Mares Cyrano Accessory Poll

[ZOHARA]

Dear all particularly in the U.S. We are in deliberation about which accessories we will include to the U.S. Mares Spearfishing line. I am debating what accessories should be offered to our U.S. spearfishing / freediving consumers. I thought what better way to decide, than to include those that will be purchasing these items. If you are unfamiliar with these items you can go to Mares - Pure Instinctto download the new catalog. If you are inclined please post your vote or opinion asap, we are meeting at the end of next week to finalize our initial launch. Thanks and happy voting.

[Mongrel454]

I voted yes, But i think it depends on what size gun your using. ie:smaller guns shouldnt need it for around reefs and such.

[ZOHARA]

Mongrel,

I appreciate your input. I also agree with you about the size of the guns. I initially suggested we should not offer the reel, due to not many consumers actually purchase larger Cyranos specifically. It is somewhat of a challenging decision for various reasons that I will not go into. At the end of the day, I think we will offer this reel here in the U.S. I was just looking for a little feedback from the diving community as to whether they feel it is beneficial to have these items (including the 2 other accessory polls I posted).

I can't count how many times someone, consumer, dealer etc. has asked me why we don't offer X product that is in the catalog, here in the U.S. There are many answers which again I will not go into. I thought I would give you all a chance to offer your opinion or input. Seemed like a good idea. Unfortunately 40 something views on this post and maybe 5 people participated in the poll. Hmmm. I hope you will rally, or alternately perhaps these items don't interest anyone at all?

[fjohnson]

your link has an extra http:// in it and doesn't work without deleting that...

tell me.. is the mares spark available here in the u.s.? I see it is in the catalog.

[spaghetti]

Originally Posted by Mongrel454

i think it depends on what size gun your using. ie:smaller guns shouldnt need it for around reefs and such.

Yes generally that's it, but hunting holed up groupers, for example, I've learned that a reel can help also on a short Cyrano 700 (or on a Mares Medisten 70, I have one of those).
A Medisten or a Cyrano 700 is my favourite gun for stoning groupers into holes, but what if the shot grouper is stuck in the hole and doesn't come out at the first pull?
With a reel you can surface for breathing without loosing the position (and without loosing the gun too!!!), and you can also manage to keep the grouper under tension, preventing it to crawl back deeper into the hole.
vote yes (may I vote even if I'm not American?)

[Mongrel454]

That happened to me on my last trip but it was a drummer that got me stuck.
I didnt quite stone the bugger and he had enough life to dive a little and get my spear jammed in a hole
Luckily i wasnt deep so i could suface, but if i was any deeper id have to let go of the gun and risk losing it.

p.s. NO spagetti u cant vote :: LOL

[ulysses]

As a med spearo my vote 'no' should not be taken into account

However, IMHO in the instances that you need a reel - large / fighting fish, reef fish that hole-up, fish that are not hit well or have soft flesh and last but not least on all mamba-kitted airguns - you will probably need something else than this all plastic toy reel

The Italian Maorisub, Merou, and lately Hunter reels come to mind.

Also I hope for the US spearos that they will be offered the Spark as a cheaper - and better - alternative to the Cyrano.

Cheers

[ZOHARA]

Originally Posted by spaghetti

Yes generally that's it, but hunting holed up groupers, for example, I've learned that a reel can help also on a short Cyrano 700 (or on a Mares Medisten 70, I have one of those).
A Medisten or a Cyrano 700 is my favourite gun for stoning groupers into holes, but what if the shot grouper is stuck in the hole and doesn't come out at the first pull?
With a reel you can surface for breathing without loosing the position (and without loosing the gun too!!!), and you can also manage to keep the grouper under tension, preventing it to crawl back deeper into the hole.
vote yes (may I vote even if I'm not American?)

Spag,

Even though you are not an American, your contributions to this community are overwhelming and inciteful! This I feel entitles you to any vote. Your comments are always thoughtful and I am listening.

Thanks,

Zak

[hteas]

I prefer a floatline to a reel personally, but I dive with Strangelove, who has a reel on every one of his guns I think, so it's personal. I voted for the reel, but so he has the option. ; )
Howard

[ZOHARA]

Well just to keep you updated. We are going to offer the Cyrano reel. It should be available to retailers by 3rd week of June. Thanks to all for your participation.

Sincerely,

Zak

[ZOHARA]

I have recently been receiving quite a few PM's regarding availability and cost of the new Cyrano reel. I thought I'd post here for anyone else that is interested. We expect to have this available to our retailers on 6/10/08. Suggested retail price is $70.00.

Best regards,

[nohu_eater]

I have been trying to find the Mares Spark 110, but I can't find an online retailer who sells it. I live in Hawaii, and I can't get the local stores to bring one in. I want to buy one with a reel. Can you tell me where I can find these products if and when they become available in the U.S.?

[ZOHARA]

Hi,

Thanks for asking. We do not offer the Spark here in the U.S., so it will be a challenge to find it locally. Perhaps a European website, but shipping and with the Euro - Dollar exchange it will also most likely be pretty expensive. We do offer the Cyrano 1100 (110cm) which I believe to be extremely similar. These will be available 6/10/08 and the reel which is the same reel for the spark is available 6/11/08. I am not sure what store you are using but if you would like you can have them call me and we will work something out specifically for you.

I hope this answers your questions, please feel free to email me zohara@us.mares.com and I'll forward my phone #.

Best regards,

[fjohnson]

Why isn't the spark sold here in the states? Will it ever be? Spark 70 with shipping from scubazar was $285 US. ($65euro shipping)

[ZOHARA]

Fjohnson,

I responded to your PM. To publicly answer your question; we do not intend to offer the Spark in the U.S. It is purely a matter of cost of inventory vs. sales generated. We do offer the Cyrano 70cm. MSRP in U.S.$ is $350. This appears to come in a little less than the Spark purchased in Europe. at 1.5 to 1 conversion, shipping bumps the Spark over the top. Plus with the Cyrano you receive a nice gun, shaft bag to accompany the gun.

Best regards to all,

Zak