Collection: Brand - Mares

Ludovico Mares: A Passionate Innovator

As a child, Ludovico Mares was passionate about sports. He excelled in hockey, becoming a national champion, and in figure skating, where he became a regional leader. His love for figure skating even led him to teach the sport and innovate by patenting the famous bushing truck roller skates, used worldwide. However, his most enduring passion was for diving, a pursuit that would define his legacy.

The Beginnings of Mares

During World War I, Ludovico served as a diver for the Austrian Royal Navy. After the war, he continued diving, focusing on submarine recoveries. At the end of World War II, like many Istrian exiles, he was forced to emigrate. He settled in Rapallo, where he initially taught figure skating to make ends meet. Eventually, his love for the sea and his drive to innovate led him to begin making dive equipment. Starting with spearguns, masks, and fins, Ludovico’s entrepreneurial spirit and innovative ideas soon gained recognition, and Mares products quickly became popular worldwide.

Expansion and Acquisitions

In 1971, Ludovico decided to retire and lead a more private life. Consequently, Mares was acquired by AMF, a large multinational company with a portfolio that included legendary brands like Harley Davidson, HEAD, and Tyrolia. Even today, Mares remains a member of this group, now known as Head NV. Despite the change in ownership, Mares continues to embody Ludovico’s original spirit of innovation and excellence.

Pioneering Innovations

Mares has a history of introducing groundbreaking products. For example, in 1973, they were the first to introduce fins made from two materials: a technopolymer blade and an overmolded foot pocket in thermoplastic rubber. This innovation led to the famous 'Plana' fins, which quickly made rubber fins obsolete. In 1979, Mares launched a new "optical system" for dive masks, allowing customers to obtain customized optical masks from their local dealer in minutes. Later, the introduction of liquid silicone technology in 1982 revolutionized mask manufacturing, making rubber masks a thing of the past.

Evolving Product Lines

With the acquisition of SSI in 2014, Mares expanded its product lines to cater to various diving interests. As a result, the Freediving line was developed for passionate freedivers, featuring specialized suits and accessories. The XR-Extended Range line was introduced for divers interested in more challenging dives, such as cave or deep-sea diving. Meanwhile, the Explorer line was created for young divers, ensuring that new divers have the best possible start. Then in 2016, Mares further expanded its product range by acquiring rEvo, a company specializing in rebreathers.

Mares Today: A Legacy of Innovation

Today, Mares offers five main product lines to meet the diverse needs of water sports enthusiasts:

• Classic Mares Line: Products for all SCUBA divers, including young divers.
• XR - Extended Range Line: For those interested in more demanding dives.
• Pure Passion Line: For freediving and spearfishing enthusiasts.
• Aquazone Line: Products designed for swimming and snorkeling.
• Diving Center Line: Unique products tailored to the needs of dive centers.

Thanks to these offerings, Mares continues to fulfill the legacy of Ludovico Mares. The company's motto, “Enjoy diving with advanced performance through superior technology,” reflects its commitment to making dives more enjoyable and safer through innovation and superior technology.

Thank you, Ludovico, for your passion and vision, which continue to inspire the world of diving.