Help identifying Mares 1st stage

[Eric Sedletzky]

We got a donated Mares first stage in.
I'm just wondering what it is, model name?, how old? Serviceable?
I don't like the cover, it looks like a really nice salt trap. What's the reason for that, just a protecter from dings?

 

[lowwall]

It's a 16. Can't tell whether it's a V16 or MR16. The only difference is the shape of the T seat, its spring, and volcano, all of which should be replaced with current spec if you do a full service. Although you could probably live with it if it's for personal use and it's the V version with the "SCS" ball seat instead of the flat piece and it locks up tight with no leaks.

This is the SCS seat found in the V16

The flat faced version found in the MR16 and all other Mares diaphragm regs (except the scaled down MR42) is dimensionally the same as the Aqualung T seat although the face material has changed a few times over the years.

Internally it's pretty much a MR22 (aka Abyss) and uses the same service kits. It was introduced in 1997 as a cheaper version of the MR22. They should perform about the same, but perhaps the shape made it cheaper to machine and it does contain about 200 grams less metal than the original MR22. It was discontinued in 2008 when they introduced the slimmed down version of the MR22.

Mares likes to play with plastic covers on their first stages. Some will have 2 or 3 variations on the same reg. They aren't functional except as ding protectors, but are usually made of very tough plastics or glass reinforced something and are molded in place so can be very difficult to remove.

 

[Scared Silly]

MR16 DFC Here is @lowwall's guide.

I see we posted at the same time

 

[lowwall]

MR16 DFC Here is @lowwall's guide.

I see we posted at the same time

Since it's @Eric Sedletzky (I love my Freedom Plate) I wanted to give a more detailed response. Plus I've learned a lot since I made that post

 

[Mobulai]

MR16 DFC Here is @lowwall's guide.

I see we posted at the same time

I was already midway thru the guide yesterday as bedtime reading when Eric posted this thread — big brother are you watching ?
Great article @lowwall btw

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

Thanks so much!
I'm probably going to look for a few second stages for it and set it up as a loaner set for someone who needs gear for our urchin diving operations.
We have a lot of new young sign ups, but gear seems to be the big barrier to entry into the sport.
The prices are crazy!
They could rent but the shops like to reserve their rental fleet for their classes before renting it out to someone else so it's unpredictable.
I even have a few full ready-to-dive Freedom Plate rigs for loaners.