Considering a Hybrid BC

[Tafflad]

I know the advantages of a wing at depth and jacket at surface, and to date my Scubapro Glide 1000 has been great.

But looking to change and thought worth looking at a Hybrid.

On test results Aeris Atmos XT was good - but not sold in my country so ruled out.

The MARES Dragon AT seems a good product, but be interested in other options.

Only interested in single tank diving ... so not after a technical beast, and as I travel a lot for diving want something that is not too heavy.

 

[Davetul]

I dive a Mares Dragon, and I really like it.

Prior to that, I had an Aqualung, which I also really enjoyed. The major differences between the two (from my experience):

Mares is / has

More comfortable
Larger air volume / more lift
Lower wrap-around - didn't ride up my side
Easier inflation control than the Aqualung, easier to put in small amts of air, whereas aqualung was all or nothing when pressing the inflator.

Aqualung was / had

Bigger pockets
Smaller 'footprint'
More component-like (I could disassemble it into frame, bladder, straps, etc)
Places where I could add pockets, etc, besides d-ringing them on

My wife dives an Aqualung Libra, and she thoroughly enjoys it. I have never used it so I can't say pros/cons other than it's much heavier when she forgets to take the weight pouches out for me.

 

[nineeightysix]

I have the Mares Dragon and really like it. Aside from the above, I also think it is very well put together/sturdy and seems to provide good balance below. It's very adjustable and has rear trim pockets as well...

Highly recommended.


Cheers

 

[djb_1965]

2 votes for SeaQuest Libra and Balance--close to bp/w, but still some BC features, integrated, rear weight pouches, fold down pocket, travel pretty good.