Mares Dragonfly Airtrim NEED FEEDBACK

[ScubaCollin]

Hey guys, im a new diver and i was looking at this package. I think it looks pretty reasonable. Im only 16 so my moms paying for it lol she says the price is kinda cheap and that she doesn't want to skimp out on something that keeps me alive. I think that the price is anything but cheap. Is it a good package and is the dragonfly a good bdc?

Here is the link for the package http://s1059kxm.leisurepro.com/webapp/commerce/command/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=17981&prmenbr=946.

I dive in cold water, should I change the reg?

 

[MechDiver]

The links not working, but I think you and your mother need to go to some dive shops and see what they have available instead of buying something you know very little about mail order.

Also, if this is the same thing as that POS HUB, reread the sentence above.

 

[MaresMan1]

Hey Scuba,

I agree with Mech on this one. Best to look around and see what you like; don't like. Then, spend the bucks.

However, the DragonFly is a very good BC and is nothing like the HUB. It is very versatile and the airtrim system works very well. I have tried all of the Airtrim line and find them to be very good BCs.

I took a look at the Mares package #3 (I think that is the package you are referring to). The Abyss is a very good reg for cold or warm water. I would not use the MR12 Octo in cold water (below 50dF) without the cold water kit. But it is also a good reg. Most people on this board will push Apeks (another good reg). To me they perform about the same, with the Mares being a little drier.

If you intend on going into Tech diving, you may want to look at a BP/W setup and customize as you gain training and experience.

Whatever you decide, dive smart, dive safe.

Enjoy the ride
:mean:

 

[ScubaCollin]

Ive checked alot of the bcs at my local dive shop.

Yes you are right, this bc is nothing like the HUB and i wouldn't be stupid enough to buy it if it was lol.

The bc just looks very nice, I like how the air dump is located on the bc, kinda becomes a pain having to use the hose all the time.

So the dragonfly would be a good choice?

Thanx guys

 

[wreckchick]

I just traded my airtrim for a bp/w. There are few reasons why I made the switch. The most important one for me was that it seemed that the integrated weight system makes trimming more difficult the more weight you add. The trim pockets on the back actually sit even with or slightly lower than the main pockets so they're essentially useless. I finally solved the problem with a borrowed cam band and threaded weight onto that. The follow-up issue was that I couldn't find a cam band for myself. Not that it couldn't be done, but I really couldn't be bothered after stopping by a couple shops.

Another issue is that if you lose air pressure in the lp line, you can't deflate the wing. The dump valves still work, but it's still not a good thing.

In addition to above, it's a floaty bc and I dropped 6 pounds of weight TOTAL when I switched to the bp/w. It's also bulky and heavy on land. The oral inflator is really inconvenient since it's located in a pocket. Finally, if you forget to attach the lp hose, I dare you to do it in water, the way it's routed makes it almost impossible.

I'm quite happy with my decision to switch to a new system. This is one of those designs that seems like a good idea but probably isn't in this form. The good news is I have a lightly used airtrim bc for sale if you're interested, pm for details

Rachel

 

[crazed_dolphin]

Although I've been diving with the Dragonfly Airtrim for about 2 yrs now and overall happy with it I agree with biscuit7 about the inconvenience of the inflator hose being in the pocket.