Mares V16 Epos
- Thread starter topdog
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ScubaBaby
Contributor
TopDog
I dont know about the regs you've just got but with over 1900 members...I am sure someone has!
Anyway, just wanted to welcome you to the board !
Keep it wet!
I dont know about the regs you've just got but with over 1900 members...I am sure someone has!
Anyway, just wanted to welcome you to the board !
Keep it wet!
Topdog,
I'm in the process of looking for a regulator as well. And, I am curious about the Mares V16 + Epos. I think the Mares metal 2nd stages look a lot better than the plastic ones the other manufacturers make. But, I have also heard that the thick hoses on the Mares regs makes them a little uncomfortable.
Please let me know if you find the hose bothersome. I'd really like to get info about the Mares regs from someone that has actually used one. I'm on the fence regarding my regualtor choice ... 1) choosing the Mares V16 + Epos (or Orbiter) because these look cool, or 2) choosing the TX-50 because it's just a damn good reg.
My old instructor (who I still dive with) says forget about getting either, and get an AquaLung Titan (because they're cheap and easy to fix) and invest in a HP Steel 100 bottle instead.
I'm in the process of looking for a regulator as well. And, I am curious about the Mares V16 + Epos. I think the Mares metal 2nd stages look a lot better than the plastic ones the other manufacturers make. But, I have also heard that the thick hoses on the Mares regs makes them a little uncomfortable.
Please let me know if you find the hose bothersome. I'd really like to get info about the Mares regs from someone that has actually used one. I'm on the fence regarding my regualtor choice ... 1) choosing the Mares V16 + Epos (or Orbiter) because these look cool, or 2) choosing the TX-50 because it's just a damn good reg.
My old instructor (who I still dive with) says forget about getting either, and get an AquaLung Titan (because they're cheap and easy to fix) and invest in a HP Steel 100 bottle instead.
but I think you'll find that most people on this board will tell you that the Apeks is the better reg. I just purchased my first set of gear a few weeks ago and I went with the Apeks TX-50. I looked at a Mares Abyss as well which was nice but the Apeks regs just have such an overwhelmingly great reputation that I made my decison based on that factor more than anything.
Looks should be the least of your concerns when deciding what gear to buy, but I'm sure I don't need to tell anyone that. As far as the Aqualung Titan goes...I used a Titan for class and they were OK but even at recreational depths I could tell right away the first time I used my Apeks that it delivered air much more comfortably. Also the Apeks is WAY better for directing exhaled bubbles out of your field of vision.
Looks should be the least of your concerns when deciding what gear to buy, but I'm sure I don't need to tell anyone that. As far as the Aqualung Titan goes...I used a Titan for class and they were OK but even at recreational depths I could tell right away the first time I used my Apeks that it delivered air much more comfortably. Also the Apeks is WAY better for directing exhaled bubbles out of your field of vision.
scuba_adventurer
Guest
Sure it does a good job of directing bubbles out of the way, but that is because the exhaust tees are about 8 inches wide. It really is a huge regulator. I would direct anybody that has fallen in love with the popularity of the Apeks to go with the new ATX second stages because they will cause a lot less jaw fatigue.
But, what does bubble interference matter? Any reg will have zero interference when you are in the normal swimming position, so I prefer to go with a lower profile reg that will cause less jaw fatigue, even though there will be a little bubble interference on the line.
I use a SCUBAPRO Mk25/S600, and I think it is the best regulator on the planet. Apeks is fine and dandy, but SCUBAPRO's internal design (piston) is seperior for delivering air, and the S600 is a great breathing regulator. But, to be honest, the difference in breathing in any High Performance Reg is negligible.
But, what does bubble interference matter? Any reg will have zero interference when you are in the normal swimming position, so I prefer to go with a lower profile reg that will cause less jaw fatigue, even though there will be a little bubble interference on the line.
I use a SCUBAPRO Mk25/S600, and I think it is the best regulator on the planet. Apeks is fine and dandy, but SCUBAPRO's internal design (piston) is seperior for delivering air, and the S600 is a great breathing regulator. But, to be honest, the difference in breathing in any High Performance Reg is negligible.
Fishkiller
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I use the MARES equipment and would recomend them for your purchase. About the thick hoses making them uncomfortable haven't noticed it in all of my dives with it nearly 100. I don't have a Mares safe second I use the ScubaPro LPO because of it's size, I haven't had any complaints except that it takes more effort to use than my Epos. I'm sure the new Axis Second will breathe better.
The main advantage that I considered was that it is self adjusting, one less thing that you have to fiddle with underwater at depth.
I was told by the Mares rep that because it is semi metal you can dive in water as cold as 35f without problems, will I go to 35 with it? don't have any plans to do so.
The one other thing that I like about my V16 Epos is the angles that the hoses are placed from the first stage.
hope this helps
The main advantage that I considered was that it is self adjusting, one less thing that you have to fiddle with underwater at depth.
I was told by the Mares rep that because it is semi metal you can dive in water as cold as 35f without problems, will I go to 35 with it? don't have any plans to do so.
The one other thing that I like about my V16 Epos is the angles that the hoses are placed from the first stage.
hope this helps
Thanks for the info on the hoses FishKiller. I've been curious about this for quite some time. Also, I think your LPO (I thought SeaQuest made these) is a good choice for the octo. It's light, compact, and can be breathed upside down.
Fishkiller
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ahh they both start with S
after my dives on Saturday I'll let you know about upsidedown breathing with both Regs.
after my dives on Saturday I'll let you know about upsidedown breathing with both Regs.
Fishkiller
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Ok first of all the Octo was made by Aqua Lung..
things that I made note of:
My mouth peice is second generation, the stock mouthpeice has been replaced by generic Trident.
The mouthpeice is NOT on straight, it is at an angle to the Regulator, this would be a reason for not having problems associated with the thick hose.
Both of my units work well upside down and twisted around.
well maybe the unit wasn't but I was
things that I made note of:
My mouth peice is second generation, the stock mouthpeice has been replaced by generic Trident.
The mouthpeice is NOT on straight, it is at an angle to the Regulator, this would be a reason for not having problems associated with the thick hose.
Both of my units work well upside down and twisted around.
well maybe the unit wasn't but I was
The main difference between the Mares metal body and techno-polymer regs is weight. The metal bodies are a little heavier. Mares use a VERY soft silicone mouthpiece which can allow the reg to drop a little. I replace the mouthpiece on all my regs with the Sherwood extended mouthpiece (or its generic equivalent which is the same but cheaper). I certainly haven't noticed anything with the hoses.
The V16 first stage is probably the best first stage Mares has produced, and you will get excellent service from it and the Epos, just as good as the Apeks. They are both excellent regs, and if you can tell the difference between them, you're doing better than I am.
I have a Mares Ruby and an Abyss, a Scubapro G250 and an Apeks TX50. I use them from 5metres to 65metres and they're all great regs, so go with the one you like the look of or the best deal, it won't make any difference.
The V16 first stage is probably the best first stage Mares has produced, and you will get excellent service from it and the Epos, just as good as the Apeks. They are both excellent regs, and if you can tell the difference between them, you're doing better than I am.
I have a Mares Ruby and an Abyss, a Scubapro G250 and an Apeks TX50. I use them from 5metres to 65metres and they're all great regs, so go with the one you like the look of or the best deal, it won't make any difference.
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