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Mares' new Dragon Bladder design is tightly tailored to reducing drag, placing much of the air cell around the tank. The air cell is contoured to greatly minimize the feeling of the bladder underneath your arms, and gives comfortable surface flotation. All that ergonomics and still has a lift of 20k/44lbs size lg. Innovative Protective Buoyancy Cover Material: Superior combination of 3D Alutex net adds protection, abrasion resistant, with a smooth shield fabric covering. The Air Cell is made of 420 denier. The Mechanical Release System (MRS Plus), Mares evolution of the first mechanical weight system introduced to the market, incorporating a newly designed buckle system, one pull movement to release your weights. Ergonomically shaped pockets to form to your waist, with large, zippered opening allows for easier insertion of weights. Max load of 6k/13 lbs with most sizes. Inside Velcro to section the pocket in case you don't use the full capacity. Two rear trim weight pockets holding up to 4.5/10lbs total. These pockets are positioned in the lower part of the BCD for better upright body efficiency at the surface, and a more streamlined profile. Back Protection System (BPS Plus) patented dual position lumbar capability. Heavily padded in either position, you can double the padding for increased lumbar support or extend the length of the padding depending on body shape. Ultimate pre-dive comfort
Customers most agreed on the following attributes:
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from New Zealand on 11/2/2009
Comments about Mares Mares Dragon BC with MRS Plus Weight Pockets, Black:
Great BC. I have never used a BC that is so comfortable. It sits snugly and doesn't shift, no matter what position you turn yourself onto. The tank is also held firmly by the "dragon wings" so you don't feel it shifting around either. Lots of D-rings and nice big pockets. The MRS weight system also works very well.
from San DIego on 10/14/2009
Comments about Mares Mares Dragon BC with MRS Plus Weight Pockets, Black:
Great BCD!
from Minnesota on 9/9/2009
Comments about Mares Mares Dragon BC with MRS Plus Weight Pockets, Black:
Great BCD for the money. Size runs plenty big.
from Montreal, Ca on 8/19/2009
Comments about Mares Mares Dragon BC with MRS Plus Weight Pockets, Black:
Very confortable !! All of the purges are well placed and works like a charm.
from Ocala, Florida on 6/25/2009
Comments about Mares Mares Dragon BC with MRS Plus Weight Pockets, Black:
I am very happy with the purchase of this BC. It is very functional and comfortable. The weight system is very easy to load and ditch. Good storage pockets, S/S D Rings and comfortable back padding. I bought BC, Reg, Octo and Computer for[$] half the cost of my LDS.
Delivery was great, ordered on a Sunday and it was at my house Friday.
from Stafford, CT on 6/24/2009
Comments about Mares Mares Dragon BC with MRS Plus Weight Pockets, Black:
This is a great BC. Only used once so far but had no problems with it. Easy to control bouyancy. The integrated weight pockets dump easily but are kind of hard to get back in.
I bout this as the package deal. Great price and I received it in three days
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Raleigh, NC on 6/23/2009
Comments about Mares Mares Dragon BC with MRS Plus Weight Pockets, Black:
I bought and used this BCD for my entire Rescue training certification and a couple freedives. I love this BCD! This is my first BCD so I don't have much to compare except the rentals I've used.
The Dragon is very comfortable! The back cushion is great and the bottom can be folded down to protect more, or folded up to double protection on your lower back. The velvet lined neck saved my neck from chafing. Plenty of dump valves, easy to orally inflate. My only complaint is for the price, I feel like I should get more clips to hold things. It has a place for my gauge, but nothing for my octo. The pocket is big enough for me to keep my pocket mask in. And really, it looks pretty sweet. It held 6lbs each in the integrated weight pouch (1 4lb and 1 2lb lead), which is easy to quick release and snug enough that it didn't fall out.
I would recommend this to a friend, if you're willing to shell out the money; it's worth it!
Just arrived.
Tags: Picture of Product
from Hong Kong / Hawaii on 6/10/2009
Comments about Mares Mares Dragon BC with MRS Plus Weight Pockets, Black:
This is a great BCD. Very, very comfortable in the water.
A bit heavy out of the water, even empty without weights, however, this may cut the need for extra weights in the pocket. The MRS Plus integrated weight system is not as difficult to use as in other posts. Just takes a bit getting used to. It's easier to insert the weights prior to putting on the BCD but this obviously makes your BCD heavy to lug around.
Pocket space is limited, esp with weights inserted. But don't let that deter you from using this great BCD. Very good build quality and excellent buoyancy control in the water. Can't even feel it inflating when you add air.
Media literature says this jacket comes with Trim Weight pockets but this is not true. Can't find them!!
The only reason I don't give it 5 flags is not because of the product but because Leisure Pro forgot to include the supplied LP inflator hose with the BCD. Make sure it comes with one. All new Mares BCD's should have one included. With that being said, a quick email to Leisure Pro and they apologized and will send the LP hose ASAP.
Overall an excellent BCD. You'll be very happy with it!
from Mexico City on 5/13/2009
Comments about Mares Mares Dragon BC with MRS Plus Weight Pockets, Black:
realy recommend teh product for those advanced divers, there are going to enjoy the peak performace bouyancy that the product enables
from Bettendorf, IA on 5/5/2009
Comments about Mares Mares Dragon BC with MRS Plus Weight Pockets, Black:
Used to own a back inflated BC, but didn't like the "rolling" underwater and pitching forward on the surface. I was apprehensive about a "jacket" as I didn't like the squeeze when inflated (I'm not what you would call slim). However, the Dragon has an independent harness system that pretty much eliminates squeeze. Two weeks in Cozumel this year so far, and has been extremely comfy and durable. The back and shoulder padding is very nice; I don't even feel the tank.
So easy to regulate buoyancy as well.
Off the dock of Hotel Cozumel - shore dive
Tags: Using Product
from Westport, CT on 4/6/2009
Comments about Mares Mares Dragon BC with MRS Plus Weight Pockets, Black:
The reason I bought it was the lack of squeeze effect on the rib cage, as you fill it with air the air cell fills towards the back. The adjustable cumberbun was also a good feature along with the open feel around the chest area.
from California on 1/19/2009
Comments about Mares Mares Dragon BC with MRS Plus Weight Pockets, Black:
Fits nicely, Very confortable. Dual tank straps prevents tank from slipping.
from Knoxville,TN on 8/21/2008
Comments about Mares Mares Dragon BC with MRS Plus Weight Pockets, Black:
Great BC at a great price. Mares holds up to its reputation with this one. Very durable without sacrificing comfort. If you aren't strapped for money, upgrade to the airtrim
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Pembroke Pines, Fl on 3/5/2008
Comments about Mares Mares Dragon BC with MRS Plus Weight Pockets, Black:
Feels very comfortable and it's really easy to adjust once you have it on.
I've read that on sizes extra small and small it is hard to fit weights in the weight pockets; however, I personally use a SMALL and was able to fit 7 lbs in each pocket (14lbs total) without any problems and with room for maybe another 2 lbs per pocket.
If you're considering this BC, stop wondering around and get it, as you will not be dissapointed (at least i'm not)
Great product at a great price!
[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
from sydney on 1/16/2008
Comments about Mares Mares Dragon BC with MRS Plus Weight Pockets, Black:
good jacket, go a size smaller than you think though as larger make, extremely comfortable
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Long Island, NY on 12/28/2007
Comments about Mares Mares Dragon BC with MRS Plus Weight Pockets, Black:
The Dragon / Kaila (for women) is very comfortable, provides excellent back/tank support, easy to adjust, good quality materials, good craftmanship, has steel D-rings, and many additional features that are expected of a great BCD.
My only issue -- and it's major issue -- is the MRS integrated weight system. At the store, the pockets were easy to ditch & insert without any weights. Add some weights though and it's a different story. On size M and up, the pockets are large, the pouches are large, so you can spread the weights better, keeping the pouch flatter, making it less difficult to insert into the pockets, but I was only able to use a combination of 2-lb + 3-lb weights (5-lbs total) per pouch with a bit of effort. The smaller sizes of XS and S have small pockets, small pouches, making it VERY difficult to insert when they had just 3-lbs of weights per pouch. My wife and son -- as well as our instructors -- had the same difficulty. We ended up transferring some of the weights inside the zippered side pockets.
The trim weight pockets on the back are a tad small, but you can squeeze a 2-lb weight in each trim pocket if needed. (1-lb weight per trim pocket is probably the way to go.)
Other than that, for the price I paid (bought the Mares scuba package and just upgraded the BCD from the Vector to the Dragon), I can't complain. Still... I take issue w/ the integrated weight pouches being difficult to insert.
Note: I read that Mares improved on the weight pockets to make it easier to insert the pouches when filled with weights, but this is probably for the latest line of BCDs.
Picked up 2 out of 3 at the NYC store; the other 1 was shipped very quickly. No hassle, excellent sales & customer service.
[4 of 5 customers found this review helpful]
from Breckenridge, CO on 12/2/2007
Comments about Mares Mares Dragon BC with MRS Plus Weight Pockets, Black:
The first wk I owned it, I went to release the wt pockets so I could change the weights(on shore). As I pulled the handle, the interior pin releasing the pocket broke, and since the actual release spring is inside the pocket I could not release the weight. The pocket had to be removed with a hacksaw blade( I sent it in and Mares replaced it under warranty). I decided that I should have a backup pocket should this happen again and for approx. $75(a very expensive part) I got one. I've had 235 dives with the BC and have had to again replace the pocket(twice) because the zipper failed!Mares needs to redesign this system so that a wt pocket can be released if the interior release mechanism failes! Also needs better quality zippers.
from massachusetts on 11/13/2007
Comments about Mares Mares Dragon BC with MRS Plus Weight Pockets, Black:
As a rescue diver it is a easy to don and dof also It is a great recreation b.c.
Comments about Mares Mares Dragon BC with MRS Plus Weight Pockets, Black:
Padded back means you don't feel the backpack or tank against your spine. It's like a large hand cradling me. It doesn't slip up when inflated, it's warm around me in the cold yet cool enough in warmer water. Straps at the waist and at the collar bone PLUS the cumberbun makes it snug and comfy. Lots of D rings for hanging gear and comes with a Octo-holder/hose holder and whistle. The MRS plus weight pockets are great, although I did lose one once due to my own carelessness. BUT they are replaceable and easily found on the internet. Nice not to wear a weight belt! Also has two side pockets to hold vienna sausage cans for the fish! Ahhhh! Life is GREAT!
Comments about Mares Mares Dragon BC with MRS Plus Weight Pockets, Black:
I used to own the old Scuba Pro Classic which is a great BC, but when I tried the Dragon I was sold. Very comfortable, lightweight, easy adjustable, and dependable. The Integrated weight system is a great feature and one of the easiest to use. The back weight pockets are a little difficult to access, but with the clips provided, you do not have to worry about them falling out. A great buy!
from Ontario, Canada on 9/23/2007
Comments about Mares Mares Dragon BC with MRS Plus Weight Pockets, Black:
Great for everyday diving
from Miami, Florida on 8/20/2007
Comments about Mares Mares Dragon BC with MRS Plus Weight Pockets, Black:
Good BC at good price, first one was not sewn correctly and was leaking air right by the name brand tag. Lots of features and very comfortable to wear.
from Silver Spring, MD on 8/17/2007
Comments about Mares Mares Dragon BC with MRS Plus Weight Pockets, Black:
A well constructed BCD that looks great, fits well, isn't bulky, and works perfectly. The front integrated weight pockets are easy to use. The back weight pockets are difficult to open and get to.
Comments about Mares Mares Dragon BC with MRS Plus Weight Pockets, Black:
After one week of diving one of the red handles to the integrated weight system tore from its mount, trying to empty the weight pocket. I had noticed this on a display model in the shop I purchased it from. Stay away from this design on Mares stuff!
Comments about Mares Mares Dragon BC with MRS Plus Weight Pockets, Black:
This BC is great. I can use it on vacation in the Caribbean, or in the cold waters of Rhode island and Northern California. As a scientific diver as well, I need pockets and rings on my BC to hold things, and this BC has it all. I am able to go down with collecting gear and it keeps everything at reach. It is also just great for going on a dive at any other time. The MRS integrated weight system is also easy to use and a great feature.