Mares Icon BC, Mares products, Good / Bad ?

[Planedriver]

Went al over town looking at different makes and models of BC's. Came acros a little unit that felt really nice in the shop. Mares Icon travel BC. Shop says its great for warm water and you can still get away with it in cold water but might have to add a few pounds. I like the size and the price. What are your thoughts?

 

[NavyGreg]

While I don't own the particular BC you are asking about, I do own several Mares products. I've never had a major issue with anything and when I have, they have been quick to solve it. Overall, Mares makes quality stuff and the prices are pretty reasonable (downright cheap on some things).

 

[Bubbletrubble]

Mares makes some nice stuff.

What price did the shop quote for the Mares Icon BC? Scubatoys sells that BCD for $500.

There are a number of BCs on the market that pack down smaller and weigh less than the Mares Icon BC.

 

[Planedriver]

Ya, $475 i think. What other travel BC's are out there that are good quality. I saw a nice Cressi one but i think it was around $850 !! I dont thing im ready for the plate and wing thing yet.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

The more minimal/lightweight you go, the closer you'll probably be getting to a BP/W.

Lightweight travel BCs to consider:

• Aqualung Zuma
• Zeagle Express Tech
• Oxycheq travel wing with Ultralite backplate
• Deep Sea Supply package of LCD20 wing with Kydex BP

I saw the Zuma on sale for under $300 at a local Aqualung dealer earlier this year.
The Express Tech is regularly priced in the $250-$275 range.
The Oxycheq setup runs about $350.
The DSS single tank travel package is $460.

Before buying any BC, you really ought to do a few demo dives with different BCD styles to figure out what you like: jacket, rear-inflate, BP/W (which is really just a barebones, modular rear-inflate system).