BCD choice...

[Warmwaterpls]

I'm having trouble deciding between Scubapro X-Force and Mares Dragon (non-AT).

I would be extremely grateful to get any and all opinions on this choice.

I may have posted this in the wrong section... sorry

Thanking you in advance for all your input

 

[rivers]

Find a dive shop (or 2) which sells one or both. Ask to demo them in the pool. See which you like better, fits better, etc. Buy that one. If neither fits well, try a different one. Repeat the process as needed. Try jacket style, back inflate, and bp/w. What works for one person, may not work for you

 

[Warmwaterpls]

That's the problem. I found a store that has one and another that has the other. Each talks up the one they sell and I don't have the luxury to try either in a pool, though I'm sure I'd adjust to either.

 

[snowdog]

Besides the Fit, another point to consider, How well will the BCD travel (Pack), and does it have all the features you need… pockets, etc.

 

[RTee]

In 2009, I bought a Mares Dragon just like the one you mentionned. I found it comfortable for the diving I did with it and priced right, then in fairly rapid succession I purchased BP/W with doubles, then a Zeagle express Tech BP/W to dive single and since then, the only time it sees water is when my son dive with me and my GF. The problem with most BCD is that they end up being fairly bulky when you are travelling compare to a travel BP/W.

Don't know much about the Scubapro as I seem to have an aversion for that brand...probably because the LDS ask an arm and a leg for its products so I just looked elsewhere.

 

[ferris213]

I bought a Mares dragon and was happy with the bc itself, the weight pouches are good (provided you don't overload them) and everything did it's job. Pockets can be hard to use when the weight pouches are full, but I thinks that is common of most integrated bc's.

It is quite bulky, I wouldn't want to have to fly anywhere with it. My biggest problem with the dragon was it didn't fit me very well. I'm 185cm and 80Kg, using a medium size bc, and found it constantly riding up and moving around. I thought, like you, that I'd just get used to it, but it only got more irritating.

If it fits you securely I could recommend the Dragon, but I gave up and changed to a BP/W. I would suggest to anyone looking to buy a new bc to at least explore that option.

If the dive shops have their own clubs, try going out for a dive with them. Guaranteed there will be someone there diving the bc the shop sells. Maybe ask if you can try theirs out??

Good luck with it.
Pat