The Mares Butt Plate Sidemount Padding is a jacket-style BCD from Mares – the most popular format for recreational divers in Malaysia. It wraps around you comfortably, distributes lift evenly, and gives you stable, neutral buoyancy on every dive from Perhentian Kecil’s secluded bays to the shallows.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Brand | Mares |
| Product | Butt Plate Sidemount Padding |
| Type | Jacket BCD |
| Material | Cordura / Nylon |
| Lift Capacity | ~20 kg |
| Pockets | Multiple D-rings & cargo pockets |
| Weight Pocket | Integrated release |
| Best For | Recreational / Technical diving |
Key Features
- Jacket-style design: Wraps around you for a stable, comfortable fit – the most natural feel underwater.
- Integrated weight pockets: Quick-release weight system for safety and convenience.
- Multiple D-rings: Attach all your gear securely without clutter.
- Durable Cordura construction: Built to handle years of salt-water diving.
Suited for Malaysian Dive Sites
The Mares Butt Plate Sidemount Padding is built to perform across Malaysia’s best underwater destinations. Whether you’re exploring Perhentian Kecil’s secluded bays, or heading to new reefs and wrecks, this gear delivers the reliability and comfort you need on every dive.
Care & Maintenance
- Rinse thoroughly after every dive – salt and sand clog the inflation bladder.
- Inflate the bladder and let it dry fully before storing – prevents mildew.
- Lubricate the dump valve with silicone spray every few dives.
- Have it serviced professionally once a year.
Final Verdict
The jacket BCD is the workhorse of recreational diving, and the Mares Butt Plate Sidemount Padding is a solid, reliable example. Comfortable buoyancy, good organisation, and a fit that works for most divers.




Leticia Lee –
I’m thoroughly impressed with the performance of this sidemount padding. It provides excellent support and reduces fatigue during long dives.
Rachell Tan –
I recently purchased the Mares Butt Plate Sidemount Padding and I am thoroughly impressed!
Daphne Wong –
The Mares Butt Plate Sidemount Padding exceeded my expectations. It’s incredibly comfortable and provides great support. However, the buckle is a bit stiff.
Leila Tan –
I love this product! It’s been a game-changer for my diving experience. The sidemount padding provides excellent support and comfort.
Sophia Tan –
I’ve tried several butt plates before, but this one is by far the most comfortable. It’s a bit pricey, but worth it!
Zainab Hussain –
Minor issue with the padding material. It’s a bit too thin for my liking, but overall a great product.
Yvonne Goh –
The quality of this product is top-notch. It’s made with high-quality materials and is very durable.
Zackary Ng –
What is the material used for this product? Is it durable? and water resistant?
Imran Hanafiah –
Thank you for your inquiry about the Mares Butt Plate Sidemount Padding. The material used for this product is a high-quality synthetic material designed for durability. It is indeed water-resistant and can withstand exposure to water during diving sessions. Additionally, our padding is made to be easy to clean and maintain, making it a great choice for frequent divers. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask! We also encourage other users to share their experiences with this product.
Elijah Koh –
Can anyone use this product? Is there any specific instruction to follow?
Imran Hanafiah –
Thank you for taking the time to reach out to us, Elijah. Our Mares Butt Plate Sidemount Padding is designed for scuba divers who use a sidemount configuration. It is meant to provide additional comfort and support for the buttocks when using this type of diving equipment. Regarding instructions, we have a comprehensive user manual available on our website that provides detailed guidance on how to properly use and care for the product. We recommend reviewing this manual before using the Mares Butt Plate Sidemount Padding. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d be happy to help.
Ramesh Singh –
Will this product fit my wetsuit size 10?
Junhao Lo –
Thank you for reaching out about the Mares Butt Plate Sidemount Padding. Unfortunately, we do not have specific size information listed for this product. However, we can suggest contacting our customer support team directly ([email protected]) for more information. Please provide them with your wetsuit size and we will do our best to assist you with a suitable size.
Caleb Ong –
What is the advantage of using this product over other similar products in the market?
Imran Hanafiah –
We appreciate you taking the time to inquire about our product’s advantages, Caleb. The Mares Butt Plate Sidemount Padding is specifically designed to provide a snug fit and maximum comfort for scuba divers. Its unique design ensures that it stays in place even during intense movements, allowing for a hassle-free diving experience. Additionally, our product’s padding is made from high-quality materials that provide excellent buoyancy and flexibility. In comparison to other similar products, our product’s combination of comfort, durability, and reliability sets it apart.
Khalid Ali –
Can I use this product for freediving?
Imran Hanafiah –
Hello Khalid, thanks for reaching out! Our Mares Butt Plate Sidemount Padding is actually designed for sidemount diving in technical and wreck diving configurations. While it can be used in freediving, it’s primarily intended to prevent discomfort and rubbing caused by the tank’s butt plate during longer dives, especially with sidemount BCDs. However, for freediving, the primary concern is usually reducing drag and conserving energy. You might be better served by looking into products specifically designed to minimize drag and enhance freediving performance.