Durability issues with Mares Dragon BC?

[davethecaptain]

I purchase a new dive kit including a Mares Dragon BC back in April 2013 as I was going to go for my Divemaster and wanted to upgrade/refresh my gear. 60 dives later the Mares BC "plastic" on the back is peeling and a lot of the decorative trim is wearing off. It looks pretty bad for something so new. Yes, Iam a stickler for cleaning an maintenance; the BC is always rinsed and cleaned after use; then hung up to dry in the proper place. I like the fit and functionality of the Dragon, but it has not been durable.

There is a 2 year warranty in the product, but I will have to ship it back to the USA as I am working/living in the Middle East. Since I am just starting Assistant Instructor I need my gear. I plan to buy a replacement and send this Dragon back for repairs or replacement.

Anyone have suggestions for a professional-grade BC? Jacket-style due to the DM/AI training needs. I will take function, fit and durability over style any day.

Thanks..

 

[Goat_Tower]

Anyone have suggestions for a professional-grade BC? Jacket-style due to the DM/AI training needs. I will take function, fit and durability over style any day.
Thanks..

My knee jerk reaction was to suggest a back plate and wing. What is it about the jacket that you want to keep. What specific function or form?

 

[davethecaptain]

Thanks for the reply. Agree regarding the wing But as a DM and now working AI I need a "jacket" type for instruction. The Mares has a plastic coating that is peeling off the denier. I don't think it should affect the functionality, but looks bad. Of course I am supposed to be "squared away" when performing my divemaster duties.

 

[diversteve]

Jacket-style due to the DM/AI training needs.

ScubaPro Classic or Glide X? No personal experience with either.

I dive Zeagle. If you're allowed to use a back-inflate BC, I'd recommend the Ranger. It's built out of tough high-denier fabric and has no fancy trim to peel off. http://www.zeagle.com/showcategory/1/bouyancy-systems/

 

[Goat_Tower]

I need a "jacket" type for instruction.

Does your shop require you to dive with gear they stock? They can probably get you a deal on something. I have a teaching rig and then my wing for fun diving.

Just use whatever jacket you can grab used on ebay, or inexpensively through your shop. If the Mares still works I'd stick with it. All the DMs at my old shop would brag about who has the most faded wing or oldest working reg. Old equipment is like grey hair, it indicates experience.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

If the shop requires you to dive in gear they sell when doing classes they should give you rental gear or give you the gear they want you to use. Making you buy gear when you already have it just to be a billboard for the shop is ignorant.
And why do you "need" a jacket for instruction? I teach in a bpw and students will either be in back inflates, jackets, or bpw's. There is no need to be in the same gear if you know how to explain the MINOR differences and demo the skills. Never had a problem with students being confused.
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