Keyword(s): Mares Magellan HD BCD review
I keep hearing divers talking about the Mares Magellan HD BCD. What’s all the buzz about?
After decades of lugging around heavy, clunky BCDs, I finally got my hands on the Mares Magellan HD—and it’s safe to say, this back-inflate BCD is a genuine leap forward for modern divers. Whether you’re new, experienced, or somewhere in between, this is a BCD you’re going to want on your radar.
First Impressions and Key Features
The Magellan HD feels featherlight but not flimsy—my XL weighs only about 5 pounds (2.3 kg). Every detail, from the anatomical backplate to the five stainless steel D-rings, is engineered for portability, underwater performance, and comfort.
For the past couple of years, my primary BCD has been the Dive Rite Transpac harness with the Rec XT Armored dual bladder wing. I typically favor a more utilitarian and rugged set up, but when I put on the Mares Magellan HD BCD, it honestly felt… nice!,
The newest modifications to the Magellan HD BCD Include:
Mares Magellan HD BCD on Amazon
Is the Hype Real?
When new scuba gear hits the market, I take a “wait and see” approach. Rather than rushing to buy the latest release, I prefer to hear feedback from other divers first. With limited time and budget, I focus on gear that proves its value in real-world use instead of chasing the initial hype.
Popular opinion? It’s one of the best budget BCDs of 2024/2025, balancing comfort, control, and travel readiness for both holiday recreational warm-water and lighter geared cold-water divers.
The Magellan HD is a back-inflation BCD designed with a compact, lightweight build that makes it easy to handle—ideal for both beginners and experienced divers. This updated model preserves the core strengths of the original Magellan while enhancing them with a seamless balance of simplicity and performance.
The Pros:
-
Streamlined Shape – makes it super maneuverable and feels less bulky
-
Integrated Weight System – is surprisingly secure
-
Compact Inflator/Deflator – keeps the profile trim, even over a thick wetsuit
-
Big Lift and Stout Build – 40 lbs. of lift adds confidence with steel tanks, cameras, or heavier setups.
-
Packs Flat – Space saver in your luggage thanks to the soft back
-
Propper Trim – This system is a 95% solution for divers wanting to improve their trim
-
X-TRA Comfort – The additional padding/structure is comfortable and distributes the weight onto your hips well
-
Modularity (basic) – Offers several attachment points and add-on pockets—enough to set up a clean, travel-ready rec rig (knife/SMB/light/trim pockets).
The Cons:
-
Modularity (limited) – Fixed D-ring/strap locations and non-repositionable weight pockets mean less freedom to place gear exactly where experienced divers may want; not backplate-and-wing–level configurable.
-
Drop-Down Pocket – I like the concept, but storage overall is lacking for the system. Also, access to the pocket is difficult because of its placement directly under the weight pouch.
-
Limited attachment/stowage—fewer/fixed D-rings and an awkward drop-down pocket on the original Magellan.
-
Weight-integration capacity can be tight for cold water wetsuits/drysuits or heavier gear in general
-
Inflator hose felt a little short to me
-
Testing Data (limited) – Little data can be obtained to determine longevity, performance claims (dump valve) for comparisons
Would I Recommend It?
Final Verdict
Comfort & Versatility
Travel & Buoyancy
Value & Durability
Absolutely, its thoughtful design makes it equally suitable for newer divers and seasoned pros who want a fuss-free, relaxed, and travel-friendly solution. I agree with Mik, last week, when he stated:
“The Magellan HD hits the sweet spot of affordability, durability, and user-friendly features. It’s an all-rounder that suits new divers wanting a dependable companion without sacrificing quality.”²
Mik Jennings, Divernet Magazine
References
- Mares. (n.d.). Magellan HD. Mares. https://www.mares.com/en_US/magellan-hd-417231 (Retrieved September 6, 2025).
- Scuba.com. (2025). Mares Magellan HD BCD Black X-Large. https://www.scuba.com/p-mrsmhdbbxl/mares-magellan-hd-bcd
- Jennings, M. (2025, August 19). The Best BCDs For New Divers in 2025. Divernet. https://divernet.com/features/the-best-bcds-for-new-divers-in-2025/
- ABLAB (2024, Sep 26). Thoughts or Comments on the Magellan Mares HD. ScubaBoard. https://scubaboard.com/community/threads/thoughts-or-comments-on-the-magellan-mares-hd.651042/
Related Gear Reviews: ScubaPro Solo Dive Mask Review
As an Amazon Associate, Scuba Insider may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to the customer.
Leave a Comment