Mares Morphos Twin vs Dragonfly Airtrim

[MercutioATC]

I've pretty much narrowed it down to these two. Beginner diver diving both warm water and Great Lakes. Does anybody have any feedback on either of these?

Thanks in advance,

Rich

 

[leadweight]

makes choosing a BC more difficult. Both of the units you like have the airtrim system. While I don't find this concept to be objectionable, it is new and may go through some teething problems. It definitely adds to the retail price.

The other interesting aspect of your question is that you are looking at fundamentally different flotation systems. One is a jacket, the other back bouyancy. My preference is for back bouyancy as it promotes a level position in the water. However, most photographers will prefer a jacket as it allows for better adjustment into odd angles to fram a picture.

If you are locked into a Mares dealer, you might also look at the Jubilee. It is tilted towards warm water use, but may have enough lift for most cold water divers. It is also significantly less expensive than your other choices.

 

[MercutioATC]

...for the fast response. I realize that the airtrim system adds a level of complexity (and therefore, possibly, an additional failure point) to the BC, but I have read quite a few reviews and have heard some positive comments.

I'm also interested in underwater photography. I bought a digital SLR setup last spring and have looked into housings so I can combine the two pastimes.

Cost is less of an issue to me than finding equipment that I'll be comfortable with for a few years. I'm attempting to find gear that I'll grow into.

Thanks again for your suggestions,

Rich

 

[leadweight]

and read what she has to say about BC's and bouyancy for photographers. She prefers a jacket without using the integrated weights. This allows weight repossitioning during the dive.

Some other gear tips for shutterbugs:
Get conventional fins, not splits or hinged. You will have more control that way. Get a mask with a black skirt, it is easier to see in the frame, so to speak. Look at an Ikelite housing. It costs a lot less than a metal one, enough of a difference to send two people to Roatan for a week. One of my friends uses one with a film camera and is quite happy with it. Which digital slr?

 

[chrispete]

One little caveat to the Airtrim system (after getting to play with it for a while at the LDS) is that you need to realize that it is a power-inflator and most importantly, a power-deflator. You lose pressure to it and you cannot add or dump (the dumping side is something that seems to be overlooked rather often.) Just make sure that you practice using your manual dumps often if you are going to depend on the Airtrim.

 

[MercutioATC]

again for the responses.

Chrispete, the pneumatic deflator was my only real concern. I'll definitely be practicing dumping manually.

Leadweight, I've already got Avanti Quattros and an X-Vision mask with the black skirt. I looked at the site you suggested and found some interesting things to consider.

I'm currently using a Canon D30 that I picked up last year for a trip (non-diving) to Costa Rica. Only 3.25 megapixels, but I've made some really nice 8x10's and a couple of good 13x19's.

 

[wakinyands]

I purchased a dragonfly airtrim last summer and overall, I am very pleased. The manual dump is actually pretty easy to get used to. There's a lower dump and one that comes over your right shoulder. I originally thought the hard backpack would be annoying but I haven't had any problems with it. My only real complaint is that the "power" deflator makes a lot of noise.

Back vs Jacket...I've never had a problem with horizontal trim while using the Dragonfly. Part of the buoyancy bag extends out like a partial back inflation but I'm not sure this helps significantly. I've tried back inflation but find that weight distribution with the jacket makes trim just as easy. That’s just my preference though. I dive with people who swear by back inflation.

I got mine for cheap...($400 US if that's cheap). You can get one off LP for about $480. Have Fun!

 

[Dxtreme]

I have not physically witnessed but I HEARD that Mares BC are all poorly made. The stiches will come out in a matter of months.

This was the case with their Mares Syncro Power Tech Line. That's why i decided not to get it even for $249.99

 

[PEIDiver]

Dxtreme once bubbled...
I have not physically witnessed but I HEARD that Mares BC are all poorly made. The stiches will come out in a matter of months.

This was the case with their Mares Syncro Power Tech Line. That's why i decided not to get it even for $249.99

Dxtreme, this is the first time I've ever heard this. I personally own a Syncro Power Tech and know a couple of other people that do also. My LDS uses Mares Vector Origin BC's as rentals, the owner once remarked they have been a very reliable BC for this purpose. It's been my experience that the Mares BC's are just as good as any other BC I've ever seen on the dive boat.

As far as the airtrim goes, I'm not convinced that it is worth the premium price Mares charges for it. I've always been happy with the standard inflater Mares uses for all their non-airtrim units.

Steve

 

[MaresMan1]

:mean:

Ok guys, you know I have to reply to this one.

I used to use a ScubaPro BC and it was very well made, and I enjoyed using it. Recently, I switched to the Mares Pegasus Airtrim after testing it in a refresher course. I am a WWW but I do dive in the north east(NJ/PA) occasionally.

The Morphos is supposed to be the latest and greatest of the Airtrim line (I will be testing one in a month or so). I also tried the Dragonfly Airtrim (my first choice) and I really enjoyed it. However I felt much more comfortable in a jacket style BC than a back inflate (DragonFly).

The quality of all of the BCs that I tried was just as good if not better than the SP. I have had no issues as yet, and the quality of the jacket is really good.

BTW, the DragonFly received Rodales ScubaLab "Best of the Best" award for 2002. That's good enough for me.

Bottom line is what ever fits you best and makes you feel comfortable in the water, is what you buy.

Best of Luck.
:mean: