Cressi Aqualight

[richdiver]

Im in the market for a travel friendly BCD (not wing), and have taken a particular liking to the Cressi Aqualight. Ive heard some good reviews, however my question is, as its a soft back, how does it feel in the water with a tank on? Can you feel the tank against your back more than usual? And whats it like walking in on those long shore dive hikes? Is it a noticable difference? I know it has the 2 tank bands, but does the tank still feel secure?

Thanks in anticipation!

 

[Jamdiver]

Hey richdiver,
Well I've got a Cressi-sub Aquapro 5 and after doing some research and comparison with the Aqualight I think they're almost the same BC. Although the aqualight has 1 more D ring and another tank band. Anyway in response to your question, I would say that the soft backpack is not a problem for me. I've never felt that there was inadequate back support with a tank whilst walking to the sea. Underwater it feels fairly secure and this is in comparison to a vareity of BC's that I've used whilst training (Oceanic probe, Sherwood Magnum, Dacor Rav).
Anyway, I think the best advice that I could give is try the BC out for yourself and decide for yourself whether or not it's right for you.

 

[dbulmer]

RichDiver,
My dad has one and the tank does feel secure. My dad is 15 stone so if you're a big bloke I don't think you have anything to fear.

 

[Scubagolf]

RichDiver,
My dad has one and the tank does feel secure. My dad is 15 stone so if you're a big bloke I don't think you have anything to fear.

FYI, 1 stone = 14 pounds, so his dad weighs about 210 lbs.

 

[BrianV]

I had an Aqualight before I bought my Cressi S116. I bought it used off of a friend and it was too big so that's the only reason I replaced it. I replaced it with another, very similar Cressi because I liked the Aqualight so much.

It's great to travel with and it feels great. It has a lot of D-Rings and storage. My only complaint was the lack of rear trim weight pockets, but I believe they have an Aqualight R now that has the rear trim weights, but the price is pretty steep on the 'R' model. Check out the S116
http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/Cate...rt_Stock/DescSort_0/Filter_1=688/CSBS116.html

as it's cheaper than the 'R' model, has tons of D-Rings, feels great, and is still very light. I love the way it feels. It is jacket inflate, but I prefer that for my style of diving.

Before the Aqualight I always rented ScubaPro KnightHawks which are really expensive, and I didn't like them. They were no where near as comfortable, no where as easy to pack, and I didn't feel as good in the water (or at the surface). I don't own any other Cressi parts, but I've got some loyalty with Cressi when it comes to BCs.

 

[BrianV]

PS - The tank felt really secure on the aqualight, especially since it used two bands. The S116 only uses 1 band, but it's still secure if you put it on tight enough.