Opinions on Aeris BCDs?

[ShallowDiverDave]

For those of you who have used an aeris BCD (reef rider, Atmos XT, etc.), what do you have to say about them, good or bad? Specifically, against other BCDs in terms of freedom of movement and bouyancy. thanks a bunch!

 

[scubadobadoo]

Aeris makes a great product but they tend to be a bit big and bulky for my taste. They look like flack jackets to me. Too much BC/material for me. This is of course only my opinion. I personally prefer something like a seaquest balance. Ruuged AND light without a bunch of extra crap. Nonetheless, if you like the Aeris products then go for it. They make quality stuff that lasts. My friend has the Atmos XT and he seems to dig it. Welcome to the board!

 

[ShallowDiverDave]

Thanks scubadobadoo! I'm assuming the seaquest balance is a back inflate BCD?

 

[scubadobadoo]

Thanks scubadobadoo! I'm assuming the seaquest balance is a back inflate BCD?

Yes it is. Again, don't let my opinion sway you. BC selection is a very personal thing (I use a BP/W) and the single most important thing is how it fits you and your diving conditions. Have fun with whatever you choose! I know you will!!

BTW, you may choose to be more specific with your profile (no need for gender) as this will make answering questions easier for folks in the future. For example, if we know what state you live in or how long you have been diving then we can make certain assumptions (sometimes correct:blinking: ) about the type of diving you may be doing the most.

 

[jmps]

I dove with a Reef Rider a few times and it seemed to be high quality. It is back inflate and is very "clean." It maximum integrated weight capacity isn't as high as the Balance (which I own). If you are only diving warmer it should be considered if you like BI.

 

[markfm]

I use a Reefrider, both drysuit and wet. It doesn't have the lift of some others, but is sweet for travel.
I recently picked up a Zone for more cold-water specific Winter use.

 

[meesier42]

Atmos XT here, I love this thing, It is not the smallest BCD on the market, nor is it the lightest. But in the water, it has perfect balance, in all positions. Amazingly comfortable and very solidly built. I am very happy with easy of loading wieghts, I actually think that it is easier to load them standing than it is with the BCD on the ground.
My favorite part about the unit is the hybrid air cell. The air cell is 90% a back inflate, but has just enough wrap around it puts you in a heads up position if you fully inflate on the surface ( which is a fantastic safety feature that back inflates do not have.)

 

[Gorilla Diver]

I like my Atmos very much. The big decision for me was fit. I am 6'7" and was told that the aeris was a bit longer in the torso. It seems to fit me quite well and I use it for everything from bathing suit diving in the keys to drysuits in the quarry's of IL. Its not the lightest, but it seems very rugged and has held up well. To echo the comments above, the weight system couldn't be simpler to use. Try 'em all on that your interested in...that's cheaper they buying several to find one you like.

 

[Michael Folise]

I have had the Reef Rider for a few years and I love it. I copmared it to the Zeagle Stiletto before I bought. First, the Reef Rider is a great warm water BC. Very comfortable as it is lined in something like velour/suede. The Zeagel was not. Pockets are better on the RR as is the weight system. RR has a "mini" hard backpack (so only one tank band) that works OK. Zeagle has no back pack (the tank is the back pack!) so it has two tank bands. Can release weights one at a time if you want to from the RR, you must dump them all at the same time with the Zeagle. No inherent bouyancy on the RR-I don't know about the Zeagle. I don't like the RR plastic D rings-some kind of weight saving gimmick. You will have to convert them to clip attachements, etc. Zeagle's SS D rings are better. Finally, the RR can be had for about half the price of the Zeagle if you look around or buy it as part of a "you build it" package. Hope this helps