Mares Synchro Power

Advantages: Leak free, looks good
Disadvantages: None!

...First things first - the actual name of the product is: Mares Lirica Tech Black! Not that I'm trying to be difficult - but I thought I'd be accurate! I was looking for a mask which fitted me well without the need to perform a power inhale just to get it to fit my face: this mask fits the bill perfectly. I actually discovered the Lirica range whilst flicking through the Mares catalogue and thought that it looked like a stylish bit of kit to own... oh like so many divers, don't I base my decisions on the most important aspects! Anyway, having gained an interest in it, I obviously wanted to try it for fit - so, a couple of days later - at the NEC dive show, I tried on a foul looking yellow version and asked the people at the stall if they had the tech black... to which I was replied "sorry mate, they don't make it in black" - hmmm, having... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Very little effort required underwater, flexible
Disadvantages: Not cheap, not the best for long surface swims

...My Mares Volo Power fins are among the favourite items of my dive kit. While pricey, they do a very good job, and make finning underwater incredibly easy. One of the few drawbacks is I find they're not as good for surface swims, particularly against current. They are longer than many standard fins, which takes some getting used to, and it's something to be aware of when you're near fragile coral reef. However, they're also ultra-flexible, and I usually find I can get back into the boat while still wearing them. Initially I found the quick-release catch at the side to be rather cumbersome - the lock-unlock mechanism isn't very easy with gloves on. To be honest, I've now taken to closing and not locking them, and they've never opened up while I'm in the water. When these fins first appeared on the market they were pretty expensive... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: warm enough, comfy
Disadvantages: the colour scheme isnt to my taste

...No surprises here but I like to scuba dive, sadly for me a good 90% of my dives these days are working with students and of those over half are in the local pool when assisting on confined water dives or conducting the Discover Scuba program (try dives to the rest of the world). So for me a good quality wetsuit is essential as in the pool I would look slightly ridiculous in a dry suit and it doesnt look overly professional for me to be bimbling about cellulite on display in my bikini. My original shorty suit cost me less than £30 over 6 years ago and is currently developing holes in the shoulders so time to invest in a new one. I have to admit my choices of suit to walk in to my LDS to just pick up and walk away with were limited to the Mares range or Cressi, but after trying on several other suits at other shops I settled... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful