Firstly, two flagship favorites have been re-worked.
The names Dragon and Kaila should already be synonymous with quality, reliability, and success, but now all their main characteristics have been advanced and improved, proving to be even more comfortable, stable and incredibly sturdy.
The two BCDs offer excellent fit, with the Kaila dedicated to the female form, and performance is improved by the separation between the bladder and the shoulders: a wider range of movement is possible and there is more stability for the bladder itself, even in the event of adjustment during the dive. The bladder is joined to the shoulder by a buckle that can slide on a belt in order to guarantee that there is no traction on the shoulders during inflation.
The user has a choice of two different positions for the strap holding the inflator hose in order to cater to both those who want maximum ease in releasing the air by raising the hose and those who prefer to have the hose held tighter to their bodies.
The inflator hose itself has also been improved: the length has now been reduced to 32cm (instead of 40cm) for the S, XS and XXS sizes (in the Kaila women’s version).
The two BCD’s also offer a sturdy neoprene “Stretch Pocket” and Trim Weights borrowed from the Bolt system which are stable and practical. As well as this they include the first adjustable “epaulets” – with the new Dragon and Kaila BCD’s it’s the details that make the difference!
Next, comes the Bolt SLS, the new BCD that provides incomparable comfort and stability, with up to 21kg of buoyancy lift, cutting-edge features, and an extremely hydrodynamic profile.
The Bolt replaces the Hybrid Pro Tec model and is based on the popular Pegasus BCD, raising the bar significantly on performance.
The comfort provided by this BCD is truly exceptional, as is the ergonomic design. It includes an adjustable abdominal wide strap closure, instead of a simple strap, and the weight system mounted on the extension of the backpack cover can satisfy even the most demanding divers.
Both the Bolt and new Pure also feature a supplementary rear weight pocket (Trim Weight, up to 2+2kg) on both sides of the backpack, as well as the roll-out pocket under the right hand weight retainer, closed by a sturdy zipper: a testament to the reliability of the new solutions that Mares offers with its new products.
The Bolt can hold single or twin tanks, and is completed by a whistle built into the buckle, a D-Ring inclined at 45° for a console on the right-hand shoulder strap and a practical 40 mm swiveling buckle.
All that’s left now is to try this new, interesting Mares product in order to fully appreciate the characteristics that will definitely transform it into a “must-have”!
The fourth BCD offering from Mares for 2017 is the Pure SLS: technology and reliability in their purest state! This model combines technology, reliability and superior fit in a single product, improving on and replacing the previous Hybrid Pure, perfecting some basic solutions and providing convenient and stable buoyancy up to 18 kg.
With its hydrodynamic design, the new Pure also provides sturdy support, thanks to components (buckle and D-rings) that were previously supplied in plastic and have now been replaced with reliable, longer-lasting steel.
The fit has also been perfected, with 5 sizes available (XS, S, M, L and XL) instead of the previous 3. The shoulder pads are now dedicated for each size and improved in order to allow a greater range of adaptability for various physical builds.
The shoulders are separate from the rear bladder, as with the Dragon and Kaila, thereby allowing a wider range of movement and stability for the bladder itself, even in the event of adjustment during the dive.
The abdominal closure is ensured by a stainless steel buckled tie-down strap for all sizes in order to guarantee the best possible fit, whereas 40 mm swiveling buckles are mounted on the shoulders.
The Pure maintains the qualities of its Hybrid predecessor: the Trim Weight stays the same, as does the very well balanced rear bladder. In addition, it now has a single-piece backpack, sturdier and lighter, capable of holding single or twin tanks.
You can now also mount a knife or a selfie stick on the upper or lower part of the left-hand weight retainer to make the BCD even more complete. On the right side is a weight retainer and on the other side, a roll-out pocket is mounted. There is also an accessory Cargo Pocket to replace the weight retainer: a spacious and easy to reach pocket where you can keep any dive accessories, complete with a sturdy closing zipper.
Easy to transport and personalize, let yourself be won over by this new jewel from the Rapallo-based manufacturer – it will be Pure love at first sight!
All new BCD models are fitted with the new SLS weight system – Slide and Lock System – offering stable weight retention, a quick release mechanism, a guide tunnel for easier insertion and a correct insertion sound and visual feedback. The system has a 4+4 kg capacity on the XS and S sizes and 6+6 kg on the M, L and XL sizes.
With the Dragon, Kaila, Bolt and Pure on offer, you are sure to find your perfect BCD in 2017.
You can find out more via the Mares BCD page on their website.
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