Feature | EVA Float (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate) | EPS Float (Expanded Polystyrene) |
Core Material | Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate, a high-end foam material | Expandable polystyrene, commonly known as "styrofoam" |
Main Advantage | Extremely durable, puncture-resistant, non-absorbent ; very long service life | Low cost, huge buoyancy ; very high cost-performance ratio |
Structural Feature | 100% closed-cell structure with a smooth, dense surface. Even if punctured or cut, it won't absorb water or sink | Formed by compressing foam particles, relatively rough surface. If the outer layer is damaged, it may absorb water and gain weight over time |
Durability | Excellent . UV-resistant, seawater-corrosion-resistant, high-impact-resistant. Not prone to cracking or deforming in harsh sea conditions | Moderate . The surface tends to powder and peel under prolonged sun and seawater exposure, leading to reduced buoyancy |
Typical Uses | Offshore purse seining, deep-sea aquaculture, commercial fishing where high reliability is critical | Inshore cage farming, crab/lobster pot markers, general recreational sea fishing, etc. |
Lifespan & Cost | Higher cost, but very low maintenance. High-quality products retain over 85% of buoyancy after 10 years | Low cost, suitable for short-term or large-scale replacement. Consumable product, expected lifespan around 8-10 years |