Mares Kaila Question

[ScorpioScuba]

I am hoping someone out there, maybe a Mares employee (?), can help me.

I am new to diving and getting ready to do my OW dives in June. I have completed everything else. I bought a Mares Kaila at my LDS in a size Medium. However the integrated weight pockets that came with them say on the back that they are for jackets size XS and S. I called the LDS and they said that these weight pockets are for the Medium as well. I called Mares and they said no, the weight pockets for the Medium are different. I called my LDS again and they said Mares was wrong. I am getting the run around and am very frusterated. What is the answer? When I spend $400 on something I want the full product not a substitute.

Or - does it not matter at all and am I making a big deal out of nothing?

Thanks for your help in advance! I've found a lot of helpful advice on this forum already.

 

[havnmonkey]

Possibly the only difference would be the weight they can hold... it might be a good idea to check out another dive shop that carries the same model and compare. Many BC's will have the same removable weight pockets in all sizes... mine does, but it's not a Mares.

I think there is a Mares rep on this board but I'm not sure.

 

[H20Bubbles]

Phil Mintz is the Mares Rep here on ScubaBoard. You may try PM'ing him your question and see what he says. From my Mares BC, I believe that the weight pockets are universal.

 

[Phil Mintz]

I am hoping someone out there, maybe a Mares employee (?), can help me.

I am new to diving and getting ready to do my OW dives in June. I have completed everything else. I bought a Mares Kaila at my LDS in a size Medium. However the integrated weight pockets that came with them say on the back that they are for jackets size XS and S. I called the LDS and they said that these weight pockets are for the Medium as well. I called Mares and they said no, the weight pockets for the Medium are different. I called my LDS again and they said Mares was wrong. I am getting the run around and am very frusterated. What is the answer? When I spend $400 on something I want the full product not a substitute.

Or - does it not matter at all and am I making a big deal out of nothing?

Thanks for your help in advance! I've found a lot of helpful advice on this forum already.

Hi,

Your LDS is correct, not sure who you spoke to here, but they may have been thinking of the Men's Dragon which uses the same pocket(we will make sure they know now). Size XXS - M comes with the small pocket, Size L comes with the large pocket. Keep in mind the small pocket can hold up to 10lbs. If you feel you need the large pocket, it will fit and is interchangeable from a working stand point.

I would be glad to switch them out for you if it is a problem, just drop me a note. Thanks for purchasing the Kaila, any feed back on the fit, performance etc would be appreciated.

Regards,

Phil

 

[ScorpioScuba]

Thank you for your responses!

Phil - I think I'll be ok with the small pockets as long as they hold 10 lbs. I love the fit of the jacket so far, but I haven't tried it in the water. I'm going to San Carlos Mexico June 10th to do my first OW dives. When I get back I'll definitely let you know how it went. I am very excited to use the Kaila. The female instructors at my LDS all love it so far!

 

[gracefulc]

For the record, I have a Mares Kaila Large and it's pockets say: for M, L, XL.

 

[ScorpioScuba]

For the record, I have a Mares Kaila Large and it's pockets say: for M, L, XL.

Thanks gracefulc, that does help. How do you like the Kaila? I haven't used it yet. I'm going to San Carlos, Mexico for my OW dives to get certified on June 10th.

 

[gracefulc]

I love my Mares Kaila thus far; I got it in December and think I have put about 20-30 dives on it so far, including a 10 dive (over 4 days) marathon in Kona. My complaints thus far are: I don't know how to take the quick dump valves off as that would make it tons easier to rinse out the bladder, so for now I'm stuck swishing the water around by moving the entire BC and it's hard for me to open the pockets with my 5m gloves on. HOWEVER, if I HAVE to get to my equipment in the pockets, I can ( I just had to this weekend for the first time and was able to get them open fairly quickly). I would suggest practicing that if you wear heavy gloves.

So these 2 complaints are just my own personal stuff I need to learn to do; I love the BCD in general, both for cold and warm water diving. Wouldn't mind if it was slightly darker color tho; any mud or dirt is noticeable so I have to clean it, which is probably a good thing.

 

[Desert Pig]

My fiance loves her Kaila - If you have not yet purchasedit - she said go for it. Besides... looks like good service from Phil if needed.

 

[engbarth]

How much weight will a Large Kaila hold? I had thought that it was the same for all sizes. I am new to diving (just certified OW in Seattle and going for AOW in mid-Nov). We are actively shopping for all gear so any input is much appreciated.

I am considering the Kaila because it seems to fit perfect (out of the water). I tried the LadyHawk and the Zeagle Zena. Neither of those felt as comfortable as the Kaila.

I plan to dive in lots of different environments (Pacific NW, Carribean, Mexico, etc) and want one BC. In our OW in Seattle in the Sound, I needed 32 lbs (with 7mm wetsuit, etc). My preference would be a BC that could hold that much weight, but I would consider a weight belt if needed as well.

Thanks,
Gina