Sherwood Avid vs. Mares Dragon AT

[kybosh27]

Hello everyone. I'm knew to the sport and was looking at purchasing my own equipment. Any suggestions between the Sherwood Avid and the Mares Dragon AT? I've tried on the Avid and it was extremely comfortable. Also, I heard the Zeagle Ranger was a great BC. Any help would great as well as anyone experiencing any of these BCs. Thanks!

 

[johnny_bravo]

I dove an Avid for 3 years in both cold and warm water. For a non back-inflate, jacket style BCD it's very stable underwater. I loved the fit and the integrated weight system.

For what is worth the 2004 model is still being sold online in a few places (the new model has a new weight integration system I believe) and it's a super bargain.

Cheers.

-J.-

 

[CApenguin88]

i have a sherwood avid and its a solid bc for a beginner...teh weight belts are easy to deploy if ever needed and like johnny said its very stable...im plannin to switch to a bw so im planning to sell my sherwood avid with around 50 dives on it and it has just been serviced. if your interested pm me

 

[ncdive]

I sell the Sherwood and Zeagle in my shop. Both are great products. The Zeagle however will take more punishment in the long run than the Sherwood. The Zeagle also has a removable bladder and can be converted to carry double tanks...if you get into that sort of thing.

 

[The Mighty Thor]

I have the Mares Dragon, non AT. It is extremely comfortable for a jacket BC. However, it is pretty heavy to travel with. I will probably end up buying a travel BC, Zeagle or BP/W

 

[tzeyap]

I have the Mares Dragon, non AT. It is extremely comfortable for a jacket BC. However, it is pretty heavy to travel with. I will probably end up buying a travel BC, Zeagle or BP/W

I too find the Mares BCD's a little on the heavy side. The Avid is not much lighter .
I used to dive the Avis and think it's a great BCD and great value for money. I only changed because I was looking for something a little lighter and with less bulk.

 

[somewhereinla]

My first BC was a Mares with the AT system (morphos) and I didn't like it at all. Mares are well build BC's but the AT system doesn't give the diver any feedback as far as how fast the BC is deflating. Hard to explain the feeling, but I wouldn't recomend it.
I ended up selling it. When I was looking at new BC the Mares Icon BCD was one of my top choice. It's back inflated, compact and very well build. I was really close to getting it and then I ended up getting a backplate w/wing which I absolutly love (Dive Rite Transplate).

 

[CompuDude]

I have an Avid that I use for pool sessions with students. (Otherwise I wear a bp/w) Decent enough. I only have that particular BC because of the insane deal I got on it, though, due to a price marking foul-up at the shop that I benefited from.

One thing: I would avoid the older Sherwood BCs, even if there is a good price. The new weight system is a LOT better. Depending on Velcro to hold lead weights in place is not a good idea. The new system is much better.

 

[Stu S.]

A year and a half and about 70 dives and the AVID looks like new. It is easy to use, and adequately adjustable. I'll be sticking with this one a long time.

 

[Ontwreckdiver]

I have an older Mares Dragonfly AT and love it. I bought because it was made from a heavy material, so it would stand up better. The air trim system is simple and easy to use. I travel with it down south diving all the time. I also use it for pool classes and whenever it's warm enough up here for wetsuit diving. You can't go wrong with any of Mares gear.