Gear category

AAD (Automatic Activation Device)

The electronics that auto-activate reserve. ENAC de facto standard — no school lets you jump without one.

3
Models listed
3
Manufacturers
€1,100–1,700
Price range
Moderate
Used market
01 — Overview

What it is and how it works

AAD measures altitude and speed in real-time. If at safety altitude (typically 225 m AGL) the skydiver is still descending at freefall speed, AAD fires reserve. Last-resort backup for unconscious, stuck-handle, dual-malfunction cases. World-certified manufacturers: Cypres (Germany), Vigil (Belgium), MarS (Czech Republic).

02 — What to evaluate

Key specs

Operating mode

Expert (225 m firing, 35 m/s), Student (400 m, 22 m/s), Tandem (580 m, 35 m/s). Mode chosen by discipline profile — wingsuit has dedicated profile.

Lifecycle and service

Cypres: 12 years + 3 service cycles (4 years each). Vigil: 20 years no mandatory service. MarS: 15 years with 4-year service. Total lifecycle cost matters beyond initial price.

Battery

Replaceable every 2 years (Cypres 2) or non-replaceable with 20-year life (Vigil). Operating cost profile differs.

03 — Manufacturers

Reference brands

Airtec (Cypres)AAD / VigilMarS
04 — Models

3 flagship models

Airtec
Cypres 2
€1,400–€1,500
New

Historic reference. Mandatory 4-year service. 12-year operational life. Tracks all events (including every power-on). Preferred by most schools.

StudentNovice (post-A)Intermediate (B-C)Advanced (C-D)Expert / competition

Total cost of ownership over 12 years (purchase + 3 services) is ~€2,500-2,800. Calculate when comparing to Vigil.

Manufacturer site →
AAD (Advanced Aerospace Designs)
Vigil 2+
€1,500–€1,700
New

20-year operational life with no mandatory service. Non-replaceable battery. Lower TCO if kept for full operational life.

Novice (post-A)Intermediate (B-C)Advanced (C-D)Expert / competition
Manufacturer site →
MarS
M2
€1,100–€1,300
New

Czech alternative with more aggressive initial price. Less installed in Italian schools but technically solid.

Novice (post-A)Intermediate (B-C)Advanced (C-D)
Manufacturer site →
05 — Lifecycle

Lifespan and used market

Lifespan and maintenance

Cypres 12 years, Vigil 20 years, MarS 15 years. Service and maintenance per manufacturer — do not ignore dates.

Used market
Moderate

Moderate supply, needs active search. Fluctuating pricing. Only buy with certified rigger inspection.

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Sources: official manufacturer product pages, USPA SIM Section 5, PIA bulletins. Indicative pricing from European dealers, April 2026. Quota 4000 does not test gear — no individual reviews. For model-specific evaluation: certified rigger or trusted instructor.

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