MR12 Axis - Cold Water and Opinions

[iamjimmyd]

Hi all --

I just bought my first reg, a MR12 Axis w Axis Octo. I'v been researching for a while and decided this was where quality features and price came together for my needs. Today, I discovered this site and have been browsing it for a bit. I haven't seen much about the Axis, but one thing I did see raised a question for me... someone metioned it would need a cold water kit. My research had led me to believe that diaphragms are usually better for cold and/or murky water and so I specifically choose a diaphragm reg. I'll normally dive Puget Sound in 45F and up temperatures. A> Would this be considered cold-water diving (my body does) ? B> anyone see a problem here that I should put on a cold water kit? C> I'd love to hear more impressions of the MR12 Axis and other Mares regs.

I also got a Mares Divemate (computer) in the package. Seems to do everything I need, but there are not many reviews of it. Any opinions on it?

Thanx for any info and opinions,

JT

 

[iamjimmyd]

P.S. I'm taking it out for a test dive Friday and a boat dive Sunday. (If I run into any trouble on the test dives, I'll have my LDS see if they can work on it Saturday or just rent gear one last time) I'll post my opinions (unqualified as they may be since I have only been out 10-20 times in my first two years of diving) of it next week in case anyone else cares.

JT

 

[Ari]

True, it is not an expensive regulator but I like it a lot.

It is very easy, on both second stages and does not tend to free flow.

Some of my dive buddys (and instructors) tried it and liked it very much.

I can't say that I tried it in cold water. the coldest I tried was probably just under 60F. From the technical specs, it looks like you shouldn't have a problem at 45F.

You mught want to take a look here: http://scubadiving.com/gear/budgetregs/review.shtml#mares

Ari

 

[Heath74]

Here is a link to what the Mares tec. manual says about your reg.
scroll down to page 9 it talks about the cold water kit.

http://www.mares.com/en/pdf/Axis.pdf

You can also call this # 203/855-0631 for Mares in the U.S. and ask them directly if you need the CWD for you're type of diving.

I hope this helps.

 

[padiscubapro]

I can't comment on the AXIS second stage but I hvae used the mr12 with several of their older 2nd stages in water below 40f without any problems and no cold water kit.. I use the mr12 with a FFM in mid 30f water on a regular basis and have never had it freeze.. in fresh water there is definately a freezing potential after getting out of the water and trying to breath on the unit and at the surface.. When in very cold water/air I do not breathe of the reg until submerged..

 

[mddolson]

I've been using the MR12 regulators since the 1980's
I've own an MR12 (AMF Swimmaster) and Mr12-2 and MR12-4
and still use it as my back up regulator. I'm using an Mr22 Abyss as my primary.
They have all been good serviceable regulators in temperatures down to about 45° F. (which is not cold) and down to about 100 feet. I'm Canadian, I dive all year round in the Great Lakes.

Below 100 feet and at temperatures around 40°F or below, the flow rate and resulting temperature drop in the regulator can/will cause ice crystals to form in the water chamber of the 1st stage, the result=free flow. An environmental kit (slicone oil under a rubber diaphram) on the 1st stage help reduce this but cannot prevent it totally.

The MR12 is a great regulator for general sport diving, and will give you many years of service.

For cold water (below 40°F) I'd recommend the MR16 or MR22, they have larger masses in the 1st stage and metal 2nd stages, these act as better heat sinks, to reduce ice formation.

Mike D

 

[Scuba446]

I found this interesting report on Rodale's web site concerning Mares:

"Mares is well known for high-quality regulators, and these three all-new regs prove that:


The MR 12 Axis is a Testers' Choice and Best Buy.

The MR 12 Epos is a Testers' Choice.

The R2 Axis is a Best Buy.
Mares has been a leader in non-adjustable balanced diaphragm regulators that incorporate several successful patented designs into its regulators, including:


DFC—"Dynamic Flow Control" minimizes the intermediate pressure drop from the first to the second stage. It works as claimed, but is available on only one of the low-pressure ports, therefore limiting the placement of the primary second stage hose.

VAD—"Vortex Assisted Design" is a second-stage bypass that improves flow without excessive positive pressure breathing or the need for user adjustments. It also keeps the regulator stable without leaks or free flows.

Mesh grid—This second-stage cover design disperses water flow around the second stage diaphragm and thereby reduces the likelihood of free flows.

Pivoting deflector—An innovation that helps to aim the flow of air in the second stage. On inhale, it aims the venturi at the mouth opening and moves out of the way on exhale. Of these regs, it is only on the Epos.
Mares does an outstanding job of quality control and of accurately and fairly representing the performance of its regulators. By comparing our test results with Mares' results, as supplied in its catalog, there is only a 0.1 plus or minus variation, about the same variation you would expect testing the same regulator on the same simulator on different days.

Mares uses a stiffer heavy-duty large diameter hose that makes the second stage less comfortable. The negative buoyancy of many of its second stages also reduces comfort. Mares' regulator instruction manuals are thorough and detailed."

 

[diveaway]

I have MARES MR12, V16 and APEX ATX50 regs and although MARES gets beaten up on this board in favor of APEX a can only add to the other posters in this thread: it is a good and solid reg and you will have no problem.

I dove in 45 degree water with either MARES 1st stage (but not Axis 2nd) and never had a problem. And they breath as good as the Apeks I have. I also don't really miss that MARES aren't adjustable. They have proven to be good breathers in all situations and don't freeflow. Just one thing less you can screw up during/before a dive ...

You will enjoy you reg!

Ray

 

[raxafarian]

I had the mr12 axis for a year... breathed good. Only problem I had was the 2nd stage tended to 'leak' a little and sometimes required a swift rap on the side of it. This happened toward the end of a dive trip... had it serviced... same thing happened. LDS said he might have set it too far toward the 'edge', whatever that means.

decided to go another direction, so I replaced it. But it was an ok reg.

 

[Former FLL Now MSP Diver]

I also purchased a Mares MR12 Axis after doing a lot of research online. I wasn't looking to spend tons of money, but I was also very aware that this was my life support. Based on the type of diving I've been doing, and will be doing in the foreseeable future, I picked the Mares.

In addition to the Rodale's report Scuba446 posted, I also found this on Divernet, a source that some on this board contend is less biased and fairer in it's reviews. Divernet and it's four person test team said of the Mares:

First impressions: The impressive-looking diaphragm-style first stage is environmentally sealed. It has four mp and two hp ports arranged This unit exudes high quality. It has a wide A-clamp with a high-quality, rubber-covered knob. There are five mp ports, although one is a wide-bore (DFC) port for the primary second stage, which limits hose layout. It looks well-engineered. The hose has nice hose protectors at both ends.

Under water:

"Plenty of air - almost too much. It was a bit whooshy! Out of the mouth it had a tendency to free-flow. Inhale really hard at depth and you can get a little water. Otherwise a nice breathe, and it performed almost without fault."

"Noticeably more air than others. Head-down it was even better, if anything. One of the ones I would buy. A very good valve. Excellent. An easy breathe. Nice, nice, nice."

"Very light effort - maybe too light. It made my teeth cold. It feels near to positive pressure. I got the impression it was giving more air than I needed. Easy breathing, though it felt too mechanical and not natural."

"A real rush of air. A bit of a blast that was cold on my teeth. Some noise on inhalation. It was not smooth but it was steady. A powerful, solid flow."

Inverted: Moist but manageable.
What the machine said: A positive pressure to the inhalation cycle at 51m of over 5mbar (inhalation line into the red) resulted in failure to meet the EN250: 2000 criteria.

I can say that I have found this reg to be very easy breathing, a real treat after all the rentals and class loaners I had been using - a combination of old Scubapros and Oceanics. It's been down to 110' so far with no problems.

The only problem I had was that I had to go back to the dive shop for an additional adjustment recently. The reg wasn't freeflowing, but was letting out a slow constant stream of air. A few minutes of adjustment and putting on a flow meter and it was as good as new. Getting it adjusted also stopped the "farting" sound when exhaling through it when the second stage was not submerged.

Marc