Review Diving the Avelo System

[CT-Rich]

@Wibble I mean, I haven't weighed the system, so I'm not sure, but to play devil's advocate for a second, I'd guess that, since the batteries, pump, etc are dense, you need less ballast weight. From there, since you're effectively adding weight/reducing density after you get in the water so you can skimp out on a bit more lead. Lastly...yeah, most of the comparisons are to "poodle jackets" so as I've said above, I feel like a minimalist setup could likely match or beat Avelo on weight.

As for the reserve buoyancy...they claim to have done rescue scenarios that say it's fine? I don't know a lot about that, as I'm not a rescue/safety diver. I do know the system comes with a "horsecollar" dsmb, but IMO, yeah, what you're pointing out is part of what reduces the versatility of the system to being limited to one type of diving.

I would be curious to see what those rescues look like. How fast can this system add ballast if you need to go fetch another dive from the surface? It soesn’t seem suited for a hot drop entry, since you are relying on a water pump pushing against 4000 psi. Are you going to be able to creat enough lift to bring up an unconscious diver in a traditional rig?

 

[SouthernSharktoothDiver]

@CT-Rich My guess would be in a real hurry you start the pump and swim down while it’s running. That being said, I doubt it’s all that well suited to rescue diving, but then again neither are most of the people who’ll be using it

 

[jadairiii]

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.

Have you ever gone diving off of a full Key Largo cattle boat in the summer? Its worth the price of admission just to watch.

 

[Wibble]

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.

With a BCD you can orally inflate, or just attach the hose

 

[inquis]

With a BCD you can orally inflate, or just attach the hose

My point was that an overweighted Avelo diver is similar to a traditional diver risk-wise, so I wouldn't expect a big blow-back against Avelo after someone jumps in overweighted.

Traditional divers (many of whom are also overweighted) aren't dying left and right after forgetting to hook up their BC, and I highly doubt they are orally inflating or connecting the inflator hose. They simply kick back to the ladder, which would also work for an overweighted Avelo diver. To your point though, if we're assuming someone capable enough to react beyond "just kicking", there is still little difference, as the Avelo diver could simply drop lead.

 

[SouthernSharktoothDiver]

@inquis My original point was not that it would be the fault of the system if/when this happens, but rather that it would would/will raise a big fuss when it does happen. If an overweighted diver gets themselves killed on Avelo, even if the product was not to blame and they would've died on a standard BCD just the same, it will still catch more negative PR because it's newer/different. Less of a "this is a flaw" and more of "brace yourself, cause sooner or later this will happen and be a big media mess"

 

[scubadada]

Avelo equipment prices are now listed on their website

Avelo - The Avelo System

diveavelo.com

 

[CT-Rich]

Avelo equipment prices are now listed on their website

Avelo - The Avelo System

diveavelo.com

$3,990 for a single tank? To do 3 dives a day would be insanely expensive, for a high volume tourist spot. It so be more cost effective to give out perfect trim classes. I doubt these units are going to prevent newbs from rototilling the reef, anyway.

I can’t see how this system gives that much value to the diver or the resort. Buoyancy control isn’t that hard. If your back isn’t okay for 40lbs of gear, it won’t be okay for 30 lbs. It won’t change how animals react to you (like a CCR might). It is a battery powered BCD.

 

[tridacna]

Israeli money laundering scheme? Impossible to believe that they have this much seed capital. I’m not questioning the technology - it looks legit and seems to work. The question is: Does it fill a gap in the market and solve a problem in rec SCUBA? Either they have bottomless pockets or there is a secret revenue source keeping this afloat. (Bad pun).

 

[jadairiii]

Not to beat a dead horse.....but for a 2 tank dive, to own my own gear, I'd have $2,400 in tanks alone. And in 5 years, it may not be usable if the carbon fiber shell is damaged in any way. (to put in prospective...I have some Alum 80's that are still usable 30 years after purchase...)

But more power to you all if you can get people to buy it

Total package
Hydrotank (black)
Jetpack
One battery and charger

$3,990​

Contact an Avelo Dive Center

• Itemized purchase pricing
  Jetpack kit (one battery and charger)
  $2,995
  Hydrotank (black)
  $1,195
  Hydrotank (gloss)
  $1,205
  Battery
  $230
  Charger
  $75
  Hydrotank bladder
  $110