Mares Syncro Power Tech BCD?

[scuba buddha]

Just goes to show ya what surfing for hours can do to your brain. I was online yesterday and found this BCD on eBay. Well I was the only one bidding and won. I think the winning bid was $260.00 with shipping. Unfortunately I didn't do my homework on the thing and am afraid that I might get ripped off if I go through with the payment.

My question is, did I get a good price? Is this Mares model BCD known for any quirks or flaws? Did I get to much for my needs? ( I'm a newbie, can't you tell, and dive in tropical regions ) The size I got is large and I'm 6' and weigh 185lbs.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I think I broke the number one diver rule; "when it comes to life support equipment don't skimp." Lesson learned.

Or maybe I got the best deal of all time?...

 

[sekula]

You got yourself a good deal...I got one from LeisurePro just few months ago and was lucky to get last one on sale for $250 plus shipping and tax I had to pay here in Canada...
You got yourself a great BC...Comfortable yet powerful...It use to be sold for over $500...In scuba diving you can never get to much for your needs...All our needs is safety and only good quality equipment can insure that...I think size L should work for you since it is adjustable BC...I am 6'1" and about 215lb and XL is right on...

Good luck

 

[rdriver]

You did get a good deal, I mostly use a back plate and wings now but I had a chance to use one for a summer a couple of years ago and loved it, the only thing is it is not in current production anymore....... I have been looking for a bc to help out on Padi instruction dives..... and I haven't found anything even comparable, If you don't like it PM me I wouldn't mind having one again.
Rob

 

[jonnythan]

I've never seen the thing in real life, but the Synchro Power Tech is sorta the poster boy for "giant bulky slow" BC's. It's bulky, has a multitude of unnecessary D-rings, a chest strap, a super long inflator, giant pockets, lots of danglies, and an extra stomach strap.

In the words of another poster, "The Mares Synchro Power Tech BC is an overblown, unstreamlined disaster waiting to happen. Its full of toys that do nothing but increase the drag and the number of potential failure points."

I don't want to make you feel bad about what you just bought, but I'd get as far away from that thing as I could. Compare this picture to this picture. The guy in the latter picture has on a fully functional, optimized, hydrodynamic, streamlined, secure, stable, and trimmed out single tank setup on. I'm not saying that you need a bp/wing, but it's something to consider. At least you should be aware of the disadvantages of what you bought... and hey, if you decide you don't want the Mares, you'll get most of your money back on eBay

 

[jplacson]

He got his Mares for $250.. how much cheaper is the cheapest BP/Wing setup?

 

[jonnythan]

jplacson once bubbled...
He got his Mares for $250.. how much cheaper is the cheapest BP/Wing setup?

Depending on the components you buy, an Al backplate with a Sea Elite wing can come in about the same price.. and you can find setups for just a little bit more on eBay occasionally.

 

[MechDiver]

jplacson once bubbled...
He got his Mares for $250.. how much cheaper is the cheapest BP/Wing setup?

Basing the purchase of life support equipment solely on price is not the most brain effective decision in the world.