Comments about Mares Mares Dragon BC with MRS Plus Weight Pockets, Black:

I dive every weekend and I love the BCD. When I am diving it feels like I am not wearing it. I do not feel any difference in the way it feels before and after the dive.

Comments about Mares Mares Dragon BC with MRS Plus Weight Pockets, Black:

I use this BC guiding dives in the Red Sea. I love this BC because it doesn't have the average jacket style "squeeze" when you add air. most of the air goes into a semi-wing style bladder.
50+ dives using this and I love it. If you have any big items in your pockets you'll have to remove them before putting in the weight pockets... they both want to occupy the same space. You just then pop the items back in after the pockets are in.

Comments about Mares Mares Dragon BC with MRS Plus Weight Pockets, Black:

The jacket seems really good i just picked the wrong size.Pockets are a bit small.Really comfortable with heaps of padding.Looks good 2.

Comments about Mares Mares Dragon BC with MRS Plus Weight Pockets, Black:

Very comfortable BC but the size is huge. Shoulders fit well but the cumberbun waist strap don't,but that's just me.Would recommend if right size was tried first.I purchased site unseen seeing how i am in Australia and the the only size i could try on was a small.I ordered a Xlarge and im 6"2 105 Kg.

Comments about Mares Mares Dragon BC with MRS Plus Weight Pockets, Black:

I love the BC and it fits great. I picked up one for my son and myself. It is a little heavier than some of the travel BC's but it is a lot more durable and packs easy. My and I can fit both our BC's and all of our equipment into one suitcase with full skins and it weighs less than 60 pounds. Sweet. We dive warm water because who would want to be cold when they dive.

Comments about Mares Mares Dragon BC with MRS Plus Weight Pockets, Black:

I really enjoy this BC! It is so comfortable and so feature rich I really don't think you could do any better in a BC. It really doesn't even feel like you have it on most the dive and even when lugging your gear up and down steps and beaches for beach dives this is a outstanding BC, you might feel the weight walking around with it fully loaded but you don't feel the strain on that weight.

Two minor problems I do have with this however. First, I am a tall and slender guy which basically forces me into the large BC but unfortunately the large BC is made for someone who is both tall and fat, so all the straps end up tightened down on me pretty well but it still works just fine so I can't complain much I just wish they had a medium large in their sizing.

The other, is the MRS weights. I feel a bit uncomfortable with them in heavy kelp as the large red tabs often get caught up on kelp and I feel that if I didn't notice right away the kelp may be able to pull the weight pocket right out. An extra velcro strap or something on these weight pockets would be a great addition to give that extra level of security without compromising the quick release system much.

Comments about Mares Mares Dragon BC with MRS Plus Weight Pockets, Black:

Super comfortable back support. Nice integrated weight system. Fits very snugly. Looks like it will be very durable, but I haven't had it long enough to tell yet. I use it mainly in cold water, with quite a lot of weight, and the weight pockets semm to handle it fine. May well be a 5 star product, but hasn't been tested for long enough yet.

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.

Comments about Mares Mares Dragon BC with MRS Plus Weight Pockets, Black:

Great BCD!

Comments about Mares Mares Dragon BC with MRS Plus Weight Pockets, Black:

Great BCD for the money. Size runs plenty big.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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

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.

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.

Comments about Mares Mares Dragon BC with MRS Plus Weight Pockets, Black:

Fits nicely, Very confortable. Dual tank straps prevents tank from slipping.

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

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!

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

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.

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.

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!

Comments about Mares Mares Dragon BC with MRS Plus Weight Pockets, Black:

Great for everyday diving

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.

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.