Scuba-L Orion 3 vs Aeris Atmos XT

[hudson]

Hi,

This is my first BC purchase. I'm looking for a budget yet decent back inflated unit (I realize Atmos XT is a hybrid), and I can't decide between these two units. The Orion 3 is about $50 cheaper overall - not that it matters too much. Is anyone familiar with both units, or at least can give me their educated opinion?


http://www.scubal.com/worldwide/content/index.php?proid=1011&catid=242&procatid=159

http://www.scubatoys.com/store/search_results.asp?iLevel=1&txtsearchParamCat=ALL&txtsearchParamMan=ALL&txtsearchParamVen=ALL&txtsearchParamType=ALL&txtFromSearch=fromSearch&txtsearchParamTxt=atmos+xt&Submit=Search


Thanks.

 

[BuoyantC]

I can give you an opinion of the Atmos XT. I got one just after they were introduced. I really liked it and prefered the comfort and balance to my Zeagle Ranger. However.... even though the design is pretty good, the quality is nowhere the same as a Zeagle.

I particularly had issues with the tank saddle. If you look, it is bolted to the inner backplate, but the tank bands only thread through the saddle. I had a saddle break on a high giant stride entry, and the tank was then only connected by a thin piece of plastic. Aeris replaced the entire BC. They assured me the problem was corrected, but upon inspection the "cure" amounted to using a larger washer to get a little more bearing surface.

After a crack formed on the second saddle, I modified the bc by bolting an STA through the inner backplate and adding a second camband. No further problems. Too bad Aeris couldn't figure this out. Genesis uses some of the same parts, but the tank band goes through BOTH pieces. I still liked the bc even though I no longer own it, but I wouldn't recommend one as sold.

Just to be fair, see if they have made any improvements. Look at the cam band, and see if it is connected to more than just the saddle. If the saddle is then just connected by bolts to the inner plate, pass on it. The plastic is too thin. I can't speak to the Orion.

Good Luck,
Dennis