Mares v16, Proton or XL???

[ScubaHel]

Is the Mares V16 Reg Proton the same as the XL?

 

[lowwall]

V16 is the first stage. Proton and Proton XL refer to the second stage.

On my regulator (with a V32 first stage), the primary second stage is labeled Proton XL and the octopus is labeled Proton. They appear to be identical other than the color. There is also a Proton Metal (aka Proton Ice), which is supposed to be better for ice diving. All of these have identical performance specs according to the Mares owner's manual.

http://www.mares.com/download.php?id=80 (pdf format)

FWIW, I'm happy with mine.

 

[Phil Mintz]

Is the Mares V16 Reg Proton the same as the XL?

In the US we sell the MR12 Proton and the V16 Proton XL. The 2nd Stages Proton and Proton XL are the same except for cosmetic.

Regards,

Phil

 

[yao]

Is there any significant difference between the V16, V32 and the MR12 first stage in terms of functionality?

How about the 2nd stage? I know that there's many types around (eg. Proton Ice, Proton Metal, etc). My local Mares LDS explained briefly that the metal type gives cool air, thus it does not leave your mouth/throat feeling dry. Is that true?

Being a practical person, I summarize that the 1st stage main function is to reduce the pressure and regulate the air flow out from the cylinder while the 2nd stage main function is to supply air to you. Thus, I'm curious on the type of technology that the manufacturer can apply to the 1st and 2nd stage reg.

Regards,
Jason

 

[Zak OHara]

Jason,

There are differences between the 1st stages you mentioned. While all excellent they do have performance differences, hose configuration, cosmetic design, and weight as an example.

Metal 2nd stages will slightly condense internally, when the air flows through it will pick up the moisture. Many people enjoy not getting "cotton ball" mouth / throat with a metal second stage. Metal is also better in cold water, and is also more durable than a plastic or polymer 2nd stage.

For details on performance and technologies on all the mares regulators, please vist www.mares.com. We have new and very informative website.

 

[ddavid]

hi, i agree with Zak; i use a proton metal 2nd with a V32 first & i feel less of a "dry breath" feeling as compared to the previous non metal regs i've used.. i reckon different types of materials will have their advantages/disadvantages , but when it comes to preventing that cotton ball mouth sensation, the metal ones do their job well

 

[Fun Diver]

I have both the Proton Ice and Proton Metal. They are very nice regs, no dry mouth and no problems in cold water (32-50F). However they seem to be difficult to service (at least in my area), so before investing I suggest researching the experience of the LDS and their success in servicing Mares regs. So far I have not had a properly working Mares reg after service (2 different shops).

 

[yao]

Zak,

I did went to the Mares website before checking out in this forum. However, the technical explaination there was too 'technical'. I was looking for a simpler version.

Anyway, apart from the technical writeout, is there a significant diffence between all of these regulators? Fun Diver mentioned that he has both Proton Ice and Proton Metal. Maybe Fun Diver can share his experience with us?

The local LDS in my area explained that the Rebel is the value-for-money kinda buy (rugged, less expensive to service) but it does leave a cotton ball mouth effect after the dive and breathing is not so 'natural'. Sometimes you need to put in some effort to suck in the air. I just wondering whether there's any truth in it or it just a salesman talk?

Jason

 

[Fun Diver]

I haven't noticed a significant difference in breathing for me between the Ice and Metal, although my Ice gets a lot more usage at depth (the Metal is my backup & stage reg). Most of my diving is in the 100-130fsw range in cold water.

 

[Zak OHara]

Zak,

I did went to the Mares website before checking out in this forum. However, the technical explaination there was too 'technical'. I was looking for a simpler version.

Anyway, apart from the technical writeout, is there a significant diffence between all of these regulators? Fun Diver mentioned that he has both Proton Ice and Proton Metal. Maybe Fun Diver can share his experience with us?

The local LDS in my area explained that the Rebel is the value-for-money kinda buy (rugged, less expensive to service) but it does leave a cotton ball mouth effect after the dive and breathing is not so 'natural'. Sometimes you need to put in some effort to suck in the air. I just wondering whether there's any truth in it or it just a salesman talk?

Jason

Jason,

There is a significant difference between the Rebel and a V42, V32, proton metal.

• easier breathing
• better port configuration for hose routing IMO
• Metal 2nd stage for reasons mentioned previosly
• SCS high pressure seat is better
• to list just a few.

Now having said that if budget is a big concern of yours then the MR12 Rebel as your dealer stated is one of the best values in the industry. It is a great performing reg, at a very good price. You just don't get some of the things mentioned above. If you are going to be diving ALOT, and going deep, and considering cold environmnets I would strongly lean toward spending the extra money for V42 proton metal, V32 Proton Metal, and or MR22 Abyss.
Now you will ask what is the difference between these three.
If you see the ext work of breathing #'s published in the catalog and on the web the V42 proton is our best breathing reg at 0.67j/l. the V32 is 0.71 j/l, and the Abyss is 0.94 j/l. This could be translated into ease of breathing, the lower the # the easier it is. Other than that, cosmetics, weight, cool factor are the differences and I think these preferences are more personal.

Fun Diver,
What is wrong with your regs? They should be no more difficult to service than any other. Have you had them serviced by more than one store? Meaning maybe one can do it better than the other? I don't know, just reaching.