Mares regulator, keep or exchange...

[Zef]

Zef pretty much nails it.

A couple of minor points.

The 12, 15, 22 and 52 (and older 16 and 32) balanced diaphragm first stages all use the same internal service parts. They will be available forever. Only the 42 has its own unique parts.

The only difference between the MRxxT and xxX (e.g. MR22T and 22X) versions is an upgraded sealing material on the face of the poppet. The newer (after 2015) "ACT" poppet on the X versions is a straight swap for the "tri-material" poppet on the T versions. It will get upgraded at the next service or if there is a problem. The tri-material seal actually works quite well and was itself an upgrade over both the original poppet seal and SCS seal of the late 90s and early 00s.

For historical context, first stages with the SCS seals had a V prefix. Note that all first stages except the 42 (and some really old versions of the MR12 with a single HP port that had a non-replaceable seat) can be upgraded to the current sealing system by swapping in a new poppet or poppet and a new seat.

There is an internal difference the MR12 has compared to the rest of the Mares diaphragm st stages that has been eating at me. At first I thought it might be a poppet difference but after a little refresher research I believe the difference is that th MR12 has the high pressure seat machined into the body of the 1st stage instead of a removable high pressure seat (part # 46186216???).

Do more recently produced MR12 1st stages have removable HP seats? Or am I just off on the whole MR12 thing and there is no major difference to the other 1st stages in the lineup?

-Z

 

[JackD342]

Only the 1st of 4 generations of MR12 bodies had the seat machined in place. All the others it was removable.
That 1st version cannot be upgraded to the newer seats with the sharper cone edge, and the original softer poppet is no longer available, so that body should be removed from service whenever it turns up.
It is on the left in this photo. The yoke and the knob are pretty distinctive, plus it is the only version with just one HP port.

 

[JackD342]

Photo for above note. Wouldn’t let me add via edit.

 

[lowwall]

There is an internal difference the MR12 has compared to the rest of the Mares diaphragm st stages that has been eating at me. At first I thought it might be a poppet difference but after a little refresher research I believe the difference is that th MR12 has the high pressure seat machined into the body of the 1st stage instead of a removable high pressure seat (part # 46186216???).

Do more recently produced MR12 1st stages have removable HP seats? Or am I just off on the whole MR12 thing and there is no major difference to the other 1st stages in the lineup?

Jack answered this already. I'm just going to add links to the exploded drawings of the last MR12 with the machined seat and the first with the replaceable seat:

• old - Mares Dealer Service Manual 2001 - Page 25 of 117
• new(er), the replaceable seat is labeled "75" - Mares Dealer Service Manual 2001 - Page 27 of 117

Use the arrows at the top of the pages to see the parts lists and if you keep scrolling you can see a few of the other regs available at the time.

 

[lowwall]

The guide like this would be very useful. Looking forward to reading it!

It's up: Guide to Mares regulators from 2000-2020

 

[Anar]

It's up: Guide to Mares regulators from 2000-2020

Thanks, Lowwall! Interesting read. Learned some new things about my Abyss)

I am now looking to complete my set with Octo and spg.

I am thinking about Mares Rover Octopus and Mission 1 spg. Another option is MV, but many reviews says it free flows a lot.


I was advised that Rover is not the best option for main regulator, what about octopus?
You review says is pretty common, so I guess it'll be easy to service.
What would be your choice for octopus/spg?
I am thinking if I should complete my set here, with what we have or wait for the next trip with more options to choose from.
As for spg, I want a simple reliable version. I thought about transmitter, but maybe later as add-on.

Thanks,
Anar

 

[Zef]

Thanks, Lowwall! Interesting read. Learned some new things about my Abyss)

I am now looking to complete my set with Octo and spg.

I am thinking about Mares Rover Octopus and Mission 1 spg. Another option is MV, but many reviews says it free flows a lot.
View attachment 574928 View attachment 574929

I was advised that Rover is not the best option for main regulator, what about octopus?
You review says is pretty common, so I guess it'll be easy to service.
What would be your choice for octopus/spg?
I am thinking if I should complete my set here, with what we have or wait for the next trip with more options to choose from.
As for spg, I want a simple reliable version. I thought about transmitter, but maybe later as add-on.

Thanks,
Anar

I wouldn't be too hung up on getting a specific "octo" 2nd stage. Just get another 2nd stage. The Mares Prestige, normal or octo version is decent choice. The nice thing about Mares 2nd stages is the "octo" is the same as the non-octo version except that it is traditionally detuned to reduce the chance of freeflow when hung on the BCD. You don't need to stay with Mares but if going with another brand you should try to find one that is rated for a similar IP range.

For an SPG, just about any would do the job.

A transmitter is only good if you have dive computer that it is compatible with...and I would only go AI if you have lots of money to spend or can get a computer and transmitter inexpensively, as air integrated/AI is nice but it is more of a novelty than anything.

-Z

 

[lowwall]

Thanks, Lowwall! Interesting read. Learned some new things about my Abyss)

I am now looking to complete my set with Octo and spg.

I am thinking about Mares Rover Octopus and Mission 1 spg. Another option is MV, but many reviews says it free flows a lot.
View attachment 574928 View attachment 574929

I was advised that Rover is not the best option for main regulator, what about octopus?
You review says is pretty common, so I guess it'll be easy to service.
What would be your choice for octopus/spg?
I am thinking if I should complete my set here, with what we have or wait for the next trip with more options to choose from.
As for spg, I want a simple reliable version. I thought about transmitter, but maybe later as add-on.

Thanks,
Anar

What are your options for an octopus?

FWIW, I prefer using the same second stage for both primary and backup. Also, you don't have to get the octo version, the only difference between Mares primary and octo second stages is the yellow cover (and a slight detuning of the octo to decrease freeflows on entry into the water).

I really prefer a wrist computer and a standalone mechanical SPG. I tie a snap bolt to the hose and clip it to my left hip D-ring. AI is an expensive luxury, not a necessity. But if you have the money, it's fine.

SPG section section starts at 14:15

 

[Anar]

I wouldn't be too hung up on getting a specific "octo" 2nd stage. Just get another 2nd stage. The Mares Prestige, normal or octo version is decent choice. The nice thing about Mares 2nd stages is the "octo" is the same as the non-octo version except that it is traditionally detuned to reduce the chance of freeflow when hung on the BCD. You don't need to stay with Mares but if going with another brand you should try to find one that is rated for a similar IP range.

For an SPG, just about any would do the job.

A transmitter is only good if you have dive computer that it is compatible with...and I would only go AI if you have lots of money to spend or can get a computer and transmitter inexpensively, as air integrated/AI is nice but it is more of a novelty than anything.

-Z

I have a compatible dive computer, but yes, the transmitter is quite expensive. I need get other things first.
I only have options of MV, Rover, Proton (plastic). They also have Abyss Octopus, but its expensive.

 

[Anar]

What are your options for an octopus?

FWIW, I prefer using the same second stage for both primary and backup. Also, you don't have to get the octo version, the only difference between Mares primary and octo second stages is the yellow cover (and a slight detuning of the octo to decrease freeflows on entry into the water).

I really prefer a wrist computer and a standalone mechanical SPG. I tie a snap bolt to the hose and clip it to my left hip D-ring. AI is an expensive luxury, not a necessity. But if you have the money, it's fine.

SPG section section starts at 14:15

I only have options of MV, Rover, Proton (plastic). They do have Abyss Octopus, but its expensive. Is Rover good enough for Octopus?

I have a dive computer, that's why I thought Mission 1. I only need pressure gauge, as I monitor the depth with computer.