squidster
Contributor
Anyone out there have a mares dragon bc , do you like it , is it worth the money?:fish:
Pros & cons Please.
Pros & cons Please.
Mares Dragon BC
- Thread starter squidster
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Ontwreckdiver
Contributor
I have a Mares Dragonfly AT and have had it for about 4 or 5 years. It is slightly different from the new Dragon BC's. I really like mine and think it is a great BC. If you have any specific questions about it feel free to ask .
JCDdiver
Contributor
I dove a Dragon e few times. It is a very comfortable jacket BC. Although I decided to go with a BP/W instead.
Fordan
Contributor
I like mine. I have a Dragon AT, purchased mostly for the Airtrim due to some physical challenges making using a normal hose uncomfortable. Taken it on 11 dives so far, did well. Didn't have a huge range of BC experience prior to getting it, so it's hard for me to make a comparison. Only gripe I have is that when the integrated weight pouches are full, the pockets aren't particularly spacious, but I suspect that'll be true of most BCs.
I have the Dragon AT and I think that its freaking great. I actually got it as a replacement to a defective MARES Metal Ltd. BCD. I can tell you that I have not been the least bit disappointed. I highly recommend the AT option, granted it takes a dive or two to actually get used to after years of reaching for the hose/Power inflator but after you get the hang of it.....smoooth sailing.
For the record. I have been diving with it in tropical waters (cozumel/cancun/dom-rep & the Fla-Keys) with only a 3 mil and in the local quarry using a 7mil. In each environment the bcd worked and in all positions, bouyancy control is effortless and precise.
In any case, I want to leave you with one word of advice.... Dont take my word for it, because its only one divers "opinion"! Make every effort to test drive one before you purchase! Your skill sets are different than mine, my body type isnt the same as yours, our dispositions are very unique....what works for me may not work for you. Either way, I am very happy with my purchase!
For the record. I have been diving with it in tropical waters (cozumel/cancun/dom-rep & the Fla-Keys) with only a 3 mil and in the local quarry using a 7mil. In each environment the bcd worked and in all positions, bouyancy control is effortless and precise.
In any case, I want to leave you with one word of advice.... Dont take my word for it, because its only one divers "opinion"! Make every effort to test drive one before you purchase! Your skill sets are different than mine, my body type isnt the same as yours, our dispositions are very unique....what works for me may not work for you. Either way, I am very happy with my purchase!
Cummje
Registered
robway034. I don't know if you'll see this or not, but I was wondering what failed on your Metal Tech Ltd.? I just got one a couple of weeks ago and have yet to take it out for a test drive. It looks comfortable and feels comfortable, but doesn't actually seem all that robust to me. Thanks!
I'm using a Dragon BC that I purchased when my old faithful Aqualung finally bit the dust after a particularly tough shore dive re-entry.
It's the most comfortable BC I"ve ever used, not that I've used all that many, about 4. The weight system is tight, and easy to use if needed, and better than the older Mares style, as you can get the pouches back almost effortlesly.
The arm holes are very wide, so it's not riding up your armpits, and there's plenty of places to attach clips and doodads.
It floats me comfortably when I'm on the surface
Cons
The pockets are very small, almost useless it seems at times.
When on shore standing before the dive, the chest strap will choke you if you clip it.
Did I mention the pockets?
Can't get another tank on it even if you wanted to the way it inflates around the tank.
There's better out there, but for the cost and durability, it's an outstanding BC
It's the most comfortable BC I"ve ever used, not that I've used all that many, about 4. The weight system is tight, and easy to use if needed, and better than the older Mares style, as you can get the pouches back almost effortlesly.
The arm holes are very wide, so it's not riding up your armpits, and there's plenty of places to attach clips and doodads.
It floats me comfortably when I'm on the surface
Cons
The pockets are very small, almost useless it seems at times.
When on shore standing before the dive, the chest strap will choke you if you clip it.
Did I mention the pockets?
Can't get another tank on it even if you wanted to the way it inflates around the tank.
There's better out there, but for the cost and durability, it's an outstanding BC
The Metal LTD Ed (MLE) had a manufacterers defect in the over-pressure valve. Since they arent making any more of these things the local dealer replaced it with a Dragon. Overall, the MLE was a very good BCD and without comparison the most comfortable BCD I have ever worn PERIOD.
After that being said, my prefernce is for the Dragon, if for no other reason than the dump valve placement and the more wrap around style.
As far as the small pockets on the Dragon....I must admit that the "arm chair" pockets on the MLE where much more user freindly than the Dragon but I am a "D-ringer" if there ever was one! Does anyone ever wonder why manufacturers cant seem to have a BCD with all the "smart ideas" in one package?
After that being said, my prefernce is for the Dragon, if for no other reason than the dump valve placement and the more wrap around style.
As far as the small pockets on the Dragon....I must admit that the "arm chair" pockets on the MLE where much more user freindly than the Dragon but I am a "D-ringer" if there ever was one! Does anyone ever wonder why manufacturers cant seem to have a BCD with all the "smart ideas" in one package?
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