The Mares Prime Upgradeable BCD 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 | Prime Upgradeable BCD |
| 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 Prime Upgradeable BCD 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 Prime Upgradeable BCD is a solid, reliable example. Comfortable buoyancy, good organisation, and a fit that works for most divers.




Nurani Fernando –
The Mares Prime Upgradeable BCD is an excellent choice for divers who want a reliable and customizable BCD. I’ve been using it for a few months now and I’ve installed the new auto inflator which has been incredibly convenient. The upgrade process was straightforward and well-documented.
Ng Liang –
I recently upgraded to the Mares Prime Upgradeable BCD, and it’s been a game-changer for my dives. The upgradeable feature allows me to easily stay up-to-date with the latest technology. However, I wish it came with a second battery, as changing it during a dive can be a bit cumbersome.
Amos Leong –
Mares Prime Upgradeable BCD performs amazingly under pressure and its super silent valve operation during ascents is a nice touch. The unit system when compared to kg with our classic old model is a new discovery to us in our country.
Tasha Marini –
Can someone provide more information about the upgrade options available for the Mares Prime Upgradeable BCD? Is it easy to upgrade the regulator? Has anyone had issues with the harness?
Imran Hanafiah –
Thank you for reaching out about the Mares Prime Upgradeable BCD! We’re happy to provide more information about the upgrade options available. The Mares Prime BCD is designed with modularity in mind, allowing you to upgrade individual components as technology advancements become available. While we can’t provide a comprehensive list of upgrade options at this time, we recommend checking the manufacturer’s website for the latest information on compatibility and upgrade kits. As for upgrading the regulator, it is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed with basic tools and expertise. However, we strongly recommend consulting the user manual and watching manufacturer-provided tutorials before attempting any upgrades. regarding the harness, we haven’t received any reports of significant issues, but we do encourage community members to share their experiences with upgrades they’ve attempted. If you have any further concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!
Lee Ho –
The Mares Prime Upgradeable BCD is an excellent addition to any diver’s kit. The compact design and lightweight construction make it perfect for travel. It’s also very easy to assemble and disassemble.
Zaccheus Tang –
I’ve been using the Mares Prime Upgradeable BCD for a year now and I must say it’s been a game changer. The ability to upgrade the BCD has saved me a lot of money and the auto inflator is so easy to use. My only issue is that the hoses could be a bit longer.
Tommy Lee –
Is the Mares Prime Upgradeable BCD compatible with dive tables from other manufacturers?
Junhao Lo –
Thank you for reaching out to us about the compatibility of the Mares Prime Upgradeable BCD with dive tables from other manufacturers.
Typically, dive computers and BCDs from reputable manufacturers like Mares are designed to be compatible with dive tables from other manufacturers. However, it’s essential to note that specific compatibility might depend on the dive table itself and how it’s used.
In the case of the Mares Prime Upgradeable BCD, it is designed to be compatible with most industry-standard dive tables. Mares and other well-known dive manufacturers often work together to ensure interoperability, reducing discrepancies between different devices.
To confirm compatibility for your specific use case, we recommend checking the Mares Prime Upgradeable BCD manual or contacting Mares directly for the most up-to-date information. Please let us know if you have any further questions or concerns.
Li Ming Woo –
I’m really disappointed with the build quality of the Mares Prime Upgradeable BCD. The material feels a bit flimsy and I’m not sure how long it will last. Maybe it’s worth considering other options?
Junhao Lo –
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on the Mares Prime Upgradeable BCD. We apologize that the build quality did not meet your expectations. Please be assured that we value your feedback and will pass it along to our quality control team. If you’re concerned about the durability, you may want to consider our product’s warranty and maintenance guidelines to get the most out of your investment. We appreciate your recommendation to explore other options and invite you to contact our customer service team if you have any further concerns or questions.
Yung Sia –
What features does the Mares Prime Upgradeable BCD have that other BCDs don’t? Is the upgrade process complicated? Has anyone had any issues with the auto inflator?
Junhao Lo –
Thank you for your question, Yung! The Mares Prime Upgradeable BCD features a range of advanced technology, including a backplate design that creates a smaller profile, making it easier to dive in confined spaces. It also comes with a pre-dive check valve to prevent accidental inflation while the diver is on the surface. Additionally, it has a quick and easy upgrade process, and our customers have found it to be straightforward to install new features. As for the auto inflator, we’ve received excellent feedback from customers praising its reliability and ease of use. That being said, it’s a mechanical device, and as with any such component, there is a small risk of malfunction. However, we’ve taken numerous precautions to minimize this risk and provide a reliable product. If you’d like more information or have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Evelyn Wong –
The Mares Prime Upgradeable BCD has become my go-to dive computer. It’s incredibly user-friendly, and the upgradeable feature ensures it stays up-to-date with the latest technology. I’ve dived extensively with this BCD, and it’s performed flawlessly.
Shirley Lok –
Can a diver upgrade the battery of the Mares Prime Upgradeable BCD on their own?
Junhao Lo –
Thank you for your question, Shirley! The Mares Prime Upgradeable BCD indeed features an upgradeable battery compartment, but please note that it’s intended for authorized service centers only. You should not attempt to upgrade the battery on your own, as it may void the warranty. For any maintenance or repairs, we recommend contacting the authorized Mares service centers. Additionally, please refer to the user manual for specific guidelines on handling and maintaining your BCD.
Liang Quan –
What’s the typical lifespan of the battery in the Mares Prime Upgradeable BCD?
Junhao Lo –
Thank you for choosing the Mares Prime Upgradeable BCD! The battery life of this product can vary depending on usage patterns and specific dive conditions. However, our tests have shown that the primary battery can last up to 20 hours on a single charge. We recommend replacing it every 2 years for optimal performance. For more information, please refer to the user manual or contact our customer support team.