Mares MR12 vs. V16

[zimpod]

I am looking to buy a reg under $200 (I am a newbie with projected 20 dives per year). Looking at Mares MR12/Axis Pro vs. MR12/Proton vs. V16/Proton XL (all three fit my budget). Any recommendations? Is the v16 1st stage better/more reliable than the MR12? Thanks to all.

 

[Firefyter]

I am looking to buy a reg under $200 (I am a newbie with projected 20 dives per year). Looking at Mares MR12/Axis Pro vs. MR12/Proton vs. V16/Proton XL (all three fit my budget). Any recommendations? Is the v16 1st stage better/more reliable than the MR12? Thanks to all.

Go with the V16, it's definitely worth the extra money. I bought the MR12/Proton, used it about 50 dives, then upgraded. There are several threads about this same subject where Larry at ScubaToys does a great job explaining the difference. After diving both, I'm convinced he knows what he's talking about.

 

[scubatoys]

I am looking to buy a reg under $200 (I am a newbie with projected 20 dives per year). Looking at Mares MR12/Axis Pro vs. MR12/Proton vs. V16/Proton XL (all three fit my budget). Any recommendations? Is the v16 1st stage better/more reliable than the MR12? Thanks to all.

The V16 is much better... The R2 is not bad either if you don't care about it not being balanced. Really saying which reg is better is like saying "which car is better... a corvette or a pickup truck??" Kinda depends on if you're racing or trying to carry 10 sheets of plywood...

So there may be differences depending on what you are doing. If you want to contact me by phone, we can get some info on your needs and recommend the best reg for your situation.

 

[zimpod]

Thank you both.

 

[Harbour]

I would wait and save your money for something that will last a while.

I've got the Mares Axis with the MR12 and was in the same situation you seem to be in. I wanted to get started and didn't want to rent, so I got something fairly cheap - less than $150.00 new.

I now wish I had been patient and got the Apeks that I'm about to get.

Get a good reg to beging with whatever brand you like, save and pay for something good and it will last a long time with proper care.

JMO,

Harbour

 

[Chad_Ordelheide]

I have the Proton V16, and so far I'm quite happy with it. Breaths great and every depth so far!

 

[imsinking]

I am using the axis with the Mr12 and wished now that I would of waited and bought better for my first reg set up. I have had to have it serviced twice last year because of the dirty lakes.
Save up and buy a reg that is sealed.

 

[I_R_DIVER]

An MR 12 is sealed it is a diagram reg. And would last a lot longer if serviced PROPERLY and RINSED THOROUGHLY. And it is well worth it these days saying that water is not supposed to get in the first stage. If you are talking about environmentally sealed that is a different story, but that is hogwash anyway.