Advice on new BCD

Hello everyone!

This is my first post on this forum, and I look forward in partaking in some SCUBA talk with you all!

I'm looking for some knowledge on a BCD I purchased off eBay for next to nothing. The BCD in question is a 'Mares Variant'. Does anyone have any opinions or info for me regarding this BCD, in particular, was it super cheap because it's super crap?

Thanks in advance!

Cheers,

Monsieur 405

I did a quick Google search and I couldnt find a Mares "Variant" model. In general, Mares has a pretty good reputation. If you don't mind me asking, how much did you pay for it?

In general if you buy an item that you are unfamiliar with or one that has been used, it is a good idea to have it inspected or talk to a sales specialist. If you are a new diver, it wouldn't be a bad idea to try it out in a pool first before you break it in on an actual dive. The use of unfamiliar equipment makes up a good part of dive accidents. I hope you enjoy your new BC man! Happy safe diving and welcome to Scuba Board!

Welcome to Scubaboard !

there are no crap BCD on the market some are simple some are more tec diving and so on... The most important thing for you is to practice with you new BCD if possible in a pool first.
You need to get familiar and comfortable with any new piece of equipment.

Have fun diving !

Coconut Divers Cancun - Scuba Diving in Cancun

Leif Meinert
Coconut Divers Cancun

As long as it holds air and controls function, you probably can't go wrong. (When you say "next to nothing", I'm assuming around $25.) It will get you diving and save rental fees. When you have more experience and are ready to ,move to other gear, I would expect to get most of the purchase price back so you have a win - win situation.

I got this BCD for $66 (aus). I understand that Mares has a great reputation for gear, hence why I brought this BCD on a whim. I'll for sure give it a test in the bath, and then try on a local shallow dive (6 meters max). You're right about rental fees... I have my own mask, wetsuits, and fins. But rent a BCD, tank and regs in Australia and your dives are costing $100 a pop. I suspect this particular BCD won't last too long before I change up, although it looks to be quite 'new', it doesn't feature shoulder strap adjusters and I suspect was a 'very bottom of the range' model when it was brought originally... Anyways, thanks for the input everyone! I have a feeling I'll be pestering you all quite a bit as I gradually fill out my dive gear inventory and try and find new dive adventures to go on.

Cheers,

Ben Hibbard