Mares is an Italian brand, started by Ludovico Mares, son of an Austrian ship mechanic. During the first World War, Ludovico went on to become a diver for the Austrian Army. Following the war, he became involved in submarine recoveries and became a dive instructor. During this time he made his first dive mask - around the age of only 21.
Following the Second World War, Ludovico emigrated to Italy, where he founded the Mares Sub Workshop, creating more dive equipment, starting with fins and spearguns. Ludovico retired in 1971 when his company was acquired by multinational group AMF, a company with offices in over 80 countries.
From here Mares led the market with many new technological developments.
In 1973 they introduced the first fins made with a technopolymer blade and overmolded foot pocket in thermoplastic rubber, which helped to make rubber pockets a thing of the past.
In 1979 Mares became the first company to launch a new optical system for masks.
In 1981 the MR12 III was released, an updated version of the well known MR12 II and the first regulator to feature Vortex Assisted Design (VAD) - making breathing feel much more natural and delivering exceptional results.
In 1982 Mares invented liquid silicone and introduced the first masks made with this, making rubber mask skirts a thing of the past.
Mares continues to develop its product line, with its most recent acquisition in 2016 of rEvo, a company who specialise in rebreathers, leading to the introduction of Mares first semi-closed rebreather unit, the Horizon.
The Mares range now includes:
The classic Mares line, dive gear for any diver
The XR - Extended Range line, Mares’ technical diving range
The Pure Passion line, for freediving and spearfishers
The Aquazone line, for swimming and snorkelling products
The Mares Avanti Quattro fins from Mares remain one of the most popular dive fins available on the market today for their comfort, versatility and performance in all condition.
