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. | |
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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.
The luxury resort of Pole Pole Lodge on Tanzania’s Mafia Island has charming tropical gardens and a spectacular coastal view. Here, the boutique lodge offers just ten elegant and spacious en-suite bungalows raised on stilts, each with a private veranda overlooking a stretch of sandy beach. Guests can enjoy gourmet meals in the dining bar and lounge or relaxing treatments in the spa overlooking the beach.
There are daily excursions from the resort, including trips in sailing dhows. Diving takes place from the sister property Mafia Island Lodge. The PADI 5-star dive centre offers shore and boat diving as well as a wide range of course. Daily boat dives from the traditional dhow operate to the sheltered, shallow waters of Chloe Bay, where divers can enjoy some of the richest reefs in the world with a fascinating variety of hard and soft corals. Outside the Bay, there are diving opportunities along Dindini and Juani walls where experienced divers can hope to observe sharks and turtles cruising by.
Special Offer Price: £2275pp (was £2474 – saving £199pp) including international and domestic flights, 7 nights B&B accommodation at Pole Pole Resort, airport transfer, 10 boat dives, tanks and weights, local taxes, marine conservation fund contribution, free excursion each day.
Deal valid on travel between 1 – 30 September and November 16 and December 19 2024
For more information, visit: www.diveworldwide.com, or call 01962 302087.
By Marissa Eckert
What are the requirements to start cave diving? What do I need to do to be prepared for cave training? These are all questions I get asked by so many potential students. There are many options when coming up with an answer. The first option, and the easiest, would be to go the training agency website and look up the requirements to take the class. However, this leaves a lot open for interpretation and doesn’t mean you will necessarily be ready. Like anything, there always needs to be minimum requirements. But is that enough? Maybe for some people it is, but for most people it’s not.
So, what are the requirements?
TDI breaks cave training down into three different levels. Those levels are cavern, intro to cave, and full cave. To start cavern the requirements state that you must be 18 years old or 15 years old with parental consent, have an Open Water Certification, and a minimum of 25 logged dives. This doesn’t sound like much. So, what do I tell my students when they ask me? First, I find out if they are only interested in cavern or if they are interested in potentially progressing into cave diving. If they are interested in progressing into cave diving, I always strongly suggest they get comfortable with a dual configuration first. This configuration can be side mount, back-mounted doubles, or even a rebreather. The main things I tell everyone they need to have down are buoyancy, good trim position, the ability to hover in place motionless without moving their hands or feet, and good overall awareness. This means awareness of oneself and what your body and equipment are doing, but also total awareness of what is going on around you.
So, what does all this mean?
Many times I’ve had students show up thinking they had all these things mastered only to quickly realize they have a long way to go. Which by the way, is okay! After all, we all start somewhere and progress at different paces. The most important thing is to be open to feedback. But there are also ways to prepare yourself better. First and foremost, when starting down this route it is critical to find a good instructor. Take time to look up instructors, ask questions, interview them, look at their past students, look at what type of diving they are doing, and most importantly ask questions! Find out what techniques they use during class.
I have found that video recording students when they are struggling with something gives them a great perspective to see what they are doing wrong and helps them visualize and correct it. Does the instructor look good as a diver? Whether you like social media or not, the internet can be a great place for research. When looking at a diver they should look in trim, almost like they are laying flat on a table. In videos are they finning with their hands? Are their feet constantly moving? Are there things dangling below their body? All equipment and hoses should be extremely clean and contoured to the body.
The most important question to always ask during training is WHY? There should always be a why behind everything we do. And it should never just be because I said so. Make sure the instructor knows why they are telling you to do something a particular way. Everyone can always learn new ways of doing things, instructors included.
How can you truly prepare yourself?
A good idea is to record video of yourself or have a friend record you while diving. Send it to your instructor ahead of time, so they can give you feedback and let you know if there are things you need to work on. There is no certain number of years to be diving, or a certain number of dives to have, that says yes you will be ready. Every individual learns at a different pace. If a class is only offered in a minimum number of days with a maximum number of students allowed, be aware that this means less time practicing each skill. For this reason, you might be better suited doing one-on-one training or having a regular buddy take the class with you. This ensures you are comfortable with each other and familiar with each other’s habits in and out of the water, and that you get along!
The most important thing of all is to come to class with an open mind, a readiness to learn, and no concern with whether you will receive a card, but with a concern that you will learn to be a better, safer, more competent diver. I always tell my students safety is the number one most important thing in cave diving, but fun is a close second! Sometimes, it may not feel fun. Stop and ask yourself does this instructor have your best interests at heart? I know I certainly do. I want to go to sleep each night knowing that I gave my students as much knowledge as possible to make them safe and thoughtful cave divers.
With proper training, proper equipment, proper experience, and a proper attitude I think cave diving can be done very safely. I often joke that the most dangerous thing about cave diving is driving to the dive site!
To find out more about International Training, visit www.tdisdi.com.
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