MARES QUAD Ci | SRP: £472
Mark Evans: Mares continue to add to their impressive line-up of dive computers, and one of the newest members of the squad is this full-colour-display Quad Ci.
Exploring the New Mares Quad Ci Evolution
Now when I took it out of the box, it instantly felt familiar, and this is because the body and strap of the computer is much the same as the earlier Quad 2. Also like the Quad 2, the Quad Ci operates the Bühlmann ZH-L16C algorithm -which can be enhanced with customizable Gradient Factors for precision and tailored decompression calculations – and offers multi-gas support, with Air, Nitrox, and Trimix compatibility, plus a bottom timer.
Like the Quad 2, there is also a Decompression Planner, which includes additional Surface Interval function for advanced dive planning, and it can store up to 100 hours of dive profiles in the logbook.
So far, so good, as we were impressed with the Quad 2 when we took it for a spin at its launch. However, the Quad Ci elevates things even further, and the most-noticeable different is that huge colour screen.
High-Visibility Performance: Mark Evans on the MIP Display
The eight-colour, high-resolution MIP display absolutely pops when you are on a dive. In bright conditions, such as on a safety stop in the tropics, it is still easily readable, but where it comes into its own is in more-murky waters, such as in a quarry here in the UK, or on a night dive in warmer waters. We found that the screen display is visible from metres away, and the giant digits are ideal for those with less-than-perfect eyesight!
While the Quad Ci is a fairly large wrist-mounted unit, it is not too bulky, and sits well on a drysuited arm. It is actually quite low-profile too, so does not protrude too far out. The extra-long strap is plenty big enough to go around the chunkiest drysuited forearm.
The Mares Quad Ci Ergonomics and Handling
The four large push buttons are easy to locate and operate even wearing thick drygloves or neoprene gloves, and these allow you to navigate around the intuitive menus quickly and simply. While you are getting to grips with what does what, it handily tells you on the frame what each button does – bottom left for ‘back’, top left for ‘enter’, and the right-hand buttons for scrolling up and down.
Advanced Dive Insights and Digital Navigation
One neat feature on the Quad Ci is the ability to get real-time dive insights – you can access your dive profiles and tissue saturation graphs during a dive. Now reacting to these and tailoring the rest of your dive is probably only going to occur when you are pushing the envelope a little on a more-advanced dive, but I found it interesting to bring up this data even on a more-moderate dive. The full-tilt digital compass makes navigation a doddle, and it features a useful bearing memory, as well as a stopwatch. The Quad Ci can connect with up to five transmitters for hoseless tank data integration, and with colour-coded pressure levels, it significantly reduces the chances of you not noticing your gas supply is getting low.
Unlike the Quad 2, which featured a user-replaceable battery, the Quad Ci has a rechargeable lithium battery fitted. You simply clip on the charging cable, plug in the USB and away you go. You get 20 hours of dive time on a full charge when using a transmitter, or 30 hours with just the computer alone.
The Quad Ci has integrated Bluetooth, so you can seamlessly sync with your smart device to update firmware and share dive logs via the Mares app. We found the Mares Quad Ci to be a very well-specced dive computer that has some nifty features – that huge colour screen, digital compass, rechargeable battery, multi-gas and multi-transmitter capabilities – and all for a very good price against its competitors. www.mares.com
FAQS
What are the main features of the Mares Quad Ci?
The Mares Quad Ci features a high-resolution MIP color display, Bühlmann ZH-L16C algorithm with customizable Gradient Factors, multi-gas support (Air, Nitrox, Trimix), and a full-tilt digital compass.
How does the Mares Quad Ci screen perform in low visibility?
The eight-color MIP display is designed to “pop” even in murky conditions or on night dives. Its giant digits make it an excellent choice for divers who require high readability and clear data.
Is the Mares Quad Ci air integrated?
Yes, the Quad Ci can connect with up to five transmitters for hoseless tank data integration, featuring colour-coded pressure levels for enhanced safety.
What type of battery does the Mares Quad Ci use?
Unlike previous models, the Quad Ci uses a rechargeable lithium battery, providing 20 to 30 hours of dive time per charge depending on transmitter use.
Can I update the firmware on the Mares Quad Ci?
Yes, the unit has integrated Bluetooth, allowing you to sync with smart devices via the Mares app to share dive logs and update firmware seamlessly.
This article was originally published in Scuba Diver Magazine
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