Mares Prestige MRS Plus observations

[SDiverJim]

Well after some input from other divers, posts from here and a review from scuba magazine I opted to purchase my first BC. I had monitored the posts in the Mares forums about a few individuals loosing the integrated weights during the dive. I was certainly a bit concerned. I have yet to dive with it. (hopefully next weekend!) I did spend some time looking at the weight system and I can see why if it's not inserted "just so" there could be a problem. The unit does "click" when inserted though not very obvious. Using the same quick clips as on the rest of the straps, one can see that it is plastic with an 1/8" of material holding it in place. Wear and tear or rounding edges will lead to problems. I tried my best to pull, wiggle and yank it apart with out pulling the quick release...but to no avail. Inserting weights prior to wearing seems important. Being sure not to tug on the release handles while moving around or getting in the water is important. I do like the set up but time will tell. After a couple of dives I hope to report back.

 

[sfromsf]

I wonder what you think of this BC after using for it a while.. considering purchasing it myself.
I'm concerned over losing weights...

 

[ScubaFaith]

Hi Sfromsf

I picked up a Mares Prestige MRS Plus BCD at the London dive show a few weeks back. It's a pretty smart looking bit of kit and it's been wet about 6 times now. It's tough and perhaps a bit heavy, but I'm ok with that for UK diving. I've noticed a bit of fraying to the right shoulder, but it's not to any important part of the main structure and it's just where its rubbed a bit. However, the reason I'm on the forum today is because I lost a weight pouch when I was in a lake in Kent. I've had a drag around on the forum and it seems that there are a few posts about broken pouches. I've made a very thoughrough inspection of my MRS+ and the remaining pouch and I can see no problems and it all works well. Whilst kitting up I usually get my buddy (wife) to put the pouches in the pockets as a part of the buddy checks, but now I think I will start installing them myself. I'm almost 100% sure it was not fully and correctly inserted and that was the reason for the loss. The release mechanism and the safety features are well designed, but will let you down if you don't use them properly.

I'm ordering a spare and will continue to use the MRS+.

Chris