, personally I don't mind spending a little extra money on a bag that suits my needs (keep in mind I am referring to the $120 spent on my zuca over spending $40 on a backpack - and I love my Zuca so much I actually have two of them and won't travel without one), but no one really needs a $450 bag for their skates and as a parent I actually have to question the reasoning behind why so many kids seem to have them now...

Quote from: hopskipjump on July 05, 2011, 03:08:38 PM
I'd hate for someone to look at her in her clothing with her non essential Zuca bag (her one present for her birthday) and think "But you SUCK!"  She works really hard at skating.  She might not be on the Olympic track, I always tell her she is only skating against herself and not to worry about what others are doing (or wearing or thinking).

It's usually obvious when a skater works hard on their skating. When I made the comment about looking at the designer-decked kids and thinking "but you SUCK!", I had in mind several girls at my rink who are always absolutely dripping in the very latest branded skate stuff. They never practice, they goof off during lessons, and seem to find it fun to terrorize every other skater on the rink. And yet their parents are forking over so much money...

I don't mind parents getting big stuff for their kids for birthday or Christmas - I know one mum at the rink who did just that - she bought her daughter a Chloe Noel jacket and pants for Christmas. It was her only Christmas present - the daughter didn't care!  :D If your daughter is working hard, more power to her. But again, that's usually obvious, and not a person I would direct the "But you SUCK!" thought at.

Quote from: sarahspins on July 06, 2011, 08:38:07 AM
It seems the new trend around here is Tumi's... which are serious $$$ compared to Zucas.  I actually do think after a point the bags become more of a status symbol than a functional item... as an adult, personally I don't mind spending a little extra money on a bag that suits my needs (keep in mind I am referring to the $120 spent on my zuca over spending $40 on a backpack - and I love my Zuca so much I actually have two of them and won't travel without one), but no one really needs a $450 bag for their skates and as a parent I actually have to question the reasoning behind why so many kids seem to have them now...

Never heard of the tumi's before but just had a look....that's ridiculously expensive for something that looks no different than a regular suitcase...i can understand zucas being expensive for their unique shape and ability to sit on them, but the tumi's are just like a regular $30 suitcase you'd get from any store (apart from the fancy handles)

Quote from: hopskipjump on July 05, 2011, 03:08:38 PM
I'd hate for someone to look at her in her clothing with her non essential Zuca bag (her one present for her birthday) and think "But you SUCK!"  She works really hard at skating.  She might not be on the Olympic track, I always tell her she is only skating against herself and not to worry about what others are doing (or wearing or thinking).

Like karne said, it's understandable if young girls with the fancy gear do actually work hard and are given what they want as rewards...or christmas/birthday presents. Even if she didn't have all the fancy gear but showed off her greats skills on the ice, that's all that matters. If I was still a little kid I would rather look up to a skater who doesn't necessarily have all the 'cool gear' but showed talent on the ice, as opposed to a skater who has all the 'gear' but spends all their practise time chatting to friends, playing with phones (as some girls do at our rink) and just completely wasting valuable time.

I like some of the chloe noel stuff, I really wanted a jacket, this one:
http://iceventureuk.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=22&products_id=532&osCsid=e398414d3f09370ec497742de9721f3f
but thought it was a bit pricey for a jacket that i'd probably only wear for a little bit of the practise time before I get too hot and it ends up sitting inside my zuca for the rest of my practise.
Even though it is what I WANTED, it was not what I NEEDED, I got a nike running top in the sale, great for skating - it's like a waterproof material that releases sweat but keeps you warm :P

I know it sounds hypocritical complaining about the price of chloe noel, considering I spent a large amount of money on a zuca, changing the subject here a bit, I'm slightly annoyed at my zuca now!
One of the little pockets on the side has completely frayed away, I was wondering where my money in the pocket was disappearing to, there's a massive hole which can't really be sewed up, so I've just cut it off :P
My chance to get a new insert - maybe for xmas i'll get one, as the current one has so much wear and tear and it'll be better to get a plain one to reduce the looks and stares from other passangers on the bus/train to the rink :P

I might get this one:
http://www.zuca.com/store/images/shop/product/09715ed8902f774906cc4a4360e7a8a6.jpg
..and with my red seat cover on top :)

I think that there are parents who want their kids to always have the best of the best and the coolest things.  They feel it builds their self-confidence and increases the skater's desire to skate.  If you have a cool Chloe Noel outfit, the skater will want to go to the rink. 

Unfortunately, it sometimes turns into a way to compete off-ice - always having the newest, the most stylish, clothing and equipment.  So that skater does want to go to the rink and work out, but mainly because they want to show off their clothing.  It sometimes backfires though and causes gloating, resentment or envy. 

It is good to weigh durability against price.  Inexpensive stretch pants are just as functional as expensive designer pants.  The cheaper pants wear out quicker and need to be replaced more often.  However, with growing skaters, the stretch pants are less expensive overall since the skater might outgrow the more expensive and durable pants two or three times.  If you don't mend or sew, pants with holes can be a de-motivator if the skater is self-conscious.  Skaters and parents have to find the balance that's right for your family.

Quote from: FigureSpins on July 06, 2011, 02:34:10 PM
I think that there are parents who want their kids to always have the best of the best and the coolest things.  They feel it builds their self-confidence and increases the skater's desire to skate.  If you have a cool Chloe Noel outfit, the skater will want to go to the rink. 

Unfortunately, it sometimes turns into a way to compete off-ice - always having the newest, the most stylish, clothing and equipment.  So that skater does want to go to the rink and work out, but mainly because they want to show off their clothing.  It sometimes backfires though and causes gloating, resentment or envy. 

It is good to weigh durability against price.  Inexpensive stretch pants are just as functional as expensive designer pants.  The cheaper pants wear out quicker and need to be replaced more often.  However, with growing skaters, the stretch pants are less expensive overall since the skater might outgrow the more expensive and durable pants two or three times.  If you don't mend or sew, pants with holes can be a de-motivator if the skater is self-conscious.  Skaters and parents have to find the balance that's right for your family.

I agree it makes you feel better and sort of a real figure skater (well especially for children) if you have all the stuff the other skaters at the rink have.
I just think it gets a bit OTT when kids start getting things like light-up guards, rhinestones for skate laces, coloured skate laces, every single chloe noel accessory to complete the outfit....you get what I mean, yes it builds confidence but is it really necessary?

To me, rhinestones for skate laces and colored laces are cheap DIY projects.  I think that's fun, not frivolous.

I've curbed my desire for a new skate bag- I covered my old one in leftover rhinestones. (Don't get "swarvoski substitute" rhinestones from Hong Kong on ebay- they are crap! But they and shipping was cheap, and I found a good use, so in the end I didn't waste my money.  DH did take them to work -he's a chemist- and verified they aren't plastic, but they are still crap. Preciosa is a much better swarvoski substitute, can't tell the difference! Of course, they are still fairly pricy)

I'm still using a skate bag that's a man's duffle with pockets, that I bought at a convenience store while I was attending a conference a few years ago. I WANT A NEW BAG! But I've tried to replace it more than once, and I keep coming back to it. I don't care if it is functional, I have an irrational need for a new one. This has reached joke status among my skate buddies. However, it's getting pretty worn, I'll have to replace it someday.

Somwhat off-topic: at the PSA Conference in Dallas, they gave us insulated tote bags to hold the handouts and materials.  It's EXCELLENT!  I keep it in the car and use it for food shopping regularly - just tuck the the milk and other refrigerated things inside and they stay cold.  I love practical bags.f

Quote from: Skittl1321 on July 06, 2011, 05:47:09 PM
To me, rhinestones for skate laces and colored laces are cheap DIY projects.  I think that's fun, not frivolous.

I second the DIY thing. That's what I did to my laces. I bought black laces from the pro shop ($4) and I'd bought myself a hotfix tool and hotfix stones and added them onto the laces. But dying laces is harder. I tried several different dyes and several different lace brands and none of the laces held color well at all.

I've gotten a ton of comments on my black laces with rhinestones though.

I saw a really cool rolling tool bag at the Home Depot tonight.  It had lots of pockets and niches (inside and out) along with a big middle area.  Best feature: the top closed by folding up like an old-fashioned doctor's bag.  It cost $60.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202353445/h_d2/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&keyword=rolling+tool+tote+bag&jspStoreDir=hdus&Nu=P_PARENT_ID&navFlow=3&catalogId=10053&langId=-1&ddkey=Search  (http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202353445/h_d2/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&keyword=rolling+tool+tote+bag&jspStoreDir=hdus&Nu=P_PARENT_ID&navFlow=3&catalogId=10053&langId=-1&ddkey=Search)

(http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/300/44/4446e969-ed51-4f3b-92f9-298629850524_300.jpg)

I think I like it!

Quote from: davincisoprano1 on July 06, 2011, 09:48:22 PM
But dying laces is harder. I tried several different dyes and several different lace brands and none of the laces held color well at all.

Try using permanent or fabric markers to change the lace colors. 

Quote from: Skittl1321 on June 26, 2011, 11:30:06 AM
I'm going to look into the Grit bag, as it seems to be designed to actually have stuff go in a certain place a little better.

I looked at the Grit bag website and I love the interior shot of the figure skating bag

(http://www.gritinc.net/sk1/271inside.jpg)

I never thought about putting a shelf inside a skate bag; that's a great way to deal with the space problem.  You could probably use a locker shelf kit from the office supply store - Back to School sales are starting soon, so you might find a bargain!

Quote from: sarahspins on July 06, 2011, 08:38:07 AM
but no one really needs a $450 bag for their skates and as a parent I actually have to question the reasoning behind why so many kids seem to have them now...

How much?!!!!
That's gone way beyond the expensive bag which you compare to the number of skating lessons, this is getting into mortgage payment realms!

Quote from: fsk8r on July 07, 2011, 01:47:42 AM
How much?!!!!
That's gone way beyond the expensive bag which you compare to the number of skating lessons, this is getting into mortgage payment realms!

Yeah $450 is like OTT for a skating bag, well suitcasse, think of the money wasted that could go towards  a decent pair of skates and private lessons...even though zucas are expensive, they're quite handy at our rink

Well I'd just change the subject slightly here...I'm deciding whether or not I should get a new insert around about now or at xmas, it's my birthday in a month today (yey!) and my current one has a little pocket missing and numerous holes at the back D:

I would be going from this one: (as much as I love it)
(http://wheelsonheels.co.uk/acatalog/pigscanflyblack.jpg)

..to this one: (with my red seat cover)
(http://www.londonbelleltd.co.uk/images/upload/thumbnail/zuca-sport-black-mystic1.jpg)

What do you guys think? :D

The ones with crystals are my favorite. Nice choice.

Well, after a few years of faithful service, my old $20 rolling bag from the discount store has finally died (carry handle broke, extendable handle broke, then one of the wheels started to fail to rotate), so I needed a new bag.  According to my friends, I also needed to clean out my old bag - they did wonder what my old orthotics were doing in there and what else lurked beneath the skates?? - but that's a whole other thread!

I'm with those who'd rather spend on ice and lessons than a bag, so headed back to the discount store, where the bags are now $30.  My new one has a loud zebra print all over  :D    Hopefully this one will also last 3 years = $10/year.

Aussieskater, too bad you're not in the US. I went into a local craft's store (Joann's, it's a chain) and found rolling crafts bags that would be perfect for skaters.

Quote from: AgnesNitt on July 10, 2011, 11:40:24 PM
Aussieskater, too bad you're not in the US. I went into a local craft's store (Joann's, it's a chain) and found rolling crafts bags that would be perfect for skaters.

One of the other adults I skate with has one of those - it seems to work great for her :)

Quote from: sarahspins on July 11, 2011, 11:41:27 AM
One of the other adults I skate with has one of those - it seems to work great for her :)

Oh, I was tempted, so very very tempted.

Quote from: chowskates on June 28, 2011, 10:48:05 PM
Doesn't seem like you can sit on it at all! I took a look at the user guide for the Grit skate bag (found it from their website) and the first of the important notices says "Do not lean or put weight on top of the Skate Tower".

I stand corrected...I did think you could sit on it but after looking at it and reading about it again...you can't. Otherwise, it would be the PERFECT SKATE BAG (for me anyway). Many places I go there seems to be a shortage of places to sit.

Hard shelled bags seem to be very popular at The Pond. They must hold up better for all the rink-traveling. But you still can't (or shouldn't) sit on them.

Our rinks one of those places with limited places to sit - well when you put your skates on anyway, you either have to squat or if your lucky and have a zuca, sit on them to tie your skates - our rinks a hockey rink as well but you have to tie your skates in the seatless lobby :P

I fixed my zuca problem - instead of wasting £30 on a new insert, I spent the most of the day yesterday patching up the holes teehee...my zucas patched up :P

I went through 2 or 3 transpacks, and then when I was done with college, (well, undergrad) I invested in a zuca.  I am a pro at breaking anything, so my father recommended the frame... which I don't think it is possible to break, or at least I have no yet!  I wanted a rolling bag since I was staying away from home on the weekend, and would leave for school Friday mornings with a backpack and duffel bag already, so it was a convenient way for me to carry everything!  I wish it was a bit bigger, but I really do love it... sometimes I feel a bit juvenile with it, but hey- it works for me! and some adults around my area have them as well.  Plus, its great because one rink has very limited seating.  Yes, they are quite expensive, but they will last forever!  (well, apparently the inserts will not, but mine is going 3 years strong). 

Quote from: icesk8r725 on July 18, 2011, 10:56:18 PM
I went through 2 or 3 transpacks, and then when I was done with college, (well, undergrad) I invested in a zuca.  I am a pro at breaking anything, so my father recommended the frame... which I don't think it is possible to break, or at least I have no yet!  I wanted a rolling bag since I was staying away from home on the weekend, and would leave for school Friday mornings with a backpack and duffel bag already, so it was a convenient way for me to carry everything!  I wish it was a bit bigger, but I really do love it... sometimes I feel a bit juvenile with it, but hey- it works for me! and some adults around my area have them as well.  Plus, its great because one rink has very limited seating.  Yes, they are quite expensive, but they will last forever!  (well, apparently the inserts will not, but mine is going 3 years strong). 

Yeah I wish they were slightly bigger...i've made a bit more room for stuff in mine, I made a little drawstring bag from an old leg warmer and hang it from the net shelf at the top - usually keep my phone and stuff in :P
There's adults at our rink with zucas, not many but a few..many don't go for the decorative ones though, my insert will probably last a while now that it's all patched up so even when i become an adult i'll still have the pigs can fly isnert :D

I was gonna post a new topic but since it's relative to Zuca, i'll just continue the thread here.

Have you's seen the NEW Zuca inserts..there's one that's really suited to skating...
..unfortunately I don't think it goes that well with the black frame (and pink fastening) be okay if you had the pink frame, but here they are...

(http://www.northerniceanddance.com/store_/images/sk8.jpg)

I love this one, all the doodles relative to skating :D :D

http://www.northerniceanddance.com/store_/images/bezappy.jpg

The zuca smiley thing :)

http://www.northerniceanddance.com/store_/images/flutterz.jpg

Flutterz

http://www.northerniceanddance.com/store_/images/zucapeac.jpg

Peace :P


What do you guys think of the new inserts...and the skating one in particular?

I don't so much like the skating one.. but I LOVE the happy one.. I want!

Quote from: skatingpasty on July 24, 2011, 08:11:06 AM
What do you guys think of the new inserts...and the skating one in particular?

I love that insert.  I still think Zucas are overpriced status symbols, but it's really cute.  ($150 can pay for 4-5 private lessons.  Zucas don't make you skate better.)

I can see some people using permanent markers to color in the doodles, making it unique.  As an adult, I'd rather have it in a less cartoonish-look.  Just my preference.

I really like my Zuca bag...but I don't like how the side mesh pockets get all stretched out & ripped. Of course I probably over-stress the fabric....a lot! 

Quote from: Skate@Delaware on July 24, 2011, 03:50:24 PM
I really like my Zuca bag...but I don't like how the side mesh pockets get all stretched out & ripped. Of course I probably over-stress the fabric....a lot! 

Same, I usually store each skate in each mesh pocket when I keep my zuca in my cuboard - let's the skates dry out and not stink out the inside of my zuca..yuck
But the blades have ripped the mesh pockets...tried sewing them up but not much use :P

My mom gave me a cute rolling suitcase when I got my first skates- I'm still using it a year later and it works just fine (: I still sort of really want to try a Zuca, though, but for $150 I think I'll save it for my Christmas list!

A lot of adults at my rink have Zucas, though, and not just plain ones... one of the ice dance coaches just got the fairies insert :)

Quote from: sarahcatherine on July 24, 2011, 08:09:15 PM
My mom gave me a cute rolling suitcase when I got my first skates- I'm still using it a year later and it works just fine (: I still sort of really want to try a Zuca, though, but for $150 I think I'll save it for my Christmas list!

A lot of adults at my rink have Zucas, though, and not just plain ones... one of the ice dance coaches just got the fairies insert :)

Please God, let it be a woman coach.

Quote from: AgnesNitt on July 24, 2011, 08:28:04 PM
Please God, let it be a woman coach.

She's a 50 year old woman! Haha, the idea of a man with a fairy Zuca bag has me laughing... My mom's looking at me like I'm crazy!  :laugh:

My kids went to a camp last week that had a mission statement saying the camp was for "girls or people who identify as girls."  There were several similar messages throughout the camp. I know they intended to make all campers feel welcome, but they would have done better to just deal with it if a wanna-be girl signed up.  People were joking about it all week long, especially since several counselors were women who dressed like guys.  I was tempted to ask if some of the moms would be eligible since they all really wanted to do the camp and relive their youth. 

FWIW, I know a 40-something female skating coach who wears a plastic tiara on her birthday because she's the "birthday princess!"  She wears it all day through group and/or private lessons.  Personally, I take the day off, lol.  (I think everyone should get my birthday off.  Hey - the new forum's birthday is the same as mine!)

Quote from: sarahcatherine on July 24, 2011, 09:33:33 PM
She's a 50 year old woman! Haha, the idea of a man with a fairy Zuca bag has me laughing... My mom's looking at me like I'm crazy!  :laugh:

Hahha that actually made me laugh, especially imagining my coach with one.
I wonder if there are/have been any male skaters with zuca bags - I mean the sort of 'manly' inserts like the black ones and the camo ones, maybe even the USA one.
I know the only men i've seen with zucas at our rink are the daddy's pulling their little ice princess' pink zucas out of the rink :P

Quote from: skatingpasty on July 28, 2011, 07:27:38 AM
Hahha that actually made me laugh, especially imagining my coach with one.
I wonder if there are/have been any male skaters with zuca bags - I mean the sort of 'manly' inserts like the black ones and the camo ones, maybe even the USA one.
I know the only men i've seen with zucas at our rink are the daddy's pulling their little ice princess' pink zucas out of the rink :P

All the Dancing on Ice celebrities get issued with them. Male or Female. The men don't get the fairies insert...
I've also seen many boys with their bags. Flashing wheels are flashing wheels and appeal just as much to boys as girls, and they need a skate bag.

I've seen plenty of boys/men with Zuca bags, though most seem to favor just a rolling suitcase.

I think it's rather close minded to say a boy shouldn't have the fairies insert.  Whatever appeals to them.   I think it's ridiculous that it is expected a girl can have anything a boy can, but boys should only have boy things.

Quote from: Skittl1321 on July 28, 2011, 09:15:46 AM
I think it's rather close minded to say a boy shouldn't have the fairies insert.  Whatever appeals to them.   I think it's ridiculous that it is expected a girl can have anything a boy can, but boys should only have boy things.

Too true. I should have said that I've not seen the men with the fairies insert. I've actually only seen one fairies insert, because it's one of the newer ones, they've not quite made it across the pond in numbers yet. 

Similarly I've noticed that some rinks have lots of pink frames and others have lots of black frames, but I think that probably just reflects the stock of the local skate stores.

Quote
Similarly I've noticed that some rinks have lots of pink frames and others have lots of black frames, but I think that probably just reflects the stock of the local skate stores.

Our rink sells both, but most of the girls have the pink frames, I however have the black :P
Shame you can't get all the other coloured frames like the zuca website sells :P I quite like the grey and blue ones

Sorry for resurrecting an old thread, but I think zuca bags are great.  I'm an adult, a male, and used to have one!  And I hope to get another soon.  They seem to have improved the insert design since when I got mine before.  I think my old one was a red frame with a black insert - I will probably get the stealth all-black one next, without light-up wheels.  I love how rugged they are - before I got rid of it (traded it for a backpack) I ended up using it a lot outdoors on rocky trails and the wheels handled it just fine.  The frame is indestructible and as a place to sit it's actually really handy - currently I'm using an old leather bag for my skates and while it works fine sometimes at busy sessions there is nowhere to sit comfortably.

The only thing I don't like is that they are pretty obvious and since they cost a fair bit I always worried that somebody would steal mine while I was out skating, but that never actually happened.  Simpler bags like what I'm carrying now can easily be tucked in under a bench or put on top of some lockers and don't look like anything worth taking.

Question, what do you all do with your Zuca bags at the rink?  I had brand new skate guards stolen in a week.  If I bought a Zuca and it disappeared that would be a huge big deal at that $$ but I really want one because I live in a walk up and it has those awesome double wheels for stairs!

I bought a transpack and absolutely hate it for body mechanics.  Waste of $50!  Are there 2 sizes?  I may have unwittingly bought a large.  Either way it is not very good for you body.

I actually like the Transpack... I initially got the larger one and it felt way too big, but the smaller one is just right for my skates and gear.  I like backpacks in general because they keep my hands free and are easier to manage than the Zuca.  My daughter has a Zuca bag and it's a pain to lift it in and out of the back seat (extended cab) of my truck.  Plus it's heavy. 

That said, a lot of the girls at my rink have Zucas, and during freestyle sessions they just leave them in the lobby area.  I leave my bag next to or under a bench during adult public (very light attendance by a bunch of regulars) and regular public skating, too.  I haven't heard of anyone having problems but I don't leave anything valuable in my bag just in case.

My Zuca is too small.  I take a tote bag with me for extras, like a yoga mat, crash pants, change of clothes.   I guess I'm an "extra baggage" type of girl.

My kids leave their zucas in the lobby like the other kids do and it's never been a problem. I don't know that I'd do that at every rink, especially if you've already had stuff stolen. :( Can you bring it in and leave it at the hockey benches or something?

Also, be forewarned that the zuca "walks" up stairs pretty nicely, but it does not go down them the same way. We have 14 steps from front door to driveway and I have to carry both their bags every time. Pain in the neck, but worth it for the rolling later (and their pride in packing their stuff nice and neatly). I often think back to my 3rd floor Brooklyn walkup when I'm carrying those bags to make me feel better about it! :)

Haahaa yup 3rd floor walkup!

Didn't even think of taking it down!

My skate guards got stolen from behind the hockey boxes.  They weren't even out in sight.  I think it's that one rink though.  I don't have an issue at SkyRink but if I end up skating at some of the outdoor rinks this winter I don't think I could leave anything out.

I bet I do have a large Transpak.  My mistake buying that!!

Quote from: Skittl1321 on July 28, 2011, 09:15:46 AM
I've seen plenty of boys/men with Zuca bags, though most seem to favor just a rolling suitcase.

I think it's rather close minded to say a boy shouldn't have the fairies insert.  Whatever appeals to them.   I think it's ridiculous that it is expected a girl can have anything a boy can, but boys should only have boy things.

It is ridiculous but it's the world we live in. I secretly like this design a lot, though I would never actually buy/use it:

(http://www.zuca.com/images/products/detail/11347.jpg)

:P  Maybe if it didn't have the crystals... I am not above putting one of those figure skater emblems on the back of my car at some point though. :)

Probably I'll get this one:

(http://www.zuca.com/images/products/detail/__10155.jpg)

I have the purple and teal Zuca. They didn't have a purple frame when I got my first one, and I coveted it when it came out. I found a buyer for my first one and talked the proshop into giving me the military discount and got it. I love it I've seen one other skater with the same version and she's also a redhead. I find it funny the both the redhead skaters got the same bag.

That purple one is nice! One woman at the rink I took classes at while traveling for work had that one.

I spent the last hour looking up zuca bags and frame combos, and also looking at the pro artist one. Can't believe the pro one is so much more, but I like the idea of it being carry on appropriate

Have fun.

http://icedoesntcare.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-great-skate-bag-debate.html

I'm an adult with a Zuca!  My husband bought it for me for Christmas last year.  It has "happy faces" on them, and he said, "Skating makes you happy" on my Christmas card.   

Quote from: AgnesNitt on November 08, 2014, 08:10:54 PM
Have fun.

http://icedoesntcare.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-great-skate-bag-debate.html

Lol!!

Quote from: AgnesNitt on November 08, 2014, 08:10:54 PM
Have fun.

http://icedoesntcare.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-great-skate-bag-debate.html

Haha, the preppy traffic cone is hideous! Unfortunately they no longer offer an orange frame. I saw a pink-and-camouflage backpack that would match that army bimbo model prefectly at Macy's yesterday. Interestingly, one of my wife's favorites was a light blue insert like you liked, though it doesn't seem to have grey as the accent color anymore but brown instead, so she liked the brown frame with it.

I love the cow print with red frame. Hilarious!

I would love to have a zuca for the long walk from the far parking lot in winter when the near lot is always full in the afternoon. But my house can barely manage to store the two that belong to my kids! When they get older and are too cool for them, I guess I will inherit. :)

I was chatting to a friend about zucas (we both are a bit makeup obsessed and lately some famous makeup artists have talked about their makeup lots in zucas) and she said that lots of flight attendants use them! Including her husband who determined he needed to pack more lol!

For those of you who want a frame or insert not presently on the zuca site, there are ebay sellers who sell them. They seem to have quite a stock, so it may be zuca unloaded them when they changed designs.

I've been reading through this thread and wanted to add my opinions on the Zuca bag.  I understand why little kiddos are attracted to these bags, but as an adult, I don't see the point of a Zuca.  My cheap duffle bag does the job just fine.  (Plus, my big bottom wouldn't fit on that little seat anyway).  To each their own, though! 

I love my Zuca!! I just got a new one to replace the one I had for 7 years. It is so nice to have a seat at competitions in crowded locker rooms - and I am an adult who fits just fine. I also like all the little zipper compartments for storing things. I had actually switched to a backpack while in college as I had to bike to the rink. I switched back to my Zuca my first competition as an adult, after college, intending to go back to the backpack and never went back. They are $$ but mine held up for 7 years.

My 2 cents: zuca does some things well but the little design flaws bug me since it is so dang expensive.

Irritations (considering the price):

• No reinforcement in the back of the bag so that eventually skate blades wear holes in the bag even if they do have on soakers.
• Glue that holds velcro to stick top of bag to bottom of seat eventually wears out and the bag sags - would prefer a clip system.
• One of the side net pockets would be more useful if it was designed with pockets to hold skate guards, music CD's, water bottle, and box of tissue instead of a big net that everything gets tangled up in, flips out of or tips sideways and leaks.
• Handle sticks when sliding up and down (ours gets tons of use, but $100 for a frame, parts should be high quality and last).
• Screws are not stainless and are rusting, happens when you pull it to the car in the winter or rain - again, for $100 they should be stainless screws.

I like the variety of zipper pockets both inside and outside of the bag, all the fun ways you can make it yours, having something DD can easily tote behind her while I'm juggling the blanket, coat, and other various extras that go back and forth to the rink, and a built in seat for when the rink is crowded.

DD wouldn't want a backpack or duffle bag because it is so fun to pick out a frame and bag that expresses your personality and says "I'm a figure skater!". In that way, I think the zuca is pretty brilliant.

Quote from: DressmakingMomma on November 10, 2014, 01:01:14 PM
My 2 cents: zuca does some things well but the little design flaws bug me since it is so dang expensive.

Irritations (considering the price):

• No reinforcement in the back of the bag so that eventually skate blades wear holes in the bag even if they do have on soakers.
• Glue that holds velcro to stick top of bag to bottom of seat eventually wears out and the bag sags - would prefer a clip system.
• One of the side net pockets would be more useful if it was designed with pockets to hold skate guards, music CD's, water bottle, and box of tissue instead of a big net that everything gets tangled up in, flips out of or tips sideways and leaks.
• Handle sticks when sliding up and down (ours gets tons of use, but $100 for a frame, parts should be high quality and last).
• Screws are not stainless and are rusting, happens when you pull it to the car in the winter or rain - again, for $100 they should be stainless screws.

Completely agree with your list of irritations. I keep expecting when I get a new insert (every few years when the hole at the back gets too big) that they will have reinforced the back of the bag, but they have yet to do that.
I also agree with the side mesh pockets. I've stipped using them other than for bits of paper as I got fed up with that, and now use the two big side pockets, but they're hard to squeeze everything in, but at least the mesh isn't then sticking out so if gets snagged.

Quote from: DressmakingMomma on November 10, 2014, 01:01:14 PM

Glue that holds velcro to stick top of bag to bottom of seat eventually wears out and the bag sags - would prefer a clip system.[/li][/list]

Ugh, I just discovered this on one of my girls' bags. Annoying. Have you found the best way to fix it? I was going to just hot glue it but wonder if there's a better trick.

My first Zuca had a sticky/touchy handle, holes in the bag from skate backs and velcro that didn't stick. I don't have any problems with my new one but I do wish the back was reinforced and the side pockets were solid, maybe even zipped.  I might take the bag out and reinforce it myself. I wonder how iron on patches would work or if I actually have to sew something in.

Hmmm, maybe I have a new sewing project... I'll have to look closely today to see if I can sew something up to replace the side mesh pockets. I need to find a good way to strap on a yoga mat as well, since DD brings that to the rink for stretching sometimes.

As for the velcro, we lived with it until DD saved up for a new bag insert. When she bought the new insert it came with fresh velcro. I wonder if you asked where you bought it if they had extra sets of velcro or called/emailed zuca.

Iron-on patches sounds like a good idea. We already have tears in the new bag insert so I'll bet that would at least keep it from getting worse.

I'm surprised that no one's come up with a business making custom inserts. YOu'd need a commercial sewing machine, but really, zuca's inserts are lousy (one of the two reasons I don't buy one.)

Quote from: twinskaters on November 10, 2014, 02:42:39 PM
Ugh, I just discovered this on one of my girls' bags. Annoying. Have you found the best way to fix it? I was going to just hot glue it but wonder if there's a better trick.

I used superglue to keep the top bit of velcro attached to the frame as that seemed to be the bit which was coming away. It now just needs a press upwards from the inside of the bag every now and then to keep the shape.
But I'm surprised they've not improved this bit of the design (along with all the other gripes).

Really interested if anyone has a good way to reinforce the bag from blade holes.

Thanks, I will try the superglue today. Haven't gotten blade holes yet. Maybe because their skates are fairly small so the blades don't hit the sides as much?

I really like my Zuca - it was a gift and I would not have bought one for myself but it is nice.  I still have to carry a small tote bag to hold my skating notebook and change of clothes.  I snagged one of my mesh side pockets in my car trunk and made a fairly large hole, which became larger as it is now more prone to re-snag in the trunk.  Has anyone come up with a clever way to repair holes in the mesh?  I could try just stitching it together but if anyone has something more clever, I'd love the input.

I haven't had any problems with holes from the blades or with the Velcro becoming unglued but my Zuca is only 18 months old.

Quote from: Live2Sk8 on November 11, 2014, 10:07:51 AM
I really like my Zuca - it was a gift and I would not have bought one for myself but it is nice.  I still have to carry a small tote bag to hold my skating notebook and change of clothes.  I snagged one of my mesh side pockets in my car trunk and made a fairly large hole, which became larger as it is now more prone to re-snag in the trunk.  Has anyone come up with a clever way to repair holes in the mesh?  I could try just stitching it together but if anyone has something more clever, I'd love the input.

I haven't had any problems with holes from the blades or with the Velcro becoming unglued but my Zuca is only 18 months old.

I always stitched the holes in the mesh side pockets with embroidery floss - a little sturdier then regular thread.

Quote from: saje on November 10, 2014, 10:30:09 AM
I've been reading through this thread and wanted to add my opinions on the Zuca bag.  I understand why little kiddos are attracted to these bags, but as an adult, I don't see the point of a Zuca.  My cheap duffle bag does the job just fine.  (Plus, my big bottom wouldn't fit on that little seat anyway).  To each their own, though!

I'm using a purse/tote that my fiance's brother's girlfriend gave me for Christmas one year. It's too big and not exactly my style for daytime wear, but it's perfect for toting skates! 

I am, on the other hand, a marketer's dream.  LOL. Thankfully, I'm a bit more practical these days but gosh, as a kid I would have been all over the zuca/Chloe Noel's/light up whatevers. Actually, I remember being quite jealous of the zucas as a kid haha!!

So this thread has piqued my interest.  I had written these things off as something for the kids.  While I double I'll be investing on one for skating any time soon, I wish their travel bags were a little more colorful.  As soon as someone mentioned "overhead bin compatible" these things went on my radar....

Quote from: Loops on November 12, 2014, 05:20:51 AM
So this thread has piqued my interest.  I had written these things off as something for the kids.  While I double I'll be investing on one for skating any time soon, I wish their travel bags were a little more colorful.  As soon as someone mentioned "overhead bin compatible" these things went on my radar....

I don't think they give the travel ones the flashy wheely, but I must say I LOVE the reaction when you wheel one through a hotel lobby. You've just got to be really brave and not look back. But EVERYONE is staring at them and commenting and wanting one. My neighbour loves my Zuca and gets quite upset if I don't take it out the house with me.

Quote from: fsk8r on November 12, 2014, 07:32:56 AM
I don't think they give the travel ones the flashy wheely, but I must say I LOVE the reaction when you wheel one through a hotel lobby. You've just got to be really brave and not look back. But EVERYONE is staring at them and commenting and wanting one. My neighbour loves my Zuca and gets quite upset if I don't take it out the house with me.

Oh goodness- I wouldn't want the flashy wheely- even on a skating bag!!!  But they only do black (it seemed??? did I get it wrong?), and I'm over black luggage, even for carry-ons.....

Quote from: Loops on November 12, 2014, 12:30:06 PM
Oh goodness- I wouldn't want the flashy wheely- even on a skating bag!!!  But they only do black (it seemed??? did I get it wrong?), and I'm over black luggage, even for carry-ons.....

You can order them with non-flashing wheels, but by default, they come with the bottom two flashy, and the top two (which only come into play when pulling the bag up stairs or over a curb) non-flashy - you can easily switch them around; that's what I did before.  Perhaps you could also put flashy wheels on the travel bags if you wanted to (*sarcastic tempt tempt!*).

Issues aside, I know I want another Zuca.  I just have to decide between subtle (stealth black, non-flashy wheels) and looking like a girl. :P  Actually for the rink, I wouldn't care, but what I did like about the plain Zuca I had before was that I could drag it around for all kinds of other purposes without it looking out-of-place.  When I travelled I used a leather bag to carry my skates on to the plane.

Quote from: Loops on November 12, 2014, 12:30:06 PM
Oh goodness- I wouldn't want the flashy wheely- even on a skating bag!!!  But they only do black (it seemed??? did I get it wrong?), and I'm over black luggage, even for carry-ons.....

From what I can gather, the "pro" model is carry on approved, doesn't have flashy wheels, and is only sold with black inserts.

I wonder if you can switch it out though!