Mares quality

[jpstevens]

I am looking to buy my first set of equipment (BCD Regs and computer)
What do yo think about the quality of Mares ?

 

[Crowley]

My own personal experience:

Fins, yes.
Wetsuits, OK
BCDs OK
Computers - no.

Having said that, they are not poor quality - simply that there is better gear on the market.

 

[Stu S.]

I have been using the Proton Metal regulator (see my picture) for about four years and am completely satisfied. The fins are good. The wetsuit was good, but a little tight for me. I can't comment on their computers. They recently brought out new computers as their old ones were getting obsolete.

The brand is volume-priced. You can buy it from Scubatoys, Diver's Direct or similar outlets for less money than the "Dive Shop-only" brands.

 

[MauiScubaSteve]

I own a couple pairs of Mares fins and I will buy more mares fins; best scuba fins made in my opinion, although I like my freedive fins more.

Prefer other brands for the rest of my gear.

 

[scubafanatic]

regs = fine

wetsuits = fine

fins, I don't use their fins but see a fair number of other divers who do so I guess they're OK.

computers, I have no idea

BC's, I think they're too complex/gimmicky and I've seen a fair number of divers having problems with their integrated weight systems, so personally I'd avoid a Mares BC.

 

[Lorenzoid]

I have been using the Proton Metal regulator (see my picture) for about four years and am completely satisfied. The fins are good. The wetsuit was good, but a little tight for me. I can't comment on their computers. They recently brought out new computers as their old ones were getting obsolete.

The brand is volume-priced. You can buy it from Scubatoys, Diver's Direct or similar outlets for less money than the "Dive Shop-only" brands.

Ditto for me with Mares Proton Metal reg and Mares octo: four years or so and think it's great equipment. It's gotten lots of compliments from other divers, too, though I don't know if that counts for anything. Anyway, absolutely nothing "wrong" with Mares regs as far as I know. They seem to be on par in quality with other major brands.

But really, for a first set of dive gear, choosing from among the products offered by the various major manufacturers, I'd put price first and look for what is being offered as a special deal at the time you're ready to make a purchase. If somebody's offering a good deal on a Mares package, go for it.

Maybe an interesting poll would be: "Is there a major piece of equipment that you have that you truly dislike?" I'd be curious to hear who says they dislike their Mares reg, for example.

 

[k374]

I have some Mares gear... I like my Prestige Reg, it's entry level but works well, the Puck2 computer is good, I like it because it's pretty simple to use and pretty much supports everything a new diver needs, BC is the only component I'm not too crazy about.. I have the AirTrim model and I actually would've preferred the conventional type with the hose as it's easier to use, my Mares BC's manual inflation valve also broke after about 30 dives so I would avoid the AirTrim models.

 

[Stu S.]

But really, for a first set of dive gear, choosing from among the products offered by the various major manufacturers, I'd put price first and look for what is being offered as a special deal at the time you're ready to make a purchase.

Price is a big consideration, maybe not #1, but right up there. Some divers spend so much on gear that they can't afford to get on a boat and dive.

 

[Lorenzoid]

Price is a big consideration, maybe not #1, but right up there. Some divers spend so much on gear that they can't afford to get on a boat and dive.

Yeah, I didn't mean for my reply to imply price should be No. 1. I just meant that among gear offered by essentially equally reputable manufacturers--and there are plenty of those--a diver who just needs decent first set of gear for all-around recreational use might want to simply go for a good deal when he finds one, rather than fretting excessively over the brand (not that the OP seemed to be in that category--he was just asking if Mares is considered good quality).

 

[Stu S.]

Mares Brigade Viper Octo reviews and discounts, Mares

Mares Prestige 12 Regulator reviews and discounts, Mares

I particularly like the octopus reg, as it does not have an "up" or "dowm". I only used this regulator once, but it was good aat 118 feet.