Avatar 102 Airon Drysuit

[oxman]

Hello, I'm thinking about buying a drysuit with a wish for Santi however the price is bit scary. Avatar drysuits are sort of offered as budget versions of Santi. There is some info available about Avatar 101, the first released version. However, I can;t find much info about their new release, Avatar 102 Airon except some official advertisements. Does anyone have some info, reviews, experience about this suit?

 

[crofrog]

It’s a thicker suit has smart seals from the factory. I’d say it’s generally a nice upgrade.

 

[Rafalmal]

It’s a thicker suit has smart seals from the factory. I’d say it’s generally a nice upgrade.

I am also interested in one of those suits, but I can't make a decision between 101 and 102.

 

[crofrog]

I am also interested in one of those suits, but I can't make a decision between 101 and 102.

What’s your use case?

Flying with it a lot? Cave or wreck penetration?

 

[Rafalmal]

no caves and occasionally wrecks but no penetration.
I'd like to use a drysuit for mostly fun dives on our local reefs in cold water.

 

[crofrog]

no caves and occasionally wrecks but no penetration.
I'd like to use a drysuit for mostly fun dives on our local reefs in cold water.

Basically the 101 is lighter material, if you're going to be traveling a lot get that one.
The 102 is thicker material if you're going to be doing cave/wreck penetration (even if you're traveling) get the 102.
Considering you're mostly diving locally it sounds like I'd personally get the 102 I prefer the extra durability.

I own an Avatar 101 that I use as a travel suit, and a Santi elite which is even heavier than the 102.

For comparison the

Suit	fabric weight
Avatar 101	200 grams/square meter
Avatar 102	260g/sqm
Santi Emotion	260g/sqm
Santi Elite	450g/sqm

The heavier the fabric the more abrasion and puncture resistant the suit, but the more it weighs, the slower it drys and the they're a bit stiffer. That being said the 102 is still a pretty light suit.