Mares BCDs — Buoyancy Control Built on Decades of Refinement
Mares' BCD lineup spans the full spectrum of recreational diving needs — from the proven jacket-style Prestige that's outfitted dive centers worldwide, through back-buoyancy designs, to pneumatic Ergotrim systems that let you control buoyancy in any body position, not just upright. Underpinning much of the range is Mares' patented SLS (Slide and Lock System) ballast — a weight integration approach designed for secure retention with a genuinely quick release when you need it.
At DiveCatalog.com, we carry the current Mares BCD lineup as an authorized dealer.
The Mares BCD Range
Prestige — The Proven Jacket-Style Standard
The Prestige is Mares' long-running jacket-style BCD, built from 420D Cordura with a Monoplate backpack and Classic Bladder design that wraps air cells around the sides and back for a comfortable, stable surface position. Available in Unisex Black/Silver and the She Dives Aqua/White colorway, with a standard weight system accepting two pocket sizes (4kg and 6kg), five stainless steel D-rings, knife mount grommets, and an optional line cutter sleeve. The Prestige Blue SLS variant upgrades to Mares' SLS ballast system with a refined shoulder and chest fit for improved stability.
Magellan HD — Back Buoyancy
The Magellan HD takes a different buoyancy approach — back inflation rather than jacket-style, delivering 180N of lift through a Monoplate backplate construction. Built from 420D Cordura with X-tra Comfort cushioning, it includes removable Trim Weight pockets, knife grommets, elastic accessory bands, and five stainless steel D-rings. Available in black, blue, or aqua.
Kaila — SLS Ballast for Women
The Kaila uses Mares' SLS (Slide and Lock System) ballast — stable retention, increased holding surface, and a quick-release mechanism — combined with a Fusion bladder and Cordura 420 fabric in a shorter-length design suited to female divers. The bag is separated from the shoulder straps to reduce bulk when inflated, and intelligent weight-pocket positioning supports balanced buoyancy.
Guardian and Grace — Ergotrim / Airtrim 2.0
The Guardian and Grace integrate Mares' Ergotrim technology with Airtrim 2.0 — a pneumatic inflation and deflation system that allows buoyancy adjustment in any diving position, not just vertical. The Ergo command functions as a classic inflator for teaching purposes, or as Airtrim when stored in its dedicated holder. Both feature a high-lift aircell with winglets, a Monoplate backpack accommodating single or double tanks, 50mm swivel buckles, and stainless steel D-rings. The Guardian adds high-capacity cargo pockets with Supratex stretch panels and a Smart Trim weight positioning system with visual confirmation of weight pouch insertion.
Rover Pro DC — Rental-Grade Durability
The Rover Pro DC is built specifically for rental fleet use — tough 1000-denier UV-protected Cordura fabric, custom-shaped pockets that keep the octopus and pressure gauge within easy reach, and adjustable shoulder buckles to accommodate a wide range of body shapes across many different renters.
Jacket-Style vs. Back Inflation vs. Ergotrim — Choosing Your BCD Type
| BCD Type |
Mares Model |
Best For |
| Jacket-style |
Prestige (Unisex or She Dives) |
New divers; stable, intuitive surface buoyancy; proven and widely available |
| Back inflation |
Magellan HD |
Divers wanting streamlined trim and a more horizontal in-water profile |
| SLS ballast, women's fit |
Kaila |
Female divers wanting a shorter-length BCD with fast, secure weight release |
| Pneumatic any-position control |
Guardian or Grace |
Divers wanting buoyancy adjustment regardless of body orientation |
| Rental fleet |
Rover Pro DC |
Dive shops needing rugged, adjustable BCDs for repeated daily use |
Why Buy Mares BCDs from DiveCatalog.com?
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Authorized Mares dealer — genuine products, full manufacturer warranty
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Expert sizing and fit advice — our team can help you choose the right BCD type and size
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Fast shipping — in-stock items ship within one business day
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Easy returns — if sizing isn't right, exchanges are straightforward
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Rewards program — earn points on every purchase
Frequently Asked Questions — Mares BCDs
What is the SLS ballast system?
SLS (Slide and Lock System) is Mares' weight integration design, built for stable retention with increased holding surface area and a quick-release mechanism for fast weight ditching when needed. Used on the Prestige Blue SLS and Kaila models.
What is Ergotrim / Airtrim 2.0?
It's Mares' pneumatic inflation and deflation system, allowing buoyancy adjustment in any body position — not just vertical. Used on the Guardian and Grace, the Ergo command can switch between functioning as a classic inflator or as Airtrim when stored in its dedicated holder.
What is the difference between jacket-style and back-inflation BCDs?
Jacket-style BCDs (like the Prestige) wrap the air cell around your torso and sides, which many divers find intuitive for stable, upright surface buoyancy. Back-inflation BCDs (like the Magellan HD) keep the air cell behind you, producing a more streamlined, horizontal in-water trim that many experienced divers prefer.
Is the Kaila only for women?
The Kaila is specifically proportioned with a shorter length suited to female divers, though fit ultimately depends on individual body proportions rather than gender alone — trying it on is the best way to confirm fit.
Browse the full Mares BCD collection above and reach out if you'd like help choosing the right buoyancy system for your diving.
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