Mares Dragon with double-7 cylinders?

[wimfikkert]

Hi all,

Would be nice to have some advice concerning a planned addition to my dive gear. I am not sure if what I am planning will be harmful for my BCD. My gear is complete except for a cylinder (can borrow one from the dive shop). I wish to purchase a single 15L cylinder or a double 7L cylinder. These provide me with enough air supply for my recreational dives. I would prefer the d7 solution but I am unsure if it will fit correctly on my stab.jacket (BCD). I own a Mares Eurojacket which is exactly the same as its newer version the Mares Dragon. In the manual, available on Mares' website, it states two things: on page 18 Mares states that all BCDs can carry a maximum tank size of "Single-tank set: Min/Max diameter 14.1/21.5 cm Max. Vol. 20 lt." and on page 26 it claims something different: "Your B/C was designed to be used with air tanks having the following minimum and maximum characteristicsiameter: min. 14.1 cm (5.5 in) - max. 21.5 cm (8.5 in)Volume: single tank: max. 20 l; double tank: max. 2 x 10 l". This is also found on the product info that is stitched to the BCD itself.

That being said, I took a d7 from a friend and tried to place it on my BCD. It fits OK but I should better replace the tank strap with one that is a bit longer. The thing that troubles me is this: the Mares Dragon is a semi-wing and its bladder folds halfway around a (single) cylinder. However, with a d7 tank, this will not be possible. In fact, the bladder will be pushed away, making it impossible for the bladder to fold itself like that. Finally, my question: can anybody inform me if this configuration is harmful for my BCD? I do not want it to start leaking or even rupture mid-dive for example.

Thanks for any helpful feedback!

cheers
Wim

 

[Dsparta]

Did you ever get an answer to this question? I have the same question now? This is one of the only references that I could find online.

Thank you,

Dan

 

[wimfikkert]

hi Dan

I basically decided that a D7 on my Mares Eurojacket should work, and it does. So far I have made 100+ dives with this configuration and my BCD is still in great shape. When attaching the D7 on my BCD I fold the bladder around the cylinders. This is done easily enough. Just take a moment to do this so that you keep full use of the bladder.

Note that you would need 1 or 2 longer cylinder straps to securely place the D7. I use 1 long strap and the original Mares one (that only just fits with small parts of its Velcro touching). I have made dives with just one strap but using two places the D7 more secure. A V-weight also fits between the backplate and the D7: I recommend getting 1 in combination with the pockets.

It is not possible (as far as I have tried) to use bolts to strap the D7 to the BCD. My D7 does not have steel bands to hold the cylinders together: just the bridge and the rubber foot. As a result, the cylinders are rather close together. Not sure how well the D7 would fit on a wider D7. Spacing between the cylinders is +- 2cm, can make a photo if you would like.

Hope this helps!

regards
Wim

 

[Dsparta]

Wim,

I actually used the the Trident TA32 travel unit the other day. I found a thread on Scuba Board from a Mares dealer saying it was alright to use double tanks. I was mostly worried about the bladder wrapping around a single tank and not allowing for enough lift with the doubles. I found the TA32 very easy to install and use. I dove double 80AL; they were very secure. I am diving a Uboat in Rhode Island this week. 130ft which is my first time to that depth! I need as much air as I can bring down with me.

Thank you for the input. All and All I am very happy with the Dragon set up. I have well over 100 dives with it as well. Still looks new.

Take care,

Dan