Mares V16 Proton Metal vs V16 Proton XL

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yao

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Hi guys,

Anyone can advise on the difference between this two regulator? :confused:

Any recommendation whether to use the Proton Metal or the Proton XL as the primary?

Thanks.

Regards,
 
Go with the metal. The only difference between the two is the Proton Metal is a 100% all metal second stage. This is great for both cold and warm water. More durable, although the XL is very durable as well, and last but not least the all metal second stage condenses slightly and will deliver moist breathing. It will not leave you feeling like you've been diving with cotton balls in your mouth. Many people will testify how much they like this from metal regs. They are both great regs, but if I'm choosing between the two, I'm definitely going with the all metal second stage.

Hope this helps.

Zak
 
is the Proton Metal an abyss. I get very dry with my abyss, but still love it.
 
Zak,

Thanks for the tips. I will do that. Right now, I'm figuring out how to make the Proton XL looks more like a octo... (eg. yellow colour). Not that it matter, but just curios.

Anyway, can't wait to test it out in the water. Gee.. I so happy... my very first reg!

Regards,
 
Mares makes a yellow adjustment cover (screws in) for the side of the reg opposite where the hose enters the 2nd stage - that is what they use to show the difference between the Proton Ice and Proton Ice Octo. Add a yellow hose and there will be no problem telling which is the octo. ScubaToys can probably get you one for just a few bucks.

You may want to "detune" the XL a little, so it doesn't freeflow as easily on the surface.
 
TN,

Got the yellow nut and hose already.

You mentioned "detuning" the XL...how do you do this? Is this a complicated procedure? No worries, I don't think I'll do anything to this reg (yet) until I tried it out in the water. Just curios.

Regards,
 
adrisen,

Proton Metal is not the same as Abyss. Not too sure bout the contruction though...

Regards,
 
The proton metal and the abyss are 2 totally different regulators. They are both constructed from metal. I'm surprised to hear you are getting a dry mouth from your abyss. Like I said earlier, most people are really pleased about the moister breathing that generally comes with a metal second stage. This is even why some companies put metal fins, tabs, etc. to achieve the moist breathing.

Yao,
Sounds like you are converting a the 2nd stage into an octo. Their are only three pieces you can buy to get as close to the all yellow second stage. Hose, little cover plug for the opening opposite the hose, and a yellow cover plate for the octo. All should be relatively inexpensive. As for detuning, I would suggest you have a qualified tech, do it. It's not complicated but you do want to make sure it's working properly should you have to use it.

All the best,
 
Zak,
Actually there was a promotion for the V16 Proton XL. But I kinda like the Proton Metal. So, I bought the Proton Metal Octo and ask the LDS to swap the 2nd stage.

So now I have V16 Proton Metal and the Proton XL as my Octo. The only thing that is lacking is should be the cover. I don't think my LDS sells this. Anywhere to buy this?

Since my Proton Metal was suppose to be an Octo, is it possible that it's already been "tune" and now I've to re-tune it back to its original setting? How do I know / check this? I don't think I'll will mess the reg by myself *yet*. I'll definately bring it to the authorize service guy.

Regards,
 
Ok, I get it. I would definitely take it to the service tech and have him work both second stages. The metal will breathe too hard, and the XL will be too easy. As for the second stage cover... well, I don't know about Malaysia, I know Larry @ scuba toys could get his hands on one. This is a "part", so I would think your lds in Malaysia should be able to at least get one. At the end of the day it doesn't really matter does it? As long as you review your equipment with the person you are diving with pre dive, color shouldn't really matter. It's up to you.

best,
 

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