Is this a Mares Rover 12? Opinions?

[Sonic04GT]

Still looking to get the girlfriend a regulator. We came across this Mares Rover at Divers Direct for $160 yesterday and considering getting it. We also saw an Apeks AT20 at another shop for $270.

Is this in fact a Rover 12?

Was initially looking at the Oceanic Alpha 8 with flex hose for $200 as a good little entry level reg. My brother has one and it seems to work well. However, I don't think it has a balanced first stage like the others do.

I'm sure you all have answered this a million times already, but if you have an entry level reg around the $200 range feel free to make a recommendation. I'm not one to cheap out on dive gear but we're both students now and money is tight. Fortunately I bought all my gear while I was in the military and didn't have this issue.

 

[Scared Silly]

The MR12 is a fine little first stage. I have one that is probably 20 years old and use it around the house for filling tires. And a Mares octo and you will have a very usage recreational reg. set.

My only advise it is that it does make things a bit easier to have regs that all from the same mfg. Makes servicing easier at times. But I would not make it deal breaker.

 

[Sonic04GT]

Thanks for the opinions. Would you purchase the one pictured for $160? I assume it'll be a new one in box with a normal size LP hose.

 

[keyshunter]

The Mares MR-12 has been around for quite a while and is a good first stage. I don't know much about the second stage pictured, but Mares usually uses simple unbalanced seconds. Years ago, I had 2 MR-12's, and they were pretty much trouble free, except that parts availability was a problem. I suspect that parts are more easily available now.. They are VERY similar to a USD Conshelf. I am not really a Mares fan, but I would far prefer a MR-12 to the Oceanic you mention.

The Apeks AT-20 is of the now discontinued ATX series, but is an excellent reg. Both first and second stages are balanced. I had one of these and really liked it, but replaced it with an XTX to get the changeable exhaust tee. Since they have been replaced by the XTX, this reg must have been on the shelf for at least 3 years. I would prefer it over the others, but I would try to squeeze out a better price.

 

[Fishpie]

The MR12 is a very fine 1st stage ..... one of the all time classics.
Balanced diaphragm very, very, similar to the AquaLung Conshelf/Titan.
Mares 2nd stages, although unbalanced, usually have some sort of by-pass tube in the mouthpiece that boosts performance .... it works well.

The ATX 2nd stage is still sold alongside the XTX in the UK....where Apeks are made.
I prefer the ATX because I have found that the removable exhaust T of the XTX sometimes does just that when it is not supposed too and I do not particularly like the notched movement of the venturi lever, the ATX lever moves smoothly.

On a machine, in a lab, the Apeks would have better numbers.

My choice would be the Apeks although if someone else was buying I certainly wouldn't be disappointed with the Mares.

 

[PrimeErik]

Seems like a lot of these are going on sale right now. are they being discontinued?