it is incredibly confortable, it has everything it should, really good quality material. But the AT system of inflation is just remarkable!!! it will be difficult for me to change it any time soon...
Love AT Air Trim
By
steven b.
-
Delmar, NY, US
I'll start off by saying I do not own the Hybrid AT but have the Mares Dragon AT with MRS weight system. I am writing this as I read the hugely negative one star review that slammed the BC based on the MRS weight system and I have to say after 2+ years and 25 or so dives on this BC I have never had an issue with the MRS weight system. It isn't perfect, and it seems that Maris is upgrading this system, but for me the weight pocket has never moved about and has always firmly and positively atta...ched to the BC.
Next on my cant live without is the AT Air Trim system. This I am in love with. Unfortunately it seems that Mares may be discontinuing this as the Hybrid AT is the only BC left on the Mares web page with this system.
I know the detractors all say it is unnecessary and playing with it wastes air. Sure - when you need it use it and when you don't leave it be. When you do use it it is intuitive and simple. Doesn't mater if you are horizontal or vertical, on one side or the other, it exhausts air perfectly.
This may sound silly but it also gives your left hand a "home base", meaning that it is a very comfortable place to rest your hand, gently grasping the AT valve.
Not knowing what Mares is planning to do with the AT for future products and the fact that it is only on the Hybrid now is pushing me towards picking up the Hybrid AT now while it is on sale. Looking at the pictures it may be a bit light on D rings, but all that can be modified the owner.
Hybrid AT represents the apex of Mares Jacket Style BC product development. Thanks to features such as a completely detachable harness and air cell, seamless shoulder straps and special padding around the wings of the back pack, Mares has reached an unparalleled maximization of comfort, fit, stability and lift.
The Foldable Backpack System maximizes the blend of comfort, lightness and size. The grip provided by the rubber portion of the backpack in contact with the tank, when open it ensures total stability and comfort of a long backpack, but when folded it's 30% shorter than a traditional backpack. The honeycomb structure makes it 40% lighter than a traditional backpack, weighing 7.7 lbs. (3.5 kg) in xs/sm size makes this the perfect travel BC. The Quick-Pak system makes it easy to compact and transport the BC with a few simple moves. Once closed it is minimal 17" x 12" x 12" (45 x 30 x 30 cm) in size and can easily be transported in your suitcase or a small travel backpack.
The Hybrid AT is equipped with Mares MRS-Plus Mechanical Release System 8.82 lbs. (4 kg) in xs/sm. A simple click ensures easy and secure storage of the weight pockets. A single outward pull on the oversized handle releases the weights. If you don't need to use the maximum weight load each pocket has hook and loop dividers to eliminate weight shifting adding stability to your dive. Two trim weight pockets attached to the tank strap hold an additional 10 lbs. (4.5 kg) between the two pockets.
Comfort is important, but durability means years of maintenance free use. The outside of the BCD is made from durable 420 Cordura Denier Nylon with strong polyurethane inside. Six lightweight aluminum D-Rings and grommets for accessory attachments and Mares Force Knife Collection allows maximum accessorizing.
For perfect buoyancy underwater, the first and only pneumatic system (patented) that revolutionizes and simplifies buoyancy control during the dive, making it precise and immediate in any position and under any condition. It features a single intuitive and ergonomic control to inflate and deflate the BC. Two oversized buttons, which are easy to operate and allows for easy and accurate buoyancy control. The exclusive "Twin Exhaust Valve" technology, patented by the Mares research laboratories, allows the Airtrim deflation button to simultaneously control both pneumatic exhaust valves: that way, it's possible to deflate the BC simply by pressing a single button, without worrying about your position in the water.
The new flat valves geometry and design has reduced the size of the valves to a mere 0.86" (22 mm) of height 30% less than past valves. With adjustable and removable chest strap, zippered pockets, ergonomic transport handle, and lots of lift 32.6 lbs. (14.8 kg) in the xs/sm size makes this one great BCD. The Hybrid AT comes with a low-pressure hose, and owner's manual.
This product can only be shipped to U.S. addresses.
Bruce E
How do I connect my 1st stage of my regulator low pressure port to the BC to add air???
Mario C
through a quick disconnect low pressure hose that comes with BCD
BRUCE E
How to connect the BC to the 1st stage of my requlator to add air to the BC??
RONALD L
There is a low pressure connector like every Bc has on the puck to add air.
CODY S
I have a aqualung airsource 3....will I be able to use it on this bc?
TIMOTHY M
Probably not the valves are a different size from a standard aqualung inflator hose. I had wanted to try using a hose when training students so my gear "looked" the same as theirs but it wouldn't fit.
CODY S
Yes I know the valves are different...they make a fitting that screws onto the mares bc that will then allow the aqualung airsource to connect....I have this on my mares bc now...I was just wanting to know if it was still possible to use a airsource ....or if their was a place that it would connect to like on the standard bcs
ROBERTO R
I don´t think you would... besides if you want to replace the octopus with this because of confort or less bulkiness definitely this is not the BCD is great but very bulky.
Kaleb W
Does it come with an inflator hose?
TIMOTHY M
Yes, it is stored in the pocket and the end protrudes through a hole. You just pull it out and blow into the one way valve to manually inflate the bcd.
James V
Yes. It attaches to the HP port on your Reg and runs under your arm connecting to the BC inflator on the left side of the vest, Regards, Jim
RICHARD D
This Mares model has a rubber inflator hose about 20" that extends from behind the left weight pocket for manual inflation. It is paired with inflators and deflator switches on the BC itself.
Roberto G
HI
Yes
In Left Bag
Gread BCD
Kenix P
What are the differences between the Mares Hybrid AirTrim BCD with MRS Plus Weight Pockets and the Mares Dragon Airtrim BC with MRS Plus Weight Pockets?
DAMON B
The major difference is the Hybrid is geared more towards the travel minded diver. The rigid frame folds in half and the BC it self is lighter. I own the Hybrid BC and just completed a trip to Grand Cayman and Mexico, doing 21 dives. The BC packs great and travels easy. It is very comfortable. Both BCs have very similar qualities and if your looking to choose one or the other, I would say if your a traveler choose the Hybrid, if your local choose the Dragon. They are both great BCs.
NZ1495287 M
I don't know the difference but I can tell you the pockets on the hybrid do not lock in to place very wel at all I lost one on my 5th dive with the BC. The weight system is my only geipe with it.
DAMON B
i have loged 30 plus dives on the Hybrid, the weights lock in fine never had a problem. I used the BC in the caribbean with 10 lbs in the MRS. No issues, dove to 100 ft, tight swim throughs, 5 penetration wrecks, drift dive, no issues as of yet. The air trim takes a little to get use to but the learning curve is small. Very comfortable.
MARK W
The bcds are different in fit .i have the hybrid which allows you to release air in any prostion which other one has old style hose where you have to hold above your head to release air .on hybrid it's built on left side of bc . Hope this helps
DAMON B
they both have the same air trim system. No old style hose.
MARK W
Sorry thinking of hose one , the hybrid has a back support system and folds up for traveling .
DUANE L
I have no idea I don't have a dragon I have the hybrid
DICK L
The Hybrid Airtrim has a rigid fram that can be folded roughly in half for travel or storage.