Mares MR22 Abyss vs. Proton Ice

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The overall breathing differences will be of no significant difference. The Abyss offers a larger second stage with a corresponding increase in weight. The Abyss uses very few O-rings, thereby increasing its overall reliability. However, it is more difficult to fine tune due to there not being an access port in the side. I personally tune them by holding the case sections together and then checking the setting after fastening the two pieces together with the lock ring. Of course, I've also been tuning this style of reg for many years...

The Proton offers a tiny second stage, which some divers prefer. The tiny exhaust port creates more of a problem with bubbles in the diver's vision. If you are swimming forward in a horizontal position, this is not a major problem. Yikes, I miss the larger, swept-back tees! If you like the color scheme of the Ice, then so be it. Mares will soon be shipping the Proton Metal model (some already arrived), which offers a more familiar look. I do like the fact that the Proton can be stripped while underwater.

The VAD (vortex assisted design) does work very effectively in making the Mares design one of the best breathing non-adjustable regulators. While it doesn't have the fine tuning that adjustable regs offer, it does utilize the simple benefits of hands free operation. I've owned and used many adjustable regs over the years. Sure, they can be adjusted to offer lower cracking effort, but I am more than happy with my Mares regs down to 150' on air. Below that helium mixes should be flowing so the effort is less than that of air.

The first stages on both regs are the same. The Proton's merely has excess brass trimmed away for a more modern look. The internals are exactly the same. That particular first stage provides more gas flow than three divers could need at 150' or more.

I can give you specific bench test data if you should need it.

Greg Barlow
 
Greg Barlow:
The first stages on both regs are the same. The Proton's merely has excess brass trimmed away for a more modern look. The internals are exactly the same. That particular first stage provides more gas flow than three divers could need at 150' or more.
Greg Barlow

Well, not quite the same, I believe. The V32(Ice) does have the SCS HP seat that the MR22 (Abyss) lacks. This was picked up from the V16 line. You can add an SCS to the Abyss, but by default the HP seat is not the spherical variety on the MR22. Other than that, they are the same with, as you mention, minor exterior cosmetic differences.
 
Yes, you are correct. I forgot that the Ice uses the SCS. The original MR16 didn't use the SCS and was the same as the MR22. When Mares converted over to the SCS they changed the model designation to the V16. They then followed the same path with the MR12, calling it appropriately the V12.

Thanks.

Greg
 
I've been diving an MR22 Abyss for 5 years.
I dive year round in fresh water in Canada, including under the ice so free flows are a real risk.
Since I switched to the Mr22 , Ive had no problems,
I do have the environmental kit on it.

Mike D
 
I pulled up the user guide on the Mares website and it says that the MR22 Abyss is an air only regulator. Is that correct? If I buy this regulator will I not be able to use a Nitrox blend? Is there an upgrade kit I need to buy or will I just be s.o.l.?
 
That statement is only for liability reasons. Any of the Mares regulators are fine for Nitrox mixes up to 40% oxygen. I am a Mares tech and can tell you that you have absolutely nothing to worry about. In fact, the consensus in the industry is that modern regs are fine up to 40%. If you should ever have any worries then whenever your MR22 goes in for its regular service ask the technician to prepare the reg for oxygen service. This will include a thorough cleaning and then the use of oxygen service compatible materials and lubricant.

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

I do not mean to steal this thread, but I would like to become a Mares tech (doh). What do I have to do to get the required training? Is this closed group or what?

Dive Smart; Dive Safe
:cool1:
 
MM1,

I would contact the LDS that deals with Mares. Discuss the situation with them at length, and ask that they allow you to attend the next training session. I suggest that you obtain a copy of the Mares service manuals and study them prior to the training, as it will give you a strong background. The manuals are available from a variety of websites. Let me know if you don't have any luck in obtaining them.

Greg
 
You can use any regulator for nitrox up to 40% oxygen, with no modifications.
Above 40% requires cleaning to remove hydocarbons, and replacement of nitril o-rings with altenate materials, like EDPM or Viton.
The normal silicone grease lubricant is cleaned a Crytox or crystolube are used in it's place. These are oxygen compatable and won't ignite in presence of high pressure oxygen.
Diaphram regulators can be cleaned for oxygen service.
Piston regs. are the prefered choice however, because they are easier to clean and flow passages are larger in a ballanced piston so there is less impingement (restriction to flow/friction) on the gas.

There is another thread on the scuba depth record being broken )300+ meteres) The diver used MR22 abyss regs on trimix (not air).

regards

Mike D

airraider1:
I pulled up the user guide on the Mares website and it says that the MR22 Abyss is an air only regulator. Is that correct? If I buy this regulator will I not be able to use a Nitrox blend? Is there an upgrade kit I need to buy or will I just be s.o.l.?
 

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