Mares Weight Systems

[niu_roadkill]

Hi all. I've settled on picking up a Mares BCD, but am interested in everyone's opinions on the weight systems. I see that with the 2006 models Mares switched from their MRS to MRS Plus. The plus seems to be a more traditional buckle quick release system while the old system has some sort of button toggle system.

1) Has anyone had any problems with the old MRS system? Seems like the knob in the BC could break off or that its difficult to secure the weight pocket. Are my fears unfounded?

2) Why did Mares switch?

I'm deciding between the Mares Dragon with Airtrim or the Mares Morphos Pro LE.

Any and all advice appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[Vie]

My gf has done around 150 dives with her Mares Ariel (with "old" MRS) - no problems so far...

 

[txharleydiver]

The changes were small improvements in several areas that overall created a huge change in performance. Easier to load pockets, lock release pull with dual cams is much improved over prior mechanical system. You will find a great deal more ease in the general use. Also, check the new location for the trim weights. Way improved!

 

[Chad_Ordelheide]

I have the Mares Vector 2000 with a little over a hundered dives on it with no problems. My wife has the Mares Ariel and hasn't had any problems. The only thing with the Ariel is if you need extra weight the pockets can be a little difficult to load. But neither has had problems with breakage, etc. Good Luck.

Chad

P.S. the new Dragon looked pretty cool.

 

[pj5]

The "old" MRS is kind of a pain to load. Go to a dive shop, put each contender on a tank, put 4 lbs in a pocket, and load it into the BCD. Do it a few times. Do it at least once without any help. That should help you decide.

I've learned to always tug on them to make sure they're secure before I don my BCD. Forgot to do that once, and when I did my back roll into the water, one of the weight pockets came out

 

[SCUBA Seth]

Roadkill,

Not sure if you made your decision yet, but thought I'd share an experience with you. I just picked up a Mares V-1 with MRS about two weeks ago. I will be using it for NE diving and everything else. On a recent trip to Cozumel, I used the jacket and it worked fine all around. On the 3rd and final day though, as I was washing the bc post dive, I noticed the buttons on both weight pockets were sticking in the open position. This was a little frustrating as it is a brand new bc and I'd hate to think that my weights could pop out mid-dive if I didn't catch this. When I got back home after the trip, I called the store I purchased it through (Dive Network-NYC) and they told me that Mares had had a few problems with this and to bring them in for replacement. I did and they replaced them as promised. That said though, they look identical to the original pockets I had, so I don't know if I'll run into the same problem again in the future or it's resolved.

I hope this helps you avoid a similar situation!

 

[niu_roadkill]

Thanks all for the info. I got a heck of a deal from the guys at Scubatoys, so I went for the Mares Morphos LE with the old style weight system. I talked with some people at Our World Underwater in Chicago, and they said they hadn't seen any problems with the old weight system, though they admitted they liked the newer style better. Anyway, I can't wait for it to get here this week to play with it. Gotta take it to the local pool for the "refresher course" so I can play around. Thanks again for the advice everyone.

 

[txharleydiver]

2006 MRS+ system eliminates buttons and therefore cannot stick, plus they have a drap-pull release that eliminates the pockets from falling out.

 

[Fish_Whisperer]

2006 MRS+ system eliminates buttons and therefore cannot stick, plus they have a drap-pull release that eliminates the pockets from falling out.

Nice. My wife dives a Mares Ariel, with the lever/button pockets. Man, I hate that system. We've drilled and drilled on dropping her weights, but it's needlessly complicated. My Cressi-Sub BC has handles on the weight-pockets. "Snatch & Drop." Very much in keeping with the KISS approach. (Keep It Simple, Stupid)

 

[H20Bubbles]

I am not sure how much more simple you can get from the old MRS system. You grab the handles, push the buttons with your thumbs, pull to the outside and remove the weights. It is a simple process. I am not sure what there would be to get stuck. Honestly, if you have difficulty with the coordination it takes, I would have questions...

The hardest part of the old MRS system is actually loading the weights. There is a small track in the BC that the pocket is supposed to slide into to help "lock" it into the BC. On initial setup this isn't too hard, but if you are removing weights underwater it can be tricky to get it back in correctly.