mares v16 proton XL

[DYLAN04]

I want to buy the Mares V16 proton XL Im just going to dive warm water. 60 to 100 feet .I like the price $194.95 should I spend a little more for something better or is this a good reg?

 

[outlawaggie]

I want to buy the Mares V16 proton XL Im just going to dive warm water. 60 to 100 feet .I like the price $194.95 should I spend a little more for something better or is this a good reg?

I have the proton metal, which is essentially the same reg but built for cold water as well. I love it. My AOW & Rescue instructor uses a proton XL so.

 

[rescuediver009]

It is a good reg. No buttons. No fiddles. Just simple. Easy to breathe. Inexpensive. Perfect for your diving habitat.

 

[hdiaz]

While on the subject of the Proton XL, it seems to me the only difference between the "Proton XL" and regular "Proton" second stages is purely cosmetic. Can someone confirm this?

Also seems to me $194.95 for a V-16 Proton XL is a good price. (Is that new or used?) At that price I'd buy one (if new from an authorized dealer.)

 

[Greg Barlow]

They are an ideal reg for the conditions that you describe. The XL is the same as the standard Proton. Mares wanted to differentiate the second stage covers by the first stage that they are paired up with. The V16 and MR12 both previously used the standard Proton cover plate. I would spend the extra money for the V16 over the MR/V12. The hose routing is better for single tank diving, and the HP valve assembly typically can go for longer service intervals.

Greg Barlow

 

[scubahorse]

For regulator less than $200, it is a good choice. I used both V16 and Abyss. Less than 100ft, easy to breath all position. My $0.02

 

[Paul Evans]

Just to back-up Greg, They are the same.

I've got the earlier version V32 and the XL second stage and they are great

Anybody know were I can get a Proton Ice or Abyss Second stage on its own? and no LP don't do it!!!

Any help would be great

 

[hdiaz]

>Anybody know were I can get a Proton Ice or Abyss Second stage on its own? and no LP don't do it!!!

I don't think LP is an authorized Mares dealer, so they can't order what you want from Mares. I'd try one of the other US based internet retailers who are Mares authorized dealers. The following come to mind:

http://www.diversdirect.com/
http://www.divers-discount.com/store.cfm
http://www.scubatoys.com/

(No particular preference on above list.)

If you don't mind getting a yellow one, order an "octo" version of either. I have not seen an Abyss “octo” on sale from US sources but this outfit in Denmark caries it:
http://www.diveshopper.com

I do not have experience ordering from them.

If shops in the US won't order a standalone second stage, perhaps these guys in Spain will:

http://www.scubastore.com/eng/index.asp

I have had very good experience buying from them. They even sell Mares regulator repair parts. I'd suggest contacting them. Keep us posted on the outcome.

Hector

 

[scubatoys]

Just to back-up Greg, They are the same.

I've got the earlier version V32 and the XL second stage and they are great

Anybody know were I can get a Proton Ice or Abyss Second stage on its own? and no LP don't do it!!!

Any help would be great

I've got the abyss second stages... They'd run $149...

 

[oxyhacker]

You want to be careful about using 2nds sold as octos as primaries, because some of them. single adjustment basic downstreams especially, use a different, stiffer, poppet spring in the octo version. This lessens the chance of freeflow, but makes makes them breathe harder.

Not sure about the Proton. Easiest way to find out is by looking it the part book and seeing if it lists two springs.

If you don't mind getting a yellow one, order an "octo" version of either.