Be Carefull with Mares MRS Plus integrated weight system!

[Algis]

Hi Everyone.

Since I was not able to find here about such problem, decided to post my todays adventures.

This week I received my first ever BCD (Mares Dragon MRS Plus) and today I brought if to the swimming pool for a test with our club Diving Officed. I was using integrated weights, just so see how it works. We did some buoyancy training and it was pretty easy to balance. So long story shot - everything went perfect.

Came back home, started unpack stuff. Tryed to take off weights from BCD.. stuck. Pulled one more time.. stuck.. looked close - joint from the belt, which pulls clip fixing weights inside got ripped!!! Weight stuck inside pocket!!! I thought jesus, that's good that not in emergency!

OK... I thought faulty MRS pocket... :huh: But decided to try on another, which I pulled earlier successfully. Used really not too much power and second pocket clip belt joint ripped off exactly the same way!!!!

Is that me the only one who has the problem?

P.S. Sorry for my english...
If somebody is not familiar what system I'm talking about: http://www.mares.com/lab_detail.php?id=73&region=ALL

 

[Splitlip]

Some of the newer intergrated BC's won't release the weight easily unless the pockets are pulled in a natural reflex direction, as if it is being worn. I don't have a Mares, but checked them out for my daughter. If I recall, mares is one of those. I would assume, this is preferable to weights coming loose at an inopportune time.
Some law enforcement service holsters are the same way. You cannot remove the piece from the side or the rear, yet it can easilly be withdrawn by the person wearing the rig.
I cannot speak to the damage the handle attachment sustained however.

 

[Fordan]

Haven't seen this with my Dragon AT. On my last dive trip to Cozumel, I was pulling the weights out at the end of every dive to hand up to the boat, so 7 daysx2 dives=14 removals.

Are they the right sized weight pockets? I think I remember reading there were two different sizes. If the clips changed size too, that might explain something like this.

 

[Algis]

Are they the right sized weight pockets? I think I remember reading there were two different sizes. If the clips changed size too, that might explain something like this.

Yes, from size S down weight pockets are smaller, almost half length, but locking system I think is the same.

 

[CODMAN]

I'd take it back to the store. In my oppinion, it shouldn't have ripped like that unless you were pulling with both hands and put all your weight into it (which you shouldn't have done!!!).

If these rips occured from normal pulling, bring it back and ask them to exchange them for you.

Just my 0.02$

 

[DiveTub]

Thank God Zeagle know how to build a weight system into the BCD, cause Mares still have a long way to go...

Cheers
Chriso

 

[Algis]

I'd take it back to the store. In my oppinion, it shouldn't have ripped like that unless you were pulling with both hands and put all your weight into it (which you shouldn't have done!!!).

If these rips occured from normal pulling, bring it back and ask them to exchange them for you.

Just my 0.02$

Yes, I have no doubt, that shop will replace... but what I will get? Better made ones?

 

[CODMAN]

This type of tear doesn,t seem to be frequent. Or at least, I haven't seen posts about it here. maybe there was a defect? You can also ask Phil or Zak, the Mares Reps in the Mares gear section of this site. They are quick to respond and will surely answer your questions.

Personally, I have the MRS pockets (older version) and although, people have complained about them slipping off accidentaly, I've found them very secure. You just need to pay close attention when sliding them in to make sure they are in the track. I double check each time and so far have had 0 problems...

Luego!

 

[mannella9]

Now is that the MRS Plus? I just picked up a Morphous and am homping not to have that problem..

 

[CODMAN]

Algis was talking about the MRS plus, but I have the regular MRS pocket. Like you, I have a Morphos pro BCD.

Just be carefull inserting the pockets! Make sure of 2 things: 1- the pocket is properly inserted into the track, 2- The locking mechanism is properly closed around the big red pin. Once this is checked, they won,t come out.

Hope this helps!