Buying my first regulator

[scubadada]

After reading @lexvil comments, I bought a C370 for my backup reg, replacing a G250HP. It is much smaller, much lighter, and breathes as least as good, if not better. My primary is a MK25 and S600, it's fantastic. I would have no qualms about going with a MK25 or 17/19 and a couple of C370s. I would not skimp on your backup.

 

[BoltSnap]

In particular many of us feel their second stages, which require no in-water adjustments, are a real improvement over traditional designs.

Yeah, the 2 - 3 people of you think so. You are so funny.

The last good regulator Mares made was the MR12 Navy and it was a simple middle of the road regulator good for rental/training use.

 

[lexvil]

Some good options!

I believe @lexvil really likes the C370 (I just got one, but haven't dove it, something about frozen water), and the MK-11/17/19 is a great option in my humble opinion. The sealed aspect of the 17/19 makes for some great "lazy" care in regard to rinsing/soaking. I dove pistons back in the day, but prefer sealed diaphragm regulators for the cold I dive in as well as the tolerance for care.

I am in the camp of two of the same second stages..... A pair of C370 would be nice.

I just re-tuned my 370, I had detuned it to ride the neckless, it is really a sweet breather, small and light. At the moment it’s paired with my mk20 UL with the freshly arrived S.P.E.C boot, just packed with silicone.

 

[Ontwreckdiver]

You can't get a much better reg than a Mares. I have been diving a Mares MR12 Abyss (Mares Proton Metal for my octo) for over 21 years in the dark cold waters of the Great Lakes and it has never failed me once. I like that there are no adjusting knobs or tuning levers to fiddle around with, just a great breathing reg from top to bottom without all that crap.
I would get a Mares Abyss 22 Navy II. Abyss 22 Navy II
https://www.mares.com/shop/us-CA/diving/regulators-octopus/scuba-regulators/abyss-22-navy-ii-1.html

 

[hedonist222]

Whatever is easier to service or get parts in Israel -

 

[Jafo19D]

I have the Mk11/C370 with R095 and I’m very happy with that setup

 

[Sagi]

Whatever is easier to service or get parts in Israel -

both Mares and SP have good service centers

 

[hedonist222]

both Mares and SP have good service centers

then identify models with the same specifications and buy the cheaper of the two

 

[GF99/99]

both Mares and SP have good service centers

Not trying to start a Mares war and not saying they are bad regulators but I think you will find the SP regs to be a much better choice and value. And I am saying this as a non SP reg owner.

Buy ultimately it is your decision. It is just like buying any other equipment for example camera equipment some will tell you Nikon is the best others will tell you Canon is the best. But what you should do is your research on the regulators so you can make an informed decision.

Check up on Mares and how there customer service is, check up on what others think of the quality and value of a mares reg. there was a discussion about this a while back My friend says Mares regulators aren't good - is this true?
The other thing to check is see what other experienced people are predominantly using because. If you look in the tech diving world where people really count on there equipment and push it to the limits with crazy deep dives, huge cave expeditions, extreme cold water diving, I don't think you will find many Mares users, mostly you will find SP, Apeks, Halcyon, Poseidon (and in the US you will find a lot of Deep 6, HOG, DR, etc.) Maybe ask yourself why is it they are not using Mares equipment? ask your self why is it that every rebreather company (with the exception of the contraption Mares just released that they are calling a rebreather) does not use Mares first stages? Ask your self why you never see a cave diver (one of the most abusive harsh environments on scuba gear) using Mares regs??

Just some things to think about

 

[BoltSnap]

there was a discussion about this a while back My friend says Mares regulators aren't good - is this true?

I can't believe that I missed this thread you reference, not a single word from me bashing Mares in there! My posts must have been moderated in the thread. I'd have had a lot to say about how not good Mares regulators are