MARES HUB versus Conventional BCD's

[DiveDevil1966]

MARES HUB (Human Underwater Breathing Systems)
versus conventional BCD’s (Buoyancy Control Devices)

A very good friend of mine has a son which is in College. He is 17 years old and is a PADI Master Scuba Diver. I had the privilege to teach him since he was 13 years old. He is a very confident diver and the ocean is his passion. For College he has to do a product study project. He has decided to compare an essential piece of kit for every diver, the BCD. We all know that they come in various forms and shapes. However there is another form of BCD which is a complete integrated piece of equipment, the MARES HUB.

There are several questions for HUB users and the users of conventional BCD’s. It would be a great help to hear from a lot of you so that his project is as broad as possible from divers as well as dive professionals.

I personally use a HUB (except when teaching) and I am very impressed and happy with this piece of kit. For those of you which are not certain what a HUB is then please follow this link and have a look at it.
Mares - stand for diving

If you wish to complete the questionnaire then just copy the questions and reply to this post and put your comments, opinions, and personal experiences down.

Thanks a lot for all of you participating in this project, it is much appreciated.

Questionnaire, HUB Users

1) How long have you been using a HUB and why did you change from the original setup?
2) Did you start diving using a HUB?
3) What is your favourite difference in the HUB setup compared to the conventional setup and why?
4) What is your least favourite difference in the HUB setup compared to the conventional setup and why?
5) In your opinion is it overall easier to setup and why?
6) In your opinion is it overall easier to use and why?
7) Would you choose to buy a HUB again and is it for the reasons listed above?
If you have any further information or opinions please list them below:


Questionnaire, Ex-HUB Users or Conventional setup users.

1) Have you ever used a HUB?
2) Did you think it better/easier to use/setup than the conventional setup?
3) If not why have you never been tempted to try it out?
4) Why do you prefer the conventional setup?
5) Did you start diving with the conventional setup?
6) Would you ever buy a HUB, if so or if not why?
7) Which setup do you prefer and why?
If you have any further information or opinions please list them below:

[DiveDevil1966]

Questionnaire, HUB Users

1) How long have you been using a HUB and why did you change from the original setup?

I am using a HUB since about 5 years. I was given the opportunity to try one of these HUB's, and I was very impressed with it, and therefore got one myself.

2) Did you start diving using a HUB?

No I have started diving in 1990 with a conventional Scubapro BCD

3) What is your favourite difference in the HUB setup compared to the conventional setup and why?

I personally think it has fantastic buoyancy characteristics, and in particular the use of the inflation and deflation mechanisms in any position is brilliant. This means I don’t have to make sure that deflator is at the highest position to deflate the BCD.

4) What is your least favourite difference in the HUB setup compared to the conventional setup and why?

The whole setup is quite heavy compared to other set-ups and therefore it is not the best Travel system.

5) In your opinion is it overall easier to setup and why?

YES it is easier to set-up. All components are integrated and easily adjusted and put away. With the HUB Avangarde the tank fastening mechanism is also of great value and the tank never ever slips again.

6) In your opinion is it overall easier to use and why?

I don’t think it is easier to use. After you get used to the new style of BCD and the fully integrated regulator and operating system, it is great fun to dive with this kit. You can get rid of the air at any point in time in any position you want.

7) Would you choose to buy a HUB again and is it for the reasons listed above?

Yes I would buy a HUB again for all the above reasons and just because I think is a good, reliable and unique piece of diving equipment.

If you have any further information or opinions please list them below:

Overall the HUB is a great piece of kit allowing any diver of any level to have a great position in the water.
From an instructional point of view it is not the best setup to teach, as it is operated slightly differently, therefore I am using a conventional setup when teaching, in particular entry level divers.