ScubaLab Testers' Choice: Mares Prestige 2 MRS+ BC
Mares Prestige 2 MRS+
This latest model from Mares shows how manufacturers continue to distill all the best qualities of jacket-style BCs. There’s no leap in technology here, but everything works together to bring out the comfort, stability and practicality divers are looking for in a jacket. Divers liked the fit and adjustability, from the comfortable cummerbund to the easy-adjust buckles that swivel on the shoulder straps. The pockets are large, accessible and useful even when the BC is well inflated, and the power inflator nestles nicely in your hand. Weight pockets load without fuss and are secure, unobtrusive and easy to ditch. Test divers would have liked another couple of D-rings, and perhaps a little more adjustment in the cummerbund overstrap. But altogether the Prestige 2 MRS+ is a nicely designed and constructed BC. It is our Testers’ Choice for jacket BCs.
Buoyant lift: 35.9 pounds
Inherent buoyancy: 0.25 pound
Contact: mares.com
MSRP: $510
This latest model from Mares shows how manufacturers continue to distill all the best qualities of jacket-style BCs. There’s no leap in technology here, but everything works together to bring out the comfort, stability and practicality divers are looking for in a jacket. Divers liked the fit and adjustability, from the comfortable cummerbund to the easy-adjust buckles that swivel on the shoulder straps. The pockets are large, accessible and useful even when the BC is well inflated, and the power inflator nestles nicely in your hand. Weight pockets load without fuss and are secure, unobtrusive and easy to ditch. Test divers would have liked another couple of D-rings, and perhaps a little more adjustment in the cummerbund overstrap. But altogether the Prestige 2 MRS+ is a nicely designed and constructed BC. It is our Testers’ Choice for jacket BCs.
Buoyant lift: 35.9 pounds
Inherent buoyancy: 0.25 pound
Contact: mares.com
MSRP: $510
