Mares Hybrid Pro Tec BC

[Sevans16]

I am looking at buying one of these BCD's and am wondering if anyone has one of these and can provide some feedback?? I have not see any reviews or seen on in person. I was looking at the dragon and saw this new model. I am coming from a US Divers Sea Master BC and think the Pro Tec would be similar??

 

[Wayne at DiveSeekers]

If going with a new BC try to "Test Dive" before you buy and also look into a Backplate and Wing setup

 

[rhodes96]

I am looking at buying one of these BCD's and am wondering if anyone has one of these and can provide some feedback?? I have not see any reviews or seen on in person. I was looking at the dragon and saw this new model. I am coming from a US Divers Sea Master BC and think the Pro Tec would be similar??

Just finished 2 weeks straight of diving with this bc.

I really like this bc. The suspension system is very comfortable. I was using 15l steel tanks on the first week and never had an issue getting on and off the dive boat.
No sore backs. The harness is padded very well and gives a lot comfort to the shoulders when walking fully loaded. There is D rings galore on the bc. The integrated weight pockets are easy to use. I loaded them up with about 25 pounds on dive to test them out. I did all sort of inverted manouvers trying to dislodge them. Not one issue. I pulled them out underwater and back in and no problems. I am familiar with mares weight system on the bc. If it is the first time using this type of bc I would practise with it first and be comfortable in knowing how it locks in place properly before taking it on a dive.

The folding system for transport is really good, unfortunately no instructions for how to do it properly. After a little play around I sorted that out. There is also a utube vid from mares if you get stuck.

The pockets for storage are a little small, although one of them does fold out for a larger trailing pocket. My only gripe I had with the pockets was that the lining material keeps getting caught in the zipper when trying to close them. I had to get aggressive with the bc off in order to free the zipper.

The o ring for the inflator where it goes into the bc is very large and solid unlike my previous mares prestige one which was half the size. The external material of the bc is very tough, tougher than other bc's from mares.

When inflating in the water the bc has a tendency to push you forward if you require a lot of weight in the pockets. I found with around 13 pounds I was neutral buoyant" any more weight and it would tip me forward a little.

All in all best bc mares has produced.

 

[SangP]

Well if the shoe fits .

However, at $595 Divers Discount Florida - Mares Hybrid Pro Tec BC Vest - MAP - High Quality Diving Equipment at a Discount
I'll dare say there are some better and cheaper alternatives about.

Not to start another jacket vs bp/w but I find something like this all I need for a dive:

Streamline, pocket contains all the smg/reel tables etc. A couple of weight pockets and it's good to go.

Have you also considered the offerings from Zeagle especially the express tech or diverite transpac?

 

[wert_lee]

Just finished 2 weeks straight of diving with this bc.

I really like this bc. The suspension system is very comfortable. I was using 15l steel tanks on the first week and never had an issue getting on and off the dive boat.
No sore backs. The harness is padded very well and gives a lot comfort to the shoulders when walking fully loaded. There is D rings galore on the bc. The integrated weight pockets are easy to use. I loaded them up with about 25 pounds on dive to test them out. I did all sort of inverted manouvers trying to dislodge them. Not one issue. I pulled them out underwater and back in and no problems. I am familiar with mares weight system on the bc. If it is the first time using this type of bc I would practise with it first and be comfortable in knowing how it locks in place properly before taking it on a dive.

The folding system for transport is really good, unfortunately no instructions for how to do it properly. After a little play around I sorted that out. There is also a utube vid from mares if you get stuck.

The pockets for storage are a little small, although one of them does fold out for a larger trailing pocket. My only gripe I had with the pockets was that the lining material keeps getting caught in the zipper when trying to close them. I had to get aggressive with the bc off in order to free the zipper.

The o ring for the inflator where it goes into the bc is very large and solid unlike my previous mares prestige one which was half the size. The external material of the bc is very tough, tougher than other bc's from mares.

When inflating in the water the bc has a tendency to push you forward if you require a lot of weight in the pockets. I found with around 13 pounds I was neutral buoyant" any more weight and it would tip me forward a little.

All in all best bc mares has produced.

hi rhode96,

I see that you are using the Mares Pro Tec. Mind i ask what size BC you are using? i'm planning of getting one for myself but now i'm kinda stuck on whether getting a small or medium size. im 5' 6" tall, 30 inch chest and 29inch waist. any idea? Also, about the BC pushing you forward when inflate on water, does is troubles you? thank you.

 

[wetwheeldiveraf]

Hello,
I wrote a little review on why i chose the Mares Hybrid Pro Tec.I really like this BC.
As a disabled diver it’s important to have the right gear. As I come to think of it, this goes for all divers. Once again my mantra “All divers are equal” kicks in.
Plonske's duiklog - Why I chose the Mares Hybrid pro tec BCD