Help ID-ing budget Mares first stage. Early 2000s

[MollyMiller]

I’m trying to identify an early 2000s Mares 1st stage that I bought years ago when I was first certified. Only has 4 ports, 3 low and 1 high. No serial number anywhere just some specs on the yoke: 232 Bar and EN 250. Does anyone know the model?

 

[runsongas]

Guide to Mares regulators from 2000-2020

Part 1 This guide is meant to help answer common questions about Mares regs of this century and to assist those interested in purchasing or resurrecting non-current regs. A couple of notes. The following older regs that were still available in 2000 but were being phased out are not included...

scubaboard.com

 

[noturane]

This 1st is not a Mares. the shape looks like taiwan models.

 

[MollyMiller]

This 1st is not a Mares. the shape looks like taiwan models.

Definitely is. Bought it as a complete at Diver Direct and the original yoke screw has Mares on it.

 

[noturane]

It doesn't look like anything from Mares. but I'm not an expert, let's wait for other opinions

 

[runsongas]

that yoke knob is reminiscent of dacor, would be bad news if it was a mares rebadged dacor reg

 

[Zef]

Definitely is. Bought it as a complete at Diver Direct and the original yoke screw has Mares on it.

Your 1st stage may be an older Mares R1 or R2 piston type 1st stage.

The end cap (part with holes around circumference) does not exactly match the drawings in the 1998/1999 service manual but it is not far off.

Although you purchased it new in 2000, I think it may have been older stock at the time. But it’s hard to tell from the 2 pictures you posted.

-Z

 

[keyshunter]

It is an older Mares piston first stage. It was their entry level reg, but since it was not much less expensive than the MR-12 diaphragm first stage we almost never sold one. Mares has never been noted for easy parts availability, but since it is such a simple first stage, parts may be available.

 

[p_kos]

Holy verdigris Batman! That poor thing hasn’t seen a rinse or soak since the early 2000s.