Diving technology evolves in waves. Some shifts come with a flood of innovation—game-changing advancements that redefine the way divers interact with their equipment. Others arrive as steady refinements, the kind that don’t demand attention but instead quietly improve upon the tools divers already trust. The Mares QUAD 2 is firmly in the latter category: not a revolution, but a smart, necessary evolution of a dive computer that already had a devoted following.
For many divers, the original QUAD was a go-to choice precisely because it rejected complexity. At a time when dive computers were getting more compact and tech-heavy, Mares took a different approach. The QUAD was big, simple, and focused on what mattered most—readability and usability. Its oversized screen and high-contrast segmented display made checking dive data effortless. The menu system was intuitive, the button layout was straightforward, and it had just enough functionality to satisfy serious divers without burdening them with unnecessary features.
But technology never stands still, and diver expectations have shifted. Wireless connectivity, multi-gas capability, and expanded decompression tracking have moved from being luxury features to basic expectations. In bringing the QUAD 2 to market, Mares had a delicate task: update the QUAD’s capabilities without sacrificing the clarity and ease of use that made it so popular.
The Mares QUAD 2: A Thoughtful Evolution, Not a Reinvention
The first thing divers will notice about the QUAD 2 is that it doesn’t look all that different from its predecessor. The large, easy-to-read display remains, as does the well-organized interface. But beneath the surface, there are crucial changes that modernize the QUAD without overcomplicating it.
The most significant upgrade is Bluetooth connectivity—a long-awaited addition that finally allows divers to sync their dive logs wirelessly. Where the original QUAD required a cable connection to offload data, the QUAD 2 embraces a more seamless system, integrating with the Mares app to store and analyze dive profiles on a smartphone or tablet. For divers who log every dive meticulously, this feature is a welcome relief.
Another major step forward is multi-gas capability. The QUAD 2 allows divers to program up to five gas mixes, a critical addition for those transitioning into technical diving. While its predecessor was strictly a single-gas computer, the QUAD 2 acknowledges that even recreational divers are increasingly experimenting with different gas blends to extend bottom time and improve safety.
These changes might seem subtle on the surface, but they indicate something bigger: Mares recognizes that the lines between recreational and technical diving are blurring.
Designed for Divers Who Value Simplicity
While many modern dive computers are racing toward feature-heavy, smartwatch-style interfaces, Mares has deliberately chosen a different path. The QUAD 2 remains focused on clarity over complexity. The segmented LCD display, while not as flashy as the full-color AMOLED screens found in high-end models, serves a purpose. It extends battery life, reduces glare, and ensures crucial dive data is always legible, even in poor visibility conditions.
The menu system remains familiar and intuitive, another nod to the philosophy that dive gear should enhance an experience, not add unnecessary steps. The four-button navigation is unchanged, keeping transitions between settings and screens as simple as possible. And perhaps one of the most underrated yet crucial features: the user-replaceable CR2450 battery. No proprietary charging cables, no waiting for a device to charge—just a standard, long-lasting battery that divers can swap out themselves. Another improvement is the expanded dive log capacity, now allowing up to 100 hours of dive profiles with a five-second sampling rate. This makes it easier for divers to review their past dives in detail without constantly transferring data.
Does It Set a New Standard?
The QUAD 2 doesn’t attempt to be an ultra-advanced dive computer loaded with features that only a handful of divers will ever use. It isn’t trying to compete with a technical computer like a Shearwater, nor does it include AI-driven decompression models or air integration. Instead, it refines what a mainstream dive computer should offer.
There was a time when features like multi-gas support and wireless connectivity were considered high-end luxuries, found only in top-tier models. With the QUAD 2, Mares is signaling that these are now baseline expectations for any serious diver, even those who prefer a straightforward, no-nonsense device.
This shift matters. It suggests that we’re entering a new era where divers expect more from their gear—not just in terms of raw capability, but in how effortlessly that technology integrates into their experience. The QUAD 2 is not trying to be the most advanced dive computer on the market, but it is raising the bar for what an accessible, user-friendly model should include.
The Future of the QUAD Series
With the release of the QUAD 2, one question remains: is this the final evolution of this series, or is there more to come? Mares has proven that it’s listening to divers, refining rather than reinventing, but could future iterations introduce even more advanced features while keeping the QUAD’s ease of use intact? WS360 has reached out to Mares to learn more about their long-term vision for the QUAD lineup, particularly whether further connectivity upgrades, additional algorithm options, or even air integration could be on the horizon. As diving technology continues to progress, it will be interesting to see whether Mares chooses to push the QUAD series further into the technical realm or maintain its role as a high-performance yet accessible dive computer.
Final Thoughts
The QUAD 2 represents the kind of smart, measured update that experienced divers appreciate. It respects the core philosophy of the original QUAD while bringing it up to speed with modern expectations. Bluetooth connectivity and multi-gas support ensure that it remains competitive, while the clear display and intuitive design keep it grounded in what made the series successful in the first place.
For divers who loved the original QUAD but wished for just a little more, this is exactly what they’ve been waiting for. And for those looking for a capable, no-fuss dive computer that doesn’t overwhelm with unnecessary complexity, the QUAD 2 is a compelling choice.
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