Mares or OMS - Cant decide for the life of me....

[ModularHippo]

Mares XR Silver Knight or OMS - IQ Lite CB Signature?

Anyone tested them or maybe both and can help me make a decision?

Thanks

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

Get the Mares.
Better waist buckle, better crotch strap system, no chest strap, no stupid padding, better wing for sure, no contest. The Mares looks to be set up Hogarthian style which is what you want. I don’t know what the OMS is supposed to be but it certainly isn’t Hog that’s for sure.

 

[drakcheslav]

It's kinda apples and oranges.
Mares is a BP/w while the OMS is a back inflate BCD.

That said.
Unless you have a really good deal on the Mares, I'd go for something else. It's not that it's a bad one, but for me it's an ugly one.

While the OMS, it's probably quality, since they're a big name, but if you plan on going for tech in the future I'd give it a pass. Otherwise, looks like a nice travel BC, but it's super heavy at almost 4kg. And probably way to positively buoyant

 

[runsongas]

why not xdeep/tecline/DTD or even apeks on that side of the pond?

 

[drakcheslav]

Yeah, Xdeep is 400 eur, comared to mares 600eur.
DTD and Tecline are even cheaper.

 

[Nemrod]

Well, between these two, neither? But if I had to get one of these, the Mares appears to be closest to a simple Hogarthian rig, the other one, not so much.

James

 

[Centrals]

The OMS shown is NOT recommended. Keep it simple.
I am allergic to the word "Lite".

As for Mares? Can't they just use a simple black harness and plain BP without Mares and XR mentioned?
There must be better choice in UK!

Another approach would be buying used or a new wing(make sure it has slots for cam band) + used plate. Respective hardware is not expensive.

 

[Joe2518]

just flip the straps and it hides most of the markings. not ideal but not a dealbreaker. I've got the mares soft plate. i did pick up a dgx SS plate just to play around with. I'm not sure you need the buckles on the mares shoulder straps

woops... the new dgx mares bp/w is a bit fancier than is needed

Mares XR Silver Singles Harness/Backplate/Wing Package

The Mares XR Silver Singles Harness/Backplate/Wing Package has the accessories needed for backplate and harness diving with comfort. This one size fits all fully adjustable harness with aluminum plate and accessories minimizes the weight for travel.

www.divegearexpress.com

 

[Centrals]

DGX Custom - DGX Gears Singles Harness / Backplate / Wing Package

A basic DGX backplate/wing/harness package for single tank diving at a value price.

www.divegearexpress.com

US$349.00(30lb wing)
US$399.00 will get you FREE shipping Internationally. No sure about the duty in UK though.
Power inflator and IP gauge etc etc.

US$599.00 for the above(34 lb wing)

Tecline! That is a thought in Europe.

 

[lowwall]

Like everyone else says, go with the Mares. It's actually nice that a major brand is making a straightforward BP/W.

But also like everyone else says, assuming you are paying full retail for this you can get a better deal from one of the smaller specialist lines like xdeep or tecline.