Mares MR12 Rebel Regulator

[ththooft]

Just curious if anyone has experience with this reg? I'm contemplating using it for a pony bottle only. It would however be exposed to some depth (90-130ft) and cold water (35 degrees +). Again, I'm not looking for a primary regulator, but one to be used as a backup if something happens to my primary.

Thanks!

 

[Hzracing]

Its a good reg, The MR12 1st stage has been around for 20+ years, just a simple balanced diaphragm 1st stage. I think Mares has Coldwater kit.

My 1st reg was a Mares MR12 w/ the old metal 2nd stage(MR12III), worked great.

I think it would make a great backup

 

[Scottri]

The MR12 is a good middle of the road 1st stage. It's been around forever and parts are easy to get. You shouldn't have any problems with it.

 

[Greg Barlow]

Buddies and I have been using the MR12 Axis regs on deco and stage bottles for a number of years now. The Rebel is merely a rebadged Axis. They are very simple to service, and are quite robust.

Greg Barlow
Former Science Editor for Rodale's Scuba Diving Magazine

 

[ththooft]

And you feel they'll perform fine in the cold?
Thanks for the help so far!

 

[Scottri]

They should do fine in the cold. You can get the MR12 sealed for added protection.

 

[Flea Dog]

Scottri,

I was told by a Mares dealer the cold water kit dramatically reduces performance. Do you many information about the performance with the addition? After all it is usually July before the water gets into the 50's Upstate.

 

[Thalassamania]

Not true.

 

[do it easy]

I believe that the IP is initially set lower with the CWK, but once it is installed, it comes back to the factory setting. This is only my opinion!

 

[Thalassamania]

That is correct, the IP w/o CWD is set to 142-148 while with the CWD it is set to 130-136. This does not seem to degrade the performance.