Mares Morphos Twin vs Dragonfly Airtrim

[LUBOLD8431]

Dude, listen to me, stay as far away as you can from MARES bc's. They suck, the company sucks, their customer service sucks, if you have a problem with the BC, good luck... Bottom line, stay away from MARES bcds. GO get yourself a good BCD, like a SEAQUEST!!!!!

 

[MercutioATC]

for all of the responses. As I'm very interested in underwater photography, I'm leaning towards the Morphos Twin.

I've only heard of a few dissatisfied Mares BCD owners so I'm still sticking with them (Dxtreme and LUBOLD8431, thanks for the input though).

 

[Dxtreme]

ok this was sent to me via private msg a while ago regarding Mares Syncro Power Tech. I assume if they manufacture their top of the line tech bc this way.... i dont want to know how they do their other BC


"Re: mares syncros power tech
Hi,
I purchased this BC even though I had seen mixed reviews on it on this board. Basically I was warned against it because it has a tendancy to have the weight pockets ripped out and it is bulky. I bought it anyway off of ebay because it was only $187 brand new. When I recieved it I was very impressed. My first impression was litlerally "Man, this thing is built like a tank". Well, the more I dove it the more I realized that it was unfortunately as bulky and as heavy as a tank. It weight 11lbs out of the water and is positively boyant. That requires me to compensate for the positive boyancy in the water, so I have to carry a net of about 13lbs on land (11lbs plus 2-3lbs to sink it).
Then the weight pockets started to rip where the shoulder straps met the cumberbund. This was after 10 dives with miticulous washing after every dive. Upon further inspection, there are a ton of connections hidden behind the hard back plate and a number of them were beginning to weaken. I fixed the BC where it was ripping (had it strongly reinforced in the cumberbund so it would not rip there). Any other points of possible failure were not critticle yet, but could see it deffinately being a problem in the future. So I unloaded it for an equally low price on ebay.
That is my personal experience. When I told my LDS about it, he told me he had personally sent 3 of them back this summer for the same problem. They at least had a warrenty.
Good luck. "


Again , i dont own a Mares and after all these info i dont think i want to own a Mares. Just my 2 cent

 

[leadweight]

All that proves is that one model is a dog. I have seen Mares jackets hold up quite well as they were used in rental at an LDS where I trade.

 

[MercutioATC]

For all of you who had reservations with Mares BCD's, any thoughts on the Cressi-Sub J 115? Pseudo-Airtrim system with, if I understand correctly, manual controls rather than pneumatic.

My LDS seems sold on Cressi equipment and customer service (though they're also a Mares dealer and will order a Mares BCD for me if I insist).

...this is the last major piece of equipment (besides the computer) that I'll be buying right now. Turns out, it's also been the most difficult to decide on...

 

[MaresMan1]

I have been using the Mares Pegasus and have had no issues with it at all. Quality is very high and the performance is outstanding. Much better that the old ScubaPro that I owned.

I just completed my test of the Mares Morphos and I was equally impressed with the jacket. On the surface, it really does feel like you are sitting in a chair; props you right up (where's my martini? :wacko: ).

I can not believe how small the jacket packs up in it's integrated case. Two feet by one foot max. Great for traveling. It is also very light. There are also two small pockets on the back of the jacket for small weights to max trim.

It has one pneumatic vent at the top of the jacket and three manual vents, one attached to the pneumatic and two lower side vents. All in easy reach.

I may have to trade my Pegasus for the Morphos

If you do not like the pneumatic airtrim, the Cressi J line offers a airtrim that has a buttom for inflation and a pull cord for deflation.

Whatever you feel comfortable with is the right one for you.

Enjoy! DiveOn
MM1

:mean:

 

[MercutioATC]

I've been asking for feedback on equipment from my LDS, so I felt the desire to reciprocate a bit and support the shop. They had some reservations about their past experiences with Mares customer service, but said they'd happily order me whatever I wanted. After some consideration, I ordered the Cressi J 115. Both BCD's looked great to me and, should something go wrong, I can remind them how quickly they told me it would be dealt with...


Thanks again for the input,

Rich

 

[leadweight]

I just noticed that the Scubapro Classic air has a pull cord for deflation as well. I wonder if Mares has a patent on the airtrim pneumatic deflator and this is the way that Cressi and SP intend to get around it.

It is really significant that SP has jumped on this because selling Air 2 integrated octopus inflators was one of their big marketing strategies. These new inflation systems are not compatible with the Air 2. I can't say that the Air 2 was the greatest thing since sliced bread. Too many ways to mess up in an emergency.

Good luck with the Cressi.

 

[MaresMan1]

Leadweight,

You are correct. Mares has a patent on the pneumatic deflator. Don't know if that's a good thing or not.

Enjoy the ride :mean:

 

[ddid]

Hi

I looked up for review about the Mares Morphos Twin and here I foung only old information from Sep,2002

The Mares Morphos Twin is a new one.
can you put some light on this BCD?

Now, After it is some mounth on the market is there a new information?

thanks
Hezi