Review Diving the Avelo System

[inquis]

James states (and best I can tell, is correct) the Avelo generally is about as failure tolerant as a standard, one cylinder BCD in terms of potential for fatality. Perhaps slightly more (since you avoid the 20 lbs of lead some vacationers would normally carry)

It is unfair to compare the overweighted vacationer scenario since Avelo training prioritizes being correctly weighted. It should be compared to a traditional diver using a balanced rig (i.e., also correctly weighted).

 

[Wibble]

It is unfair to compare the overweighted vacationer scenario since Avelo training prioritizes being correctly weighted. It should be compared to a traditional diver using a balanced rig (i.e., also correctly weighted).

Aannnddddd.... If someone already dives correctly weighted, they won't have issues with a BCD

 

[SouthernSharktoothDiver]

One concern I do have with Avelo that I don't think can really be disputed, because it comes down to human factors and inherent limitations of the gear. If a diver uses Avelo while severely over weighted, they'll sink like a rock. One can easily see how a vacation diver that took the class for Avelo years ago loading up ten pounds of lead, hopping in the water, and sinking uncontrolled. It's unlikely to happen on each individual case, but like, if this tech takes off, sooner or later, it will happen.

 

[inquis]

If a diver uses Avelo while severely over weighted, they'll sink like a rock. [...] if this tech takes off, sooner or later, it will happen.

Similar story for the traditional diver forgetting to hook up their BC inflator or turning on their air. I would hope a buddy/crew would voice a concern, and more importantly, the diver would be more receptive to the question given the emphasis in training.

 

[SouthernSharktoothDiver]

Similar story for the traditional diver forgetting to hook up their BC inflator or turning on their air. I would hope a buddy/crew would voice a concern, and more importantly, the diver would be more receptive to the question given the emphasis in training.

Of course, said diver could cut his air on or hookup his BCD line while finning like crazy to slow his sink. Perhaps someone who's used Avelo could tell us, is the weight ditchable while wearing the gear? Can you reach it, if you needed to?

 

[jborg]

Of course, said diver could cut his air on or hookup his BCD line while finning like crazy to slow his sink.

I like this mythical diver who has no clue about weighting, doesn't know how to set up their gear, and does no checks before jumping in, yet has the presence of mind to turn on their gas and connect their inflator while heading to the bottom.

 

[jborg]

I guess the turret really shines in the Avelo backwards setup, otherwise there would a couple of minutes of moving all the hoses when you switch from a regular setup. Probably the shop is prepared for this; I think many on this forum carry the required spanner to all dives, but that might not be the norm.

 

[SouthernSharktoothDiver]

I like this mythical diver who has no clue about weighting, doesn't know how to set up their gear, and does no checks before jumping in, yet has the presence of mind to turn on their gas and connect their inflator while heading to the bottom.

Fair point, but at least you have the option/possibility. Hence why I asked if Avelo's weight was ditchable. If so, I could definitely see a panicked diver going "Oh shoot, I'm sinking!" and dumping weight, thereby saving themself from sinking.

 

[scubadada]

Hi @jborg

I dive a yoke set up for most of my dives in Bonaire. I simply moved my regs and transmitter over to my DIN first stage, left the inflator hose and SPG off. Both times, I dived Avelo for a whole day. Not much work, a few minutes. Like many, I prefer to dive my own equipment. You're right, the turret might simplify things if you were using a single reg set.

The rental regs we used last December were Scubapro MK25, S620 Ti or S600, a Scubapro 2nd, and a SPG. They were set up for Avelo gear.

Next time I have the opportunity, I will probably set up the Avelo gear in the standard way and see how it works. There is at least one photo on the Avelo website where it looks like the reg was set up traditionally.

 

[scubadada]

Hi @SouthernSharktoothDiver and @jborg

I used 4 lbs with my Avelo gear and put the weights in the tank boot weight holders. There is no reason you could not use a weight belt or waist strap releasable weight pockets if you wanted too, just like with a BP&W. If I owned a Jetpack, I would likely use releasable weight pockets. This would also allow me to avoid moving over the weights when I switch cylinders.