Mares Abyss 05 vs. Mares MR12 Rebel

[waterworks]

I'm considering buying either the Mares MR12 Rebel or the Mares Abyss 05. The Mares Abyss 05 is clearly a better regulator than the Mares MR12 Rebel, but it's also a good deal more costly (about $350 vs. $200). Virtually all of my diving is in tropical waters at debths typically of 60' to 110'. I do about 60 dives per year. I would appreciate your thoughts as to whether I should spring for the Mares Abyss 05 or whether the Mares MR12 Rebel would be adequate for the type of diving I do. Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[M_Bipartitus]

Just about any new regulator would be adequate for the diving you do. That said I don't own either of these, but was researching them when I went for my current regulator (ended up with a used proton limited edition) I would say the price diferance is worth going for the better reg. Since you spend a good amount of time at deeper depths, it would improve your experience to have an easy breathing reg like the Abyss

When I was researching regs, no one I talked to who used the Abyss (rec and tech divers alike) had any desire to change regs. They breath easy and have a long life. Many people I spoke with who had entry level regs had interest in upgrading, but then they would have to spend the whole price of the more expensive regulator and eat the cost of the cheaper one.

 

[do it easy]

I have both the MR12 Axis and the Abyss regs.

It sounds like either one would be fine for you, but I would suggest the MR12 because:
1) it's cheaper
2) it uses "standard" hoses that are easier to find in a pinch

 

[JKSteger]

Can't speak for the MR22 Abyss but I have a Mr12 and it breaths as well as my Scubapro MK25 within recreational limits. Hose routing is not ideal and no where as good as my MK25 but I still dive the MR12 quite a bit.

Jeremy

 

[ArthurGerla]

I agree. I've taken my MR12 well beyond recreational depths without any difficulties, and parts for it are readily available at most diving destinations.