Mares Dragon - Air Trim System Worth the Extra $100?

[JipThePeople]

I am looking at upgrading my BC and so far the Mares Dragon is my favorite. Not sure if I should pay the extra $100 and get the version with the air trim system, but I tried one on in the store this week and I liked everything about it. Although I have my OW and AOW certifications, I am still fairly new to the sport. Isn't Mares one of the better manufacturers of BCs? Any feedback I can get on this BC is appreciated.

[Advokat]

It is hard to say which one is a better...as it depends what type of diving are you going to do and what you feel more comfortable in. I've tried the Airtrim and liked it, but I didnt like that it is a "jacket style" BC as I didnt feel comfortable being squashed from every side. I went for a Zeagle Brigade and love it. If you dont want to limit yourself to Mares,you can have a look at Aqualung as they have recently introduced their I3 system, which the same as Airtrim.

If you have a chance to try it in the water- it will be great. One good thing I also remember about the airtrim is that you can dump air in any position.

[Zenagirl]

The biggest disadvantage to the airtrim system is that it isn't "standard". Although we should all go over our gear with any unfamiliar or new buddies, I'd be concerned that in an emergency my buddy wouldn't remember how to add or dump air to my BC. If you have the same buddy all the time this would be easy to practice and wouldn't be anything to worry about.

Otherwise my feeling is that if you like the BC, it's comfortable, it has all the features you like, and is a quality manufacturer, then it's the right BC. Mares is definitely known for producing quality, so no worries there.

[terrillja]

Originally Posted by Zenagirl

The biggest disadvantage to the airtrim system is that it isn't "standard". Although we should all go over our gear with any unfamiliar or new buddies, I'd be concerned that in an emergency my buddy wouldn't remember how to add or dump air to my BC. If you have the same buddy all the time this would be easy to practice and wouldn't be anything to worry about.

Otherwise my feeling is that if you like the BC, it's comfortable, it has all the features you like, and is a quality manufacturer, then it's the right BC. Mares is definitely known for producing quality, so no worries there.

Just what I was going to say. My LDS pushes Dacor, and was pushing my dad to get an airtrim BC. I had recently finished my rescue diver course, and the thought of having a completely different manual inflation system doesn't equate to safety for me. In order to inflate it for an unconscious person, you would almost have to he on top of them, forcing them underwater. Just because you buddy knows how to work it, doesn't mean you will be safe, it may not be your buddy who has to rescue you. My dad ended up going with an Oceanic Probe Lx Bc, because it fit him well and used a standard hose configuration. Also watch out for the mares/ Dacor weight pockets, they tend to pop out easily, where the oceanic pockets snap in securely.

[Krakenn]

I brought one of the LE Morphous from ST recently and retired the Sherwood Pro Black.

For me, I love the Mares with the Airtrim. After having a very loose fitting BC in the Sherwood I love the way the Morphous hugs me in and I can tighten up the rig with no movement over my body. I like this for reef diving for crays and also getting out of the water and into the boat somehow seems alot easier and lighter. - Yeah, I Can't explain why though.

It is great to be on the surface and listen to the Airtrim expunge the air from the BC as you decend, small minds i guess for me as it does amuze me. I have only had about thirty dives with it so far but while early in the ownership I can only speak highly of the Mares BCD and Airtrim.

In Australia major brands sales would be Mares, Oceanic, Aqualung and Sherwood. Mind you having read up on this Zeagle brand and the reviews it gets it does sound good and a bit more flexible in its operational limits. But as ST sell this as their primary brand that could be why on a ST board it gets so many reviews. Then again if it were R/S gear Im sure you would have heard about it on this Board.

I think I would ask others here what they think of the Zeagle for use other than open water as it looks a bit cumbersome on the back parts for me and may be subject to enanglements/excessive wear in reef or wreck. In saying this I must add it is a very unqualified statement its just that the bladder on the back appears to be very large and obtrusive to me and that is only from looking at it online.

Best of luck Pal, its always a hard choice - I think the key is buy what you are happy with and never look back.

Kraks

[Krakenn]

Smiles Ill stop looking at Zeagle BCDs online when our Australian distributors are able to match the US price.

Yes one day we will have to catch up for that dive. Mind you Id want to try that rebreather first mate.

Kraks

[Advokat]

Originally Posted by Krakenn

Smiles Ill stop looking at Zeagle BCDs online when our Australian distributors are able to match the US price.

Yes one day we will have to catch up for that dive. Mind you Id want to try that rebreather first mate.

Kraks

I was told at my shop today that they cant order in Zeagle products anymore as Australian distributor is out of business...

[Krakenn]

Lol well you just met the guy that sent him out of business.
Make contact with Chris (Divetub) he is doing the Aussie market now.
But dont forget to look at ST first - Sorry Chris!

Kraks

[Advokat]

Originally Posted by Krakenn

Lol well you just met the guy that sent him out of business.
Make contact with Chris (Divetub) he is doing the Aussie market now.
But dont forget to look at ST first - Sorry Chris!

Kraks

Scubatoys is always a number one option

[JipThePeople]

Thanks for all the feedback. I am finding that most divers prefer a back inflate to the jacket style BC (or at least it is difficult to find a diver who will admit to preferring the jacket style). I must have good size pockets for storage and so it is difficult to find that in a back inflate. Right now I am still considering the Mares Dragon, but not with the air trim system - I agree that having a dive buddy who is confused about the air trim system in a crisis situation would be bad.