Dacor Viper Metal

[Takuan]

Hello all,

first of all, an upfron apology if I haven't searched well enough, but I could not find answers to all my questions, and thought that it would be good to consolidate them here. Would be great if anyone could offer any advice available.

Anyway, I am looking to buy my first regulator, and can get a good deal (I think) for a Dacor Viper Metal at my local Amsterdam diveshop (€ 219).

Also, I am a mainly recreational diver, PADI advanced, and will for example be diving in the red sea next week. From next year on I will be living in New Zealand, so slightly colder conditions will apply. I am also not an expert on equipment

My questions:
1. Is this a good regulator?
2. Can it still be serviced (I saw some discussions on this)?
3. My sales guy said a good alternative would be the Mares Proton 12 metal, but it's a few price brackets up. Does anyone know how they compare?
4. Should I buy it with Yoke or DIN300b connections? I will be using rental equipment mostly with it.

Many thanks in advance!

 

[Izu]

I am a Dacor fan. My wife and I both bought Vipers (non metal) for our first reg sets and have been very happy. I recently upgraded to Oceanic Delta 4 and although it breathes a bit easier, I miss the side exhaust of the Viper and I keep it as a backup for a future pony rig project. Parts and service can be complicated but ST still does overhauls. Bottom line, decent breather with no bubbles in the face and although first stage is a bit clunky and no enviro sealing, a nice streamlined reg with unique looks.

 

[Zak OHara]

To lay your concerns at ease.

Viper Metal is a great reg for diving in all conditions, cold or warm.
Technically it is a Mares built regulator, therefore parts are available and it is definitely serviceable.
Din or Yoke, I would assume yoke, but I'll let a world of divers chime in on this one as well.

Anyhow, enjoy either of the two regs you mentioned, they are great!

Best,

 

[halocline]

I have a viper octo I'll sell you $30, in like new shape. I don't really like it.

 

[Takuan]

Thanks for the replies all. Buying the 2nd hand is not an option : I want to purchase it before the weekend, as I will be diving in the Red Sea from Sunday.

Cheers,

 

[Stu S.]

Send me a PM on that octo.

Thanks / Stu

 

[SteveAD]

I had a viper when they first came out. Worst POS I ever dove. Granted this was several years ago, and it was not the metal so YMMV.