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Specifications
| Style | Jacket |
| Warranty | Two Years |
| Size/Buoyant Lift (in lbs.) | XS-27, S-31, M-38, L-49, XL-60 |
| Integrated-Weight System | Yes |
| Dry Weight | 6 lbs., 14 oz. (Size M) |
| Price | $300 |
| www.diveaeris.com | |
Features:
- 420-denier nylon construction
- Removable closed-cell pad on a rigid backpack
- Depth-compensating adjustable cummerbund
- High-security weight-ditch system
- Large zippered pockets
- Molded carry/lift handle
- Substantial buoyant-lift capacity in larger sizes
Performance:
Aeris’ EX100 comes with a redesigned integrated-weight system that features a new squeeze-buckle-style release on its weight pouches, which substantially increases security; it requires depressing the buckle flanges before yanking on the handle — rather than simply yanking on the handle — to ditch weights, which takes a little getting used to. The primary ballast system is backed up by a couple of well-positioned rear trim pockets that test divers found functional and easy to load. The EX100’s power inflator is well shaped to fit comfortably in the hand. Responsive inflate/deflate buttons and exhaust valves enabled test divers to maintain very good buoyancy and ascent control. The 420-denier-nylon material makes for a lightweight jacket, but leaves you a bit susceptible to shoulder twists when climbing into it. But once in, a padded backpad, contoured shoulders and an adjustable cummerbund allowed divers to achieve a snug fit. The two cargo pockets are huge and easy to access.
Bottom Line:
The EX100 is a lightweight all-purpose BC that offers all the basics plus throws in some nice extras, all for the lowest price of any BC in the General Purpose category.
| June 2010 Issue Scuba Lab Review Quick Links | |
|---|---|
| General-Purpose BCs | |
| While they can be used for any type of diving, general purpose BCs are designed primarily for temperate- and/or cold-water diving with 7mm wetsuits or drysuits. General Purpose BCs tend to offer lots of buoyant lift across their size ranges along with heavy-load integrated weight systems. They often have large cargo pockets and larger D-rings for attaching additional gear. | |
| Aeris EX100 | Aeris EX200 |
| Aqua Lung Pro QD | Aqua Lung Pro LT |
| IST J-1000 Alpha | IST J-1200 Hydro D |
| ScubaMax Versa 3000 | SCUBAPRO Seahawk |
| SeaSoft Sealion | Sherwood Tortuga |
| Zeagle Tech 10 | |
| Travel BCs | |
| Travel BCs are lighter and more compact than General Purpose BCs. Many are designed to fold or stow in handy storage pouches for easy globe-trotting. Travel BCs tend to offer less buoyant-lift capacity and smaller weight pouches to suit warm-water diving scenarios. | |
| Aqua Lung Zuma | Cressi Aquapro 5 |
| SCUBAPRO Geo | SCUBAPRO Litehawk |
| SeaSoft Travlite | Zeagle Express/Deluxe |
| Women's BCs | |
| Women are shaped differently than men, so it makes sense that a women’s BC would be shaped differently too. Women’s BCs are often cut higher along the waist and are more expansive in the chest area. Straps and adjustments accommodate shorter, narrower torsos, and power inflators are ultracompact to fit comfortably into smaller hands. | |
| BARE Curve | Sherwood Luna |
| Tusa Selene II | |
