Mares Hybrid BC with MRS Plus System

2018-09-09T19:31:35

Very nice and comfortable. My only worry are the pouches, it seems that by the time they can fall while diving, it didn't happen to me in 2 years of use but I know people that got it

Mario G.

2018-05-20T06:34:20

Very comfortable BC and fairly easy to figure out how fold up for travel. Fly down to Aruba with two of these plus all other dive gear for two in one suitcase. Suitcase wasn't oversized either. Easy to don and everything is right where you need it with plenty of rings and snaps for extra gear. My only complaint is on the 4th dive, the inflator assembly on one of the BC's developed a small leak. It wasn't the connections either. It was inside the plastic housed assembly. I'm going to try to exchange this one but will be getting another one just like it.

KEVIN M.

2018-02-07T10:46:05

Comfortable, well designed with good features, Durable material and comfort cushion

Mariusz P.

2017-07-19T10:46:08

I love this BC. The right amount of support and pockets for so many different climates. A bit large, but very comfortable.

dana m.

2017-05-13T15:13:39

This is an awesome BC. The 2nd one I have owned however the 2nd one was a size bigger. The folding back pack design makes it easy to pack in a duffle for air travel. Large pockets and the integrated weight pouches are easy to put in and take off. The air baffel wraps around the tank so it's not restricting when inflated when on top of the water. Love it.

Jim K.

2016-12-20T09:42:35

I've been diving since first being certified in 1974. Back then there weren't many BC's that were much more than a Mae West vest, with an oral inflator or a CO2 cartridge as the only means to inflate it! Since then I've both owned and used several BC's starting with the Horse Collar style to Back Inflated styles; Stabilizing Jacket style; and finally the Hybrid styles. There are advantages and disadvantages probably with all of them. So, as to the style or version of today's BCD's much of it comes down to a personal choice. I happen to prefer the Stab Jacket style of BCD. Beyond that it's about the design, the specs, the quality of materials, build quality or workmanship, ease of use etc. I have had this BCD now for around 9 months and used it on 20 to 25 dives or so. I can honestly say that this is the finest BCD I have ever owned or used. In all departments (like listed above) Mares has done a really great job! Its super easy to don or doff, all of the straps are very easy to adjust and get a really good fit. It has three dump valves to release air (plus the original means by raising the oral inflator hose and triggering the air release valve in your hand) and with those valves placed all around the bag you can release air from almost any attitude. I really like its lift capacity (roughly 30 to almost 50 lbs depending on the size-S-M/L-XL you wear) should you find yourself surfacing to large waves you can really get high in the water. The materials used all seem to be of really high quality making for a really tough unit that will take a beating and still serve for many, many years. It's very easy and quick to adjust your buoyancy during all stages of the dive. At the end of a dive when I'm on the surface, maybe waiting for my boat to pick me up, I feel like there's a really large person behind me holding me up above the water's interface! It's almost as comfortable as sitting at home in my favorite chair! With the selection of softer to the feel straps etc., and with their "suspension system" designed into the back pack, its fairly obvious that Mares has really tried to think of everything from several "D" rings for attaching gear to the large zippered storage pockets on either side. I haven't taken it yet on the big exotic dive vacation, but when I do this BCD will fold and pack down to a much smaller size to save space in packing. There's only one item that I can think of (and this is mostly industry wide) that they could have done better. I'm a big believer in wearing bright colors (like international orange) while diving out in open waters. The dive industry today (as compared to previous decades) will make you equipment in almost any color that you would like--as long as its black! This BCD is all black, trimmed in silver. Oh, and in case you're wondering most of my diving is done in the colder waters of the Pacific Northwest so most of my diving is done wearing a dry suit.

DOUGLAS H.

2015-05-30T20:00:00

I've used the BCD for 17 dives so far, and am very, very impressed. First: I've made 200+ dives, have multiple BCDs of varying makes and am a PADI Assistant Instructor. My prior personal BCD was an Aqualung Axiom which is very good as well; however, it does not have the "wow" factor of the Mares Matrix. Let me explain: As a "travelling" BCD, it folds in half, leaving the handle sticking out while the shoulder straps secure it to be half the size of a normal BCD. In addition, it has trim weights in the back and it's very light weight. However, don't let the size fool you: It has all the D rings you could ask for, the dump valves work perfectly, and the pockets hold large quantities of items (gloves, flashlight, noise banger, etc.) The integrated weight pockets easily slip in and out with the accompanying rings on the pouches and the matching BCD portion to "pull the BCD" while "pushing" in the weight pouches. Moreover, as a dive professional, I need to be streamlined when working with students. This BCD makes it easy to hover in a neutrally buoyant divers" position and demonstrate all the required skills for students making it all look easy. Overall, I love the size, other divers often comment as I come on the dive boat holding my BCD on its "hanger" being half the size of others, and fits all the needs of a recreational diver. It is also VERY durable due to its fabric strength and immensely resizable just by adjusting a few straps.

Dive i.

2014-08-05T20:00:00

I love this BCD. I got the medium large and it fits me perfectly. I just got back from diving all weekend with this the only issue I had is something touched my weight pocket on my left side and I lost neutral buoyancy I was lucky and able to find my weight pocket due to their bright red handle but will look at making sure the weight pockets are secure I tend now to put my hand over the red handles need to dive with it more but I am in love with it for now

Doberman l.

2013-03-21T20:00:00

On a recent trip to Bonaire the Bc packed small. Extremely easy to manage buoyancy and with hybrid system both back and surface position was great. I highly recommend this product.

LaMacho

2013-02-18T19:00:00

I used this BC for about 15 dives now. I find it very comfortable, well made, easily adjustable, and easy to set-up. It has more features I can make use of and I'm generally very happy with it. If I were to pick on something it would be the pockets. For some reason I have to search for the zipper, especially with gloves on, in order to open the pocket and often I need to look down to find it. Furthermore, the size of the pockets is reduced with the weight system in place, but that's to be expected. Other than than, everything works just like it should. Very good BC.

Jack

2012-01-12T19:00:00

Good looking functional BC. I think it is durable but not tested yet.

iltech C.

2012-01-11T19:00:00

I've been using this BCD for almost a year, i usually dive every weekend, easy to pack-up for travelers, Comfortable, lots of pockets & D-rings...you'll loved this BCD more any other.

CHUCKIE