Difference between 22, 32 and 42 first stages

[henryc32]

Hi

I am new to the forum, and in the process of upgrading my primary regulator. I am strongly considering Mares based on recommendations from my LDS, last instructor and posts I have read on this and other forums. However I have several questions on the various mares offerings that are currently available.

1. What are the main differences between the 22, 32 and 42 first stages? I dive mostly Nitrox and do not like the way my current reg breaths at depth (80-100 feet), so I am mainly concerned about any differences in breathing among the first stages.

2. What are the main differences beteen the Abyss an Proton Metal 2nd stages? Also are there any significant differences between the 2005, 2007 and 2008 Abyss 2nd stages (I know the look different and I believe the 2008 is about 10 grams lighter)

The current choices I am considering are:
1. Proton Metal 32
2. Proton Metal 42
3. Abyss 2007 Model.

Price is not a major consideration. As for the places I dive - primarily the tropics, but I do about 5-8 cold water North Atalanic dives a year (primarily wreck dives)

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[TN Traveler]

I'm sure Zak or Phil will provide more detailed information - but I can provide it from a user standpoint.

The MR22 and V32 1st stages breathe the same - I think the V32 is basically an MR22 on a diet - removing excess metal. I have both and cannot tell a difference between them - using the same 2nd stages. I use a V32 for travel - saving a few ounces.

My wife just got a MR42T - it is smaller (in fact tiny) and she says it breathes even better than her V32 Proton Metal. I can't give you my opinion since she says the only way I can use it is to pry it out of her cold, dead hands It also uses a standard 3/8" fitting/hose for the primary 2nd stage - where the MR22 and V32 use a 1/2" connection/hose.

There is no difference in the Abyss 2nd stages prior to the 2008 model. The covers change, so the look changes, but the insides are the same. The 2008 model is lighter and there is a new opening on the side that allows adjustment to the lever height from the outside, as is done on the Proton's. This means you don't have to remove the cover/diaphragm to make the adjustment - not sure this is a big deal.

As far as differences in breathing on the 2nd stages - I can't find much, if any. I use a Proton Ice (Metal) and Abyss for 2nd stages and they breathe the same, as long as they are setup properly - maybe the Abyss breathes a little bit easier(and that my be in my head) - but on the bench, they are identical. I like the longer exhaust T on the Abyss - since I like to take pictures and it provides slightly less bubble interference. The sculpted exhaust T on the Proton Metals does a very good job of dispersing bubbles - there is just not that big of a difference. I will say that a Plastic Proton 2nd we used did not breathe quite as easily as the Proton Metal - but I'm not sure it was ever "tuned" as well.

I have never detected a bit of difference in breathing effort from any of the Mares reg combination from 20ft to 120ft - absolutely constant.

I guess, if I could pick and choose - based upon my wife's reaction (and she is very perceptive) - I'd buy a MR42T and mate it with a new Abyss 2nd - keeping the Proton Metal 2nd for my octo.

You can't go wrong with any of the 3 or combination.

 

[henryc32]

Hi TN Traveler

Thanks for your comments. They were very helpful. Do you know if i could use my Genesis Sidekick octo with any of the mares regs?

 

[TN Traveler]

Most 2nd stages will work with any 1st stage. The most you might have to do is have someone (or do it yourself) adjust the seat pressure of the octo, if the IP on the Mares is higher than the IP on your previous 1st stage.

 

[northcoastdiver]

Any of your three choices would be great - you won't go wrong with any of the higher-end Mares regs. I personally chose my abyss22 because of its outstanding performance in deep, cold water. I dive in colder water (mid 30's) and have started some deeper dive training (130-160'), and have been very pleased with my abyss. It breathes great and does not have a tendancy to freeze up. In fact, I just bought another 22 to use as my backup...