2011 ScubaLab BC Tests: Cressi S300
Cressi S300
SPECS
» Style Jacket
» Weight System Mechanical: Ditchable Pouches and Rear Trim Pouches
» Dry Weight 8.8 pounds
www.cressi.com
PRICE RANGE Over $400
TEST STATS Real-World Performance: 4 (VERY GOOD)
PERFORMANCE
Cressi’s S300 professional-model BC is a solid system that our testers found to be comfortable with lift to spare. Generously sized, the S300 tended to be larger than average with high lift ratings, making it perfect for drysuit use or diving with thick wetsuits. The weight system is easy to ditch and was rated good for capacity. However, divers were split on the S300’s stability, with the smaller sizes seemingly more secure than the larger BCs. Our entire team liked the system’s large, easy-to-use and access storage pockets and well-placed D-rings, making it easy to carry cameras, slates and other accessories. The S300’s very good performance was competitive among the BCs that garnered the highest overall scores in this year’s test.
BEST FOR Dive instruction, general recreational diving, nontechnical advanced diving, drysuit diving — particularly where lots of storage and/or buoyant lift are important
Performance Summary
Carrie Garcia
Cressi S300
SPECS
» Style Jacket
» Weight System Mechanical: Ditchable Pouches and Rear Trim Pouches
» Dry Weight 8.8 pounds
www.cressi.com
PRICE RANGE Over $400
TEST STATS Real-World Performance: 4 (VERY GOOD)
PERFORMANCE
Cressi’s S300 professional-model BC is a solid system that our testers found to be comfortable with lift to spare. Generously sized, the S300 tended to be larger than average with high lift ratings, making it perfect for drysuit use or diving with thick wetsuits. The weight system is easy to ditch and was rated good for capacity. However, divers were split on the S300’s stability, with the smaller sizes seemingly more secure than the larger BCs. Our entire team liked the system’s large, easy-to-use and access storage pockets and well-placed D-rings, making it easy to carry cameras, slates and other accessories. The S300’s very good performance was competitive among the BCs that garnered the highest overall scores in this year’s test.
BEST FOR Dive instruction, general recreational diving, nontechnical advanced diving, drysuit diving — particularly where lots of storage and/or buoyant lift are important
Performance Summary