Mares i3 BCD

At a glance

Mares i3 BCD is a bcd from Mares, rated 4.2 out of 5 and placed 37 of 39 in our bcds & wings shortlist. Its defining number is lift capacity: 16-18 kg (depending on size). It scores hardest on build quality (89/100) and softest on value for money (56/100). The clearest advantage divers report: extremely intuitive one-lever inflate/deflate operation, great for new divers.

What the bcd actually gives you

Where it wins and where it costs you

Full review: Mares i3 BCD

The Mares i3 stands out in the world of scuba diving buoyancy control devices thanks to its innovative Monoprene bladder construction, which fuses the air cell and harness into a single seamless unit. This design philosophy, shared across Mares's premium BCD lineup, eliminates the multiple seams and stitching points found in traditional jacket-style BCDs, resulting in a more durable, streamlined product that resists wear over years of saltwater exposure. Divers who choose the i3 benefit from a torso-hugging fit that moves air more efficiently around the body, reducing the tendency for gas to pool awkwardly and throwing off trim during a dive.

What truly distinguishes the Mares i3 from other BCDs on the market is its patented Instant Inflation and Deflation system, the very technology from which the product takes its name. Rather than relying on a low-pressure inflator hose and a separate manual dump valve, the i3 uses a single lever mounted on the shoulder that controls both inflation and deflation in one intuitive motion. Pushing the lever forward releases air instantly, while pulling it back sends air into the bladder from the tank, allowing divers to fine-tune buoyancy without fumbling for hoses or reaching behind for a pull cord. This mechanism is especially valued by technical and recreational divers alike who want quick, precise buoyancy adjustments during safety stops or when navigating tight wreck penetrations and reef environments.

Beyond its signature inflation system, the Mares i3 is built with practical touring and travel diving in mind, featuring reinforced but lightweight materials, robust stainless steel D-rings for clipping accessories like SMBs and cutting tools, and cargo-style pockets sized to hold a compact dive light or slate. The weight-integrated pockets offer a secure quick-release mechanism, letting divers ditch weight rapidly in an emergency while keeping the trim pockets separate for fine balance adjustments. Combined with adjustable cummerbund straps and padded shoulder harnesses, the i3 delivers a comfortable, secure fit across a range of body types, making it a favorite among dive resorts, rental fleets, and serious hobbyist divers who want dependable performance dive after dive.