News
Product Showcase: Mares Hybrid Pro Tec BCD
A giant step in the evolution of back mounted BCDs
- Made with Alutex, sturdy and durable
- Modular integrated weight system
- 10 metal d-rings, 3 of which customizable
The first thing you will notice when donning Hybrid Pro Tec is the perfect fit. This new level of comfort is achieved via special shoulder pads which are longer, pre-shaped and reinforced, and which work in perfect unison with the lumbar suspension system. Hybrid Pro Tec features 10 metal D-rings, 3 of which can be slid up and down along the shoulder pads, to accommodate any configuration needs. Made of very tough Alutex material, it will endure any exposure you submit it to and hold up to the test of time. Furthermore, Hybrid Pro Tec is a modular BCD: the detacheable vest comprising the MRS plus system is removable, leaving a lean-and-mean travel BCD. This configuration can be expanded by adding the optional lumbar trim weight system and/or the Cruise Add-on pocket.
BC-FEATURES |
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BACKMOUNTED: Air-cell separated from the harness, resulting in unrestricted freedom of movement. | |
ERGO INFLATOR: The standard inflation and deflation control device used in SSI, PADI (etc.) training programs. Intuitive use and secure grip. | |
FOLDABLE BACKPACK: Ideal for travelling thanks to its reduced dimensions when packed and its marked weight reduction compared to a traditional backpack. Integrated rubber pads provide secure grip of the tank and carrying comfort. | |
SUSPENSION SYSTEM: Inspired by the design of modern hiking backpacks, the system avoids direct contact between body and tank support. |
[youtube id=”C9iHWs102m0″ width=”100%” height=”400px”]
Hybrid Pro Tec
Translated, the Latin term Hybrida means something “bundled” or “of two different origins”. A name that aptly describes the Hybrid Pro Tec, as it really combines two BCs into one new model. Read on to learn how it works and what the benefits are…
By completely separating the carrying system and buoyancy bag, Hybrid Pro Tec adjusts to the body like a second skin. The anatomical characteristics are emphasized by longer, contoured, and specially reinforced shoulder straps. They carry the weight in coordination with the support system in the lumbar region and ensure a perfect fit – even when hauling a “heavy load”. And still, the Hybrid Pro Tec is very well equipped: With durable Alutex material and a total of 10 metal D-rings (height-adjustable at the shoulder), bottles can not only be mounted on the back, but also easily attached to both sides.
Fans of “side mount” or “monkey diving”, listen up! You will get your money’s worth, and so will travel enthusiasts! Due to its hybrid (modular) build, Hybrid Pro Tec is not only ideally suited for extreme applications. The vest with integrated weight and trim weight system can be completely separated from the carrier and buoyancy unit in a few simple steps. The result is an ultra-light, back-mounted travel BC that can be reduced to a pack size of 45 x 30 x 30 thanks to its foldable carrying frame. If you want to upgrade your Hybrid Pro Tec, you have several options: You can choose a second separate trim weight system and/or the belt bag Cruise Add-On. Speaking of trim weight: The integrated system is arranged in a way that it doesn’t tend to produce the well known turning effect. The true greatness of the Hybrid Pro Tec is found in its many interesting details. For example, the streamlined build of the 25 litre bladder, which is kept in its dimensions by bungee straps, should be noted. Two easily accessible fold-out pockets below the MRS Plus trim system are also a very nice enhancement. Lamp and buoy are not only where they belong, but are also close at hand in any situation. The name says it all: Hybrid Pro Tec is strong and sturdy, but lightweight and convertible. It is well suited for daily use and travel. It offers fun and tech in one.
Technical Characteristics
Type of BC | Hybrid system with modular build |
Special feature | Vest and buoyancy bag can be separated |
Concept | Buoyancy bag for back and side mount |
Target audience | Advanced divers, diving instructors |
Inflator | Ergo inflator, integrated emergency air dump |
Quick air dump | Ultra-flat, one each at the top and bottom right |
Welding | High-frequency |
Material | Cordura® 420, Cordura® 1000, and Alutex |
Backpack | Foldable backpack |
Waist strap | Adjustable cummerbund system |
Chest strap | To optimally secure the shoulder straps, length adjustable on both sides and height triple-adjustable |
Dual tank capability | yes (max. vol. 2 x 10 l) |
Weight (size M/ L) complete | 4.4 kg |
Weight (size M/ L) without vest | 2.9 kg |
Buoyancy Hybrid | 25 l (in all sizes) |
Lead integrated MRS Plus | 2 x 6 kg (+ trim weight) |
Shoulder straps | Anatomically contoured, elongated, with shoulder pads |
D-rings | 10 (steel) |
Pockets | 2 zippered roll-out pockets, 2 slide-in pockets,1 knife retainer |
Sizes | 3 sizes XS/S, M/L & XL |
Colour | bk |
code: 417348
Check out Scubaverse.com’s video review of the Mares Hybrid Pro Tec here.
For more information about Mares products visit www.mares.com.
Gear News
Scubapro Free Octopus Promotion 2024
Free Octopus with every purchase of a SCUBAPRO regulator system
Just in time for the spring season, divers can save money with the FREE OCTOPUS SPRING PROMOTION! Until July 31st SCUBAPRO offers an Octopus for free
with every purchase of a regulator system!
Get a free S270 OCTOPUS with purchase of these combinations:
MK25 EVO or MK19 EVO with A700
MK25 EVO or MK19 EVO with S620Ti
MK25 EVO or MK19 EVO with D420
MK25 EVO Din mit S620Ti-X
Get a free R105 OCTOPUS with purchase of the following combinations:
MK25 EVO or MK19 EVO with G260
MK25 EVO or MK17 EVO with S600
SCUBAPRO offers a 30-year first owner warranty on all regulators, with a revision period of two years or 100 dives. All SCUBAPRO regulators are of course certified according to the new European test standard EN250-2014.
Available at participating SCUBAPRO dealers. Promotion may not be available in all regions. Find an authorized SCUBAPRO Dealer at scubapro.com.
More information available on www.scubapro.com.
Blogs
Northern Red Sea Reefs and Wrecks Trip Report, Part 3: The Mighty Thistlegorm
Jake Davies boards Ghazala Explorer for an unforgettable Red Sea diving experience…
Overnight, the wind picked up, making the planned morning dive a bit bumpy on the Zodiacs to the drop point on Thomas Reef. There, we would dive along the reef before descending through the canyon and then passing under the arch before ascending the wall with a gentle drift. The site provided great encounters with more pelagic species, including shoals of large barracuda, tuna, and bigeye trevally.
Once back on the boat, it was time to get everything tied down again as we would head back south. This time, with the wind behind us, heading to Ras Mohammed to dive Jackfish Alley for another great gentle drift wall dive before then heading up the coast towards the Gulf of Suez to moor up at the wreck of the Thistlegorm. This being the highlight wreck dive of the trip and for many onboard, including myself, it was the first time diving this iconic wreck. I had heard so much about the wreck from friends, and globally, this is a must on any diver’s list. Fortunately for us, there was only one other boat at the site, which was a rarity. A great briefing was delivered by Ahmed, who provided a detailed background about the wreck’s history along with all the required safety information as the currents and visibility at the site can be variable.
Kitting up, there was a lot of excitement on deck before entering the water and heading down the shoreline. Descending to the wreck, there was a light northerly current which reduced the visibility, making it feel more like the conditions that can be found off the Welsh coast. At 10m from the bottom, the outline of the wreck appeared as we reached the area of the wreck which had been bombed, as our mooring line was attached to part of the propeller shaft. Arriving on deck, instantly everywhere you looked there were many of the supplies which the ship was carrying, including Bren Carrier tanks and projectiles that instantly stood out.
We headed around the exterior, taking a look at the large propeller and guns mounted on deck before entering the wreck on the port side to take a look in the holds. It was incredible to see all the trucks, Norton 16H, and BSA motorcycles still perfectly stacked within, providing a real snapshot in time.
Overall, we had four dives on the Thistlegorm, where for all of the dives we were the only group in the water, and at times, there were just three of us on the whole wreck, which made it even more special, especially knowing that most days the wreck has hundreds of divers. Along with the history of the wreck, there was plenty of marine life on the wreck and around, from big green turtles to batfish, along with shoals of mackerel being hunted by trevally. Some unforgettable dives.
The final leg of the trip saw us cross back over the Suez Canal to the Gobal Islands where we planned to stay the night and do three dives at the Dolphin House for the potential of sharing the dive with dolphins. The site, which included a channel that was teeming with reef fish, especially large numbers of goatfish that swam in large shoals along the edge of the reef. These were nice relaxing dives to end the week. Unfortunately, the dolphins didn’t show up, which was okay as like all marine life they are difficult to predict and you can’t guarantee what’s going to be seen. With the last dive complete, we headed back to port for the final night where it was time to clean all the kit and pack before the departure flight the next day.
The whole week from start to finish on Ghazala Explorer was amazing; the boat had all the facilities you need for a comfortable week aboard. The crew were always there to help throughout the day and the chefs providing top quality food which was required after every dive. The itinerary providing some of the best diving with a nice mixture of wreck and reef dives. I would recommend the trip to anyone, whether it’s your first Red Sea liveaboard in the Red Sea or you’re revisiting. Hopefully, it’s not too long before I head back to explore more of the Red Sea onboard Ghazala Explorer.
To find out more about the Northern Red Sea reef and wrecks itineraries aboard Ghazala Explorer, or to book, contact Scuba Travel now:
Email: dive@scubatravel.com
Tel: +44 (0)1483 411590
Photos: Jake Davies / Avalon.Red
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