Aeris Reef Rider BCD reviews?

[crwolf79]

Hello All!

Quick intro: I'm new to the forum (first post--but I've been lurking a while), I'm new to diving (6 dives total in a 3 day open water cert course in Belize). I live in Central IL, and I'm going to Bonnaire in June! I just went crazy buying all new regulator/computer setups for my wife and I. I ended up buying the Genesis GS2000 reg, with Sidekick Octo, and and Aeris Atmos 2 dive computer for my wife and I--never used any of it yet--I'll post a review when I do. Larry at ScubaToys hooked it up for me (thanks to everyone on the forum for recommending him)... Anyway, that's me and my equipment. Nice to meet everyone.

However. I'm VERY confused about BCD's... Well, not so much confused, as looking for a good deal on a nice BC. I came across a sweet deal on the Aeris Reef Rider. Its a new model lightweight back inflate BC: http://www.diveaeris.com/p_bcs_reefrider.html.

Anyone have ANY experience with this BC? I haven't found any reviews online. I'm looking strongly at the Reef Rider, the Aeris Atmos XT, The Mares V1 (though I'm not sure if I want that because it's jacket style), and I really like the Seaquest Balance. I'm waiting for the best deal I can find. I've still got a couple of months before I can get it wet anyway...

I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks for the help!

 

[Splitlip]

Hello All!

Quick intro: I'm new to the forum (first post--but I've been lurking a while), I'm new to diving (6 dives total in a 3 day open water cert course in Belize). I live in Central IL, and I'm going to Bonnaire in June! I just went crazy buying all new regulator/computer setups for my wife and I. I ended up buying the Genesis GS2000 reg, with Sidekick Octo, and and Aeris Atmos 2 dive computer for my wife and I--never used any of it yet--I'll post a review when I do. Larry at ScubaToys hooked it up for me (thanks to everyone on the forum for recommending him)... Anyway, that's me and my equipment. Nice to meet everyone.

However. I'm VERY confused about BCD's... Well, not so much confused, as looking for a good deal on a nice BC. I came across a sweet deal on the Aeris Reef Rider. Its a new model lightweight back inflate BC: http://www.diveaeris.com/p_bcs_reefrider.html.

Anyone have ANY experience with this BC? I haven't found any reviews online. I'm looking strongly at the Reef Rider, the Aeris Atmos XT, The Mares V1 (though I'm not sure if I want that because it's jacket style), and I really like the Seaquest Balance. I'm waiting for the best deal I can find. I've still got a couple of months before I can get it wet anyway...

I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks for the help!

So here is my$.02.
Make sure you know how much lift you will need. The reef raider has a small bladder and is intended as a travel or tropical wing. Could be fine for you if you are dialed in but I suspect you'll be using it in cold water too. So make sure you know how much lift you'll need. Fine I am sure for Bonnaire though. Also, you may find the weight release very awkward. They are not quick release and the fact that you are a new diver, you might want something a little more conventional. I would also make sure you like a back inflate. Try one if you have not done so yet. Myself, I think back inflation is the best thing since canned beer, but some people find they take getting used to.
The XT on the other hand is a hybrid. It has most of the lift in the rear, but in theory has enough floatation around the mid section, according to my LDS, to float you upright at the surface even if you over inflate. Has more lift than the reef raider to.
Not familiar with the Mares.
Having said all that I ended up purchasing the Zeagle Stiletto.
I know your time is short, so good luck.
S.

 

[crwolf79]

I appreciate the feedback. I'd love to be able to test all of these BC's out, but I live in the middle of nowhere Illinois. I'm really relying on word of mouth and internet reviews to make my decision.

Your comment about back inflate is worthwhile. I don't know if I will like back inflate... When I rented getting my cert, all I used was jacket style. Wasn't too bad, but I wasn't a huge fan of the squeeze factor. The only dive shops in my area sell Scubapro and Seaquest, so I'm partial to the Balance, but I'm definitely not buying local. It's too small of a shop, and they won't really give me a good deal. I already asked. I think the Aeris XT being a hybrid sounds like the best of both worlds. Rodale's rated the XT and the Mares V1, testers choice. The V1 is only $250 compared to the XT at $399, so I'm not sure what I'll do.

Thanks again, I'll post whatever I ended up with. For now, I think I'm giving up on the Reef Rider until I hear more about it.

 

[markfm]

I bought a Reef Rider, like it, comfortable. Using it with a crushed neoprene drysuit, no problems. The weight release is no biggie -- pinch the latch and the weight drops out the bottom.
Everything's a trade -- I wanted something with enough lift for drysuit weighting, but also manageable for travel. I have 28 pounds + ankle weights (I know, I know, evil ankle weights, but I'm still new to both diving and dry suit), no fear that I can float when I want.
As they say, YMMV.

 

[Divecop]

I've been diving the Atmos XT for about a year and a half now and really like it. I think I ended up giving about $350 for it at my LDS, which I thought was reasonable. For me, it was the toss up between the Zeagle Ranger and the Atmos XT and after reading and hearing of the Zeagle's complicated (rethreading) of the integrated weight release I opted for the XT. I may still get a Ranger after this one wears out, if it ever does.

With the hybrid back inflate/jacket bladder I don't find it pushing too far forward on the surface. If you end up with the XT, seriously consider purchasing an extra bolt on pocket, one just doesn't seem to be enough. Hope this helps a bit.

 

[DiveMaven]

Consider calling Larry again and having a chat about BCs. He had Zeagle create a BC just for him called the Brigade. It has the heavy duty harness, but a lighter wing that's better for traveling. He also carries Aeris products, so could discuss the Reef Rider with you and likely quote you an excellent price as well.

As a comment about the complaint about Zeagle BC's and the weight threading system being a pain, I talked with Larry about that before buying my Zeagle, and he said it takes less than 5 minutes to rethread it. I figured that it's likely I'll dive my entire life without ever having to release my weights in an emergency, and if it ever happens, the 5 minutes it takes to rethread my BC will be no big deal. You load and unload your weights in a Zeagle through zippered openings....very easy and convenient.

I love my Zeagle. The quality is excellent and the comfort can't be beat for me.

 

[Buoyant1]

I'm diving an XT and I love it! The hybrid design as well as the trim weight pockets make it an easy sit on the surface, and the primarily back inflate bladder makes it nice at depth!

The weight system is very easy to load and unload, and is very simple ot use if you need to ditch (as well as reset after ditching)

It has nice strong D-rings, and a very comfortable back pad!

I agree about the pocket, I need to get another one.

I'm sure the Reef Rider is comparable in construction and features!