Mares Epos compared to newer Mares second stages?

[MakoMermaid]

I'm getting ready to buy my own gear and have a question for anyone experienced with Mares second stages. Of the regulators I've tried so far, my favorite is the discontinued Mares Epos, primarily because the metal inserts seem to prevent that "cotton mouth" feeling on dives. Anyone know whether any of the current Mares second stages are a close match? Would the Proton Metal or Proton Ice have a similar effect?

 

[rescuediver009]

I don't think that the current models match this as Metal second stages are becoming increasingly uncommon. I do not want to stray you from your original intent of a Mares but the sherwood regulators (oasis, blizzard and Maximus) all have moisture rentantion fins that do the same job. www.sherwoodscuba.com/regulators

 

[Greg Barlow]

I'm getting ready to buy my own gear and have a question for anyone experienced with Mares second stages. Of the regulators I've tried so far, my favorite is the discontinued Mares Epos, primarily because the metal inserts seem to prevent that "cotton mouth" feeling on dives. Anyone know whether any of the current Mares second stages are a close match? Would the Proton Metal or Proton Ice have a similar effect?

The metal bodied Proton models are even more effective than the inserts of the Akros/Epos. BTW, I use two Akros second stages on my doubles. They have logged many dives in water below 45 degrees, and have never had a single problem.

Greg