Cressi Aquawing Plus Review: Is This the Ideal Dive Wing?
When it comes to scuba diving, having reliable and comfortable gear is essential. We recently had the chance to test out the Aquawing Plus from Cressi, and it’s a promising addition to any diver’s kit. The standout feature is its MAS (Modular Adjustment System), which ensures a snug fit for various body types with its adjustable 50 mm belt.
Its lightweight design, thanks to the anodized light alloy backplate, makes maneuvering underwater easier, and the meticulous design of the air bladder helps achieve buoyancy effortlessly. The air-net material used for the shoulder straps and back cover enhances comfort without compromising on durability.
Bottom Line
The Aquawing Plus BCD offers a perfect blend of comfort, durability, and functionality, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced divers.
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Overview of the Cressi Aquawing Plus
The Aquawing Plus is designed to adapt to various body types, whether male or female. We found its MAS (Modular Adjustment System) to be highly efficient, allowing quick size adjustments with its single 50 mm belt. The shape of the air bladder provides excellent buoyancy with a mono cylinder, ensuring stability underwater.
The lightweight anodized alloy backplate and the thermoplastic rubber cylinder rest work well to secure the tank and improve maneuverability. Added comfort comes from the shoulder straps and back cover crafted with air-net material, which also aids water drainage. Furthermore, the inclusion of adjustable weight pockets and a special pocket for the decompression buoy enhances its functionality. Overall, the design and thoughtful features make the Aquawing Plus a reliable piece of kit for divers.
Modular Adjustment System
The MAS on the Aquawing Plus really stands out. We’ve found that the single 50 mm belt design makes adjusting the jacket quick and intuitive. This system is great for both male and female divers, ensuring a good fit regardless of body type. Adjusting the straps for the perfect fit feels seamless and smooth.
The light alloy backplate enhances stability without adding unnecessary weight. While the MAS excels in adjustability, some users might find the initial setup a bit tricky. Overall, the functionality and comfort it offers make it a worthwhile feature for any diver.
Buoyancy and Balance
Using the Cressi Aquawing Plus was a breeze. Its design promotes remarkable buoyancy, making it easy to stay neutrally buoyant underwater. We noticed that the shape of the air bladder and the adjustable belt system ensure stable and comfortable sessions.
The attached weight pockets on the belt also contribute to this balance. Adjusting them to match our flanks kept us evenly distributed, reducing any tendency to tilt. The anodized light alloy backplate provides stability without weighing us down, making movements feel natural.
Pros:
- Excellent buoyancy with minimal effort.
- Stability due to the thoughtfully placed weight pockets.
Cons:
- Some adjustments might be needed initially to find the perfect fit.
Overall, the Aquawing Plus delivers a balanced diving experience, letting us focus more on the underwater scenery and less on managing our position.
Lightweight and Stability Features
We found the Aquawing Plus to be impressively lightweight due to its anodized light alloy backplate. This feature not only reduces the overall weight but also guarantees stability during our dives. The single 50 mm belt, part of the innovative Modular Adjustment System (MAS), allows easy adjustment to fit various body sizes, offering a snug and secure fit.
The air bladder is well-designed to ensure perfect buoyancy. The special thermoplastic rubber cylinder rest integrated into the back provides excellent stability and positioning of the tank. The shoulder straps and back cover, made from air-net material, enhance comfort while improving water drainage. This combination of lightweight design and stability features made our underwater experience comfortable and secure.
Comfort and Drainage Design
The Aquawing Plus offers a blend of comfort and functionality thanks to its innovative materials. The air-net fabric used in the shoulder straps and back cover ensures that the jacket is comfortable to wear, even during extended dives. This material also excels at draining water quickly, keeping us dry and minimizing any extra weight from retained water.
We appreciated the snug fit provided by the MAS (Modular Adjustment System), which makes it easy to adjust the jacket to our size. Despite varied body types, the single 50 mm belt adjusts seamlessly, hugging our shoulders and waist securely. The thermoplastic rubber integrated with the back of the jacket stabilizes the tank for a balanced dive, enhancing our comfort even further.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Cressi Aquawing Plus offers exceptional adaptability for different body types with its patented MAS system. We found the single belt strap very convenient, as it ensures quick adjustments and a secure fit. The overall comfort was heightened by the shoulder straps and air-net material, which also enhance water drainage.
The air bladder’s design provides perfect buoyancy while using a mono cylinder. We especially liked the lightweight anodized light alloy backplate that maintains stability. The special cylinder rest made of thermoplastic rubber ensures the tank remains optimally positioned, which we found very reliable during our dives.
The two attachable weight pockets are a handy feature, allowing for easy adjustments to your flanks. Additionally, the back cover features a dedicated pocket for housing the decompression buoy, which we found quite useful.
Cons
Adjusting the Cressi Aquawing Plus can initially be a bit challenging due to the unique MAS system. It took us some time to familiarize ourselves with the adjustment process.
Another point to consider is the relative lack of color options for those who prefer variety. The available design choices are quite limited.
The lightweight design, primarily due to the anodized alloy backplate, might feel less robust compared to other heavier models, although we did not encounter any stability issues.
While these cons exist, they are relatively minor compared to the product’s significant benefits.
Cressi Brand Heritage
Cressi has been a cornerstone in the world of water sports since 1946. Their long-standing expertise shines through in products like the Aquawing Plus. We appreciate Cressi’s dedication to quality and innovation.
Founded in Italy, Cressi has consistently delivered reliable and durable diving gear. The brand’s history is a testament to its commitment to enhancing underwater experiences. Using the Aquawing Plus, we could feel the benefit of decades of design evolution in every dive.
Not everything is perfect, of course. Some may find adjustments a bit tricky initially, but the overall comfort and buoyancy control make it worth bearing. Their passion for continuous improvement is evident in each detail, making it clear why Cressi remains a beloved name in aquatic exploration.
Customer Reviews
Users appreciate the fit and comfort of the Cressi Aquawing Plus. Many highlight its adjustable nature, which caters well to a variety of body types. Feedback often mentions the solid build and durability, important for frequent divers.
There are some mixed feelings about the straps, with a few finding them slightly cumbersome to adjust underwater.
Pros:
- Comfortable fit
- Adjustable for various sizes
- Durable design
Cons:
- Straps require practice
Overall, the community finds it reliable and well-suited for different diving conditions. Keep in mind, firsthand experiences may vary, but the satisfaction rate is encouraging.
Conclusion
After trying out the Cressi Aquawing Plus, we’ve found a lot to appreciate. The fit is comfortable and snug, ensuring it stays in place while offering good support. The durable materials have been impressive and lived up to the promise of wear and tear resistance. The usability is another highlight; it’s intuitive and easy to adjust even underwater.
On the flip side, if we had to point out a downside, it would be the lack of color options. While the black is sleek and professional, a bit more variety could appeal to more divers. Also, for those who are new to diving, the initial setup might require some patience.
Pros:
- Comfortable fit
- Durable construction
- Easy to adjust
Cons:
- Limited color options
- Setup can be tricky for novices
Overall, the Cressi Aquawing Plus offers great value for divers looking for quality gear that lasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main features of the Cressi Aquawing Plus BCD?
The Cressi Aquawing Plus stands out with its adjustable MAS (Modular Adjustment System). This system allows the jacket to fit various body types comfortably, using a single 50 mm belt that can be easily adjusted. The bladder design provides excellent buoyancy, perfectly balancing even with a mono cylinder. The lightweight anodized light alloy backplate ensures stability and safety, while the cylinder rest guarantees proper tank positioning.
How does the Cressi Aquawing Plus perform compared to other BCDs in its class?
We found that the Cressi Aquawing Plus performs admirably against other buoyancy compensators in its class. The stability and buoyancy it offers are top-notch, aided by the thoughtfully designed air bladder. The overall weight is lighter than many competitors, thanks to the alloy backplate, which doesn’t compromise on stability. The comfort provided by the air-net material on the shoulder straps and back cover sets it apart from other options.
What improvements have been made in the Cressi Aquawing Plus over previous models?
The Cressi Aquawing Plus boasts several advancements over its predecessors. Notably, the introduction of the MAS (Modular Adjustment System) allows for superior adaptability to different body sizes and shapes. The backplate has seen an upgrade with the anodized light alloy, reducing weight without sacrificing durability. Additionally, the integration of a special pocket for housing a decompression buoy adds utility to the updated design.
Can the Cressi Aquawing Plus BCD be considered a suitable choice for travel diving?
Yes, the Cressi Aquawing Plus is an excellent choice for travel diving. Its lightweight design makes it easy to transport, and the single-size adjustment capability means it can be easily shared or used by different divers without hassle. The material choices and compact form factor further support its suitability for travel, making it a versatile companion for diving trips.
How does the comfort and fit of the Cressi Aquawing Plus compare to other BCDs?
When it comes to comfort, the adjustable belt system and air-net material used in the shoulder straps and back cover significantly enhance the experience. The jacket fits snugly without causing any discomfort, and the material choice ensures proper drainage and breathability. Compared to other BCDs, the fit is more customizable, reducing the common issue of ill-fitting jackets among divers of varying body types.
What has been the user experience with the durability of the Cressi Aquawing Plus?
User feedback consistently highlights the durability of the Cressi Aquawing Plus. The choice of materials, such as the nylon for the exterior and the thermoplastic rubber for the cylinder rest, adds to the longevity of the product. Even frequent divers have reported that the integrity of the BCD remains intact after extensive use. The 2-year limited warranty provided by Cressi also underscores the confidence in its durability.
