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Product information
Flat in the water. Ready for anywhere.
The Mares Bolt SLS is built for divers who've stopped making excuses for their gear. Back-inflate design puts you horizontal where you belong, a fully adjustable harness locks your tank exactly where it needs to be, and the whole thing packs down small enough for a carry-on. Whether you're shooting wide-angle on a liveaboard or running skills in the pool here in Katy, this BCD gets out of your way and lets you dive.
Back-inflate
SLS weight system
Travel-ready
Recreational & instruction
Corrosion-resistant hardware
What's working for you underwater
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Back-inflate bladderAir inflates behind you, not around you — so you roll naturally into horizontal trim without fighting your buoyancy on every breath.
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SLS integrated weight systemQuick-release pockets ditch weights fast when you need them to. The exclusive SLS visual indicator confirms your weights are fully locked — no second-guessing at the surface.
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Quick-adjust harnessSLS shoulder and chest straps dial in your fit fast and lock it there. No shifting tanks, no riding up — even through a full multi-tank day.
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Travel-ready buildLightweight and packable with marine-grade materials and corrosion-resistant hardware. Built for frequent travel, rental fleets, and the kind of trips that involve multiple airlines.
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D-rings, zip pockets & mountsStrategically placed attachment points keep lights, reels, slates, and camera gear organized and within reach — no fumbling, no dangling.
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Balanced lift distributionEngineered bladder geometry delivers consistent buoyancy from the shallows to depth — fewer micro-adjustments, cleaner diving.
The Bolt SLS works just as well for a sport diver on their tenth dive as it does for the instructor running five students through a checkout. Padded contact points and breathable materials mean you're not thinking about the BCD after hour two — which is exactly the point.
Pro tip
Why back-inflate changes everything
Most entry-level BCDs wrap the bladder around your torso — which means air rises to your chest and shoulders, pushing your upper body up and your feet down. That head-high, feet-low angle creates drag, makes it harder to see where you're going, and exhausts your core trying to stay level.
Back-inflate puts the air behind you. The lift acts like a counterweight to your tank, and your body naturally settles into a horizontal position with almost no effort. Photographers love it because it's easier to hold a steady frame. Instructors love it because it models good buoyancy technique. And new divers love it once they realize they're not fighting the water anymore.
If you're upgrading from a jacket-style BCD, give yourself two or three dives to adjust — the trim feels different at first, but you won't want to go back.
Not sure if back-inflate is right for where you are in your diving?
Our PADI Master Instructor can walk you through it in person. Call us at 855-OTA-DIVE (855-682-3483) or stop by OTA Scuba & Swim in Katy, TX. Over 250 verified reviews from divers who trust us to get the gear right.
Better trim. Less drag. More dive.
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