ScubaLab tested the Mares Magellan in its 2019 BCD review.

With a travel-ready design that’s comfortable and capable, it was our Best Buy for travel BCDs.

We tested BCDs—also called BCs or buoyancy compensators—at Blue Grotto Dive Resort in Central Florida.

We conducted objective tests in the pool to measure each BC’s buoyant lift and inherent buoyancy, and to gauge its ability to cope with a runaway power inflator.

We also conducted a series of test dives to evaluate each BC in ten categories including comfort, stability and ascent control.

If the name didn’t alert you to this BC’s globe-trotting focus, the stripped-down design would. The lightest BC in our test, it’s barely-there harness has some of the thinnest, narrowest straps we’ve seen. But while the harness is sparse, there’s just enough of it in exactly the right places, and that landed the Magellan among the top scores for comfort and stability.

The sharply curved shoulder straps keep everything in place without restricting movement, and the padding in the soft backplate, waistband and collar are placed just where they’re needed. For stowage, the Magellan was rated just average, because D-rings are few and the drop-down zippered cargo pocket is tricky to reach under the weight pocket. The integrated weight system was rated very good by test divers, thanks to the big pinch-to-release buckles that make loading and ditching a cinch.

For a travel-friendly design with impressive performance and a below-average price, the Mares Magellan was our Best Buy for travel BCs.

MSRP: $399
Contact: mares.com