Mares Magellan BCD Review

Travel divers who need a genuine packable BCD without sacrificing performance will find the Mares Magellan compelling. I’ve watched this BCD become increasingly popular with traveling instructors and vacation divers who appreciate its combination of lightweight construction and solid features. This is a well-executed travel BCD that delivers excellent value in the mid-range price category, making it particularly attractive for divers who fly to dive destinations regularly and want gear that packs small but performs reliably underwater.

What’s in the Package

The Mares Magellan weighs just 2.1 kg for size small/medium. The BCD provides 18.5 kg of lift. It’s constructed without a rigid backplate, which is key to its packability. The price sits around $400-500 depending on the retailer.

It comes in five sizes from 2XS/XS through XL/2XL. The wraparound bladder uses back-mounted inflation design. The integrated weight system accepts different sized weight pockets depending on BCD size. Available colors include black and other variants.

The BCD includes the Mares Ergo Inflator, integrated quick-release weight pockets, a roll-down zippered pocket, and four aluminum D-rings. The pre-shaped shoulder straps feature a new concave curvature designed for both male and female divers. Trim weight pockets attach to the tank strap.

How It Performs

Travel and Packing

The absence of a rigid backplate makes this BCD genuinely foldable. Many pros report that it packs down to a fraction of the size of traditional BCDs. Common feedback from divemasters is that the Magellan fits easily in standard luggage alongside other dive gear. For traveling instructors who need to maximize luggage space, this packability is the primary selling point.

The 2.1 kg weight is light enough to make a noticeable difference in baggage weight limits. Compared to BCDs with hard backpacks that weigh 3.5-4 kg, the savings add up when you’re packing for extended dive trips.

Comfort and Fit

The pre-shaped concave shoulder straps are a standout feature. I’ve heard dive instructors mention that the ergonomic shape provides excellent freedom of movement without shoulder strap migration. The padding on the soft backplate, waistband, and collar is strategically placed where it’s needed most.

Common feedback that I got is that the harness fits well despite being minimal. The X-tra comfort cushioning adds support without adding significant bulk. Many divers have noted that the BCD remains comfortable during extended surface intervals and boat rides.

Weight System

The integrated weight system uses large pinch-to-release buckles that make loading and ditching straightforward. The quick-release mechanism works reliably. Weight pocket capacity varies by size: 4 kg pockets for XS/S and M/L sizes, and 6 kg pockets for XL sizes.

The trim weight pockets on the tank strap provide additional options for weight distribution. These are useful for fine-tuning trim, particularly when diving with different exposure suits or equipment configurations.

Storage and Attachments

The BCD has four aluminum D-rings for gear attachment. This is fewer than some BCDs, but adequate for most recreational diving needs. The roll-down zippered pocket on the right side provides secure storage. However, accessing the pocket can be awkward when weight pockets are loaded, which is a common critique.

Underwater Performance

The back-inflation design provides good trim and stability. The wraparound bladder hugs the tank well. Many instructors have noted that the BCD maintains proper positioning throughout the dive. The 18.5 kg lift capacity handles warm water diving with aluminum tanks and appropriate exposure protection effectively.

Comparing Options

The Mares Magellan competes directly with other lightweight travel BCDs in the $400-500 range. The Cressi Travelight at around $400 offers similar packability with a jacket-style design and weighs about 2.5 kg. The Oceanic Biolite at around $600 weighs 2.5 kg and features the BioFlex bladder but costs more.

The Scubapro Litehawk at around $500-600 weighs slightly less at 2.2 kg and includes the AIR2 integrated inflator-regulator, but the integrated AIR2 requires adapting to a different out-of-air procedure. The Zeagle Covert XT at around $500 offers MOLLE customization and rugged 1000 denier construction but weighs about the same.

The Mares Magellan’s combination of genuine packability, proven comfort, and mid-range pricing makes it competitive. ScubaLab named it a Best Buy for travel BCDs, recognizing its performance-to-price ratio.

What Works Well and What Doesn’t

The packability is genuine and practical. The 2.1 kg weight saves significant luggage space and weight. The ergonomic shoulder straps provide excellent comfort and freedom of movement. The integrated weight system with pinch-to-release buckles works reliably. The price-to-performance ratio is strong in this category.

The limited number of D-rings restricts gear attachment options. The cargo pocket is awkwardly positioned under the weight pocket and difficult to access when loaded. The soft backplate provides less structure than rigid designs, though this is the intentional tradeoff for packability.

Final Recommendation

Buy the Mares Magellan if you’re a traveling diver who needs genuine packability without sacrificing performance. It’s ideal for vacation divers who fly to warm water destinations regularly and want gear that packs small in luggage. The combination of light weight, foldable design, and reliable features makes it particularly valuable for divers who prioritize travel convenience.

This BCD works well for traveling dive professionals who need backup gear or rental fleet additions that can be easily transported and stored. The ergonomic shoulder strap design makes it suitable for both male and female divers who want comfort during extended diving.

Skip this BCD if you need extensive D-ring attachment points for cameras, lights, and other accessories. Divers who prefer maximum back support from rigid backplates should look at other options. If you rarely travel and dive primarily locally, a heavier BCD with more features might provide better value.