Any experience with the Mares XR line?

[SaltyWombat]

The Mares XR line appeals to me because apparently Mares will sell service kits and parts directly to customers. DiveGearExpress does this in the US.

I don't know any divers who use them though. The Mares catalog is enormous, they offer products for just about every kind of diving, but I rarely see any of their gear where I dive.

Anyone have experience with the XR line? In particular, the 26XR-HR looks new. I wonder if it replaced the 25XR-DR or 25XR-CR, which are no longer listed on their US website.

 

[Zef]

With regards to the 1st stages....the Mares 25XR was a flop, mainly due to the fact that they designed it as a "left" and "right" setup. They only designed it with 2 LP ports and 1 HP port per 1st stage in the kit, which significantly limited the hose routing and general use of this model regulator....being that it lacked the versatility to use either 1st stage in the kit with a single tank setup, should the diver so desired.

The Mares 26XR 1st stage fixes this error with 5 LP ports and 2 HP ports per 1st stage in the kit. The only thing the 26XR seems to be lacking is a rotating turret that the 28XR 1st stage is designed with.

To be honest, I would price out a pair of Mares' 28XR kits, and any other doodads (hoses, etc.) that the 26XR kit comes with and see which has the more appealing price...the 28XR kit is coupled with the same HR 2nd stage, and has the same amount of LP ports, has the TBP design as well, and has the rotating turret which lends itself to even more hose routing options such as those preferred by sidemount divers.

-Z

 

[Chris-Wood]

I'm using the 28XR-HR on my back mount twins and stage cylinder. Seem well made, heavy, hose routing is ok. They breathe well and I can get spares or I have local servicing available.

 

[rsingler]

I'm using the 28XR-HR on my back mount twins and stage cylinder. Seem well made, heavy, hose routing is ok.

It's only 90g/3 oz heavier than the Mk25, I think, probably due to the TBP seal. That seal makes it eminently worth it, IMO.