MR12 or Abyss

[waxymud]

HI,
I have been offered a choice of two 1st stage regs. Both Mares. One is the MR12 and is under 2 years old. No damage. The second is the Abyss. Age unknown but has some minor abrasions and scratches. Definatly seen more use than the MR12.

I will be using it mainly for diving in far off places so need to think about weight. I have my CMAS* and am booked in for the AOW in May in Eygpt. I have about 10 -12 dives so far.

What would you recommend out of the two?

Thanks.

 

[Greg Barlow]

For diving with a single tank, the MR22 first stage has better hose routing. If diving with doubles, I prefer the MR12.

The MR22 has the capacity for higher gas flow than the MR12. However, depending upon your second stage's capabilities, it may not be of importance. If you are diving at recreational depths, then either will work great.

The MR12 is considerably lighter, but given the weight of a packed suitcase it is probably not a real issue.

Me? If diving with a single tank, I would take the MR22. If used for doubles, it would be the MR12.

Greg Barlow

 

[h90]

I have a MR22: 3-4 years old, never serviced and works perfect.
Had another second hand MR22 recently serviced by a friend and he told me they are nice to service (his words not my opinion).
Never had a MR12..

 

[waxymud]

Sorry,
Single tank onto MARES Rebel 2nd stage and octopus.

 

[cwkline]

I have an MR12 and have used the Abyss. If it were me, I would take the Abyss and use a different 2nd than the rebel. The Abyss breathes better but it had the matched 2nd.
I no longer use the MR12 w/Proton 2nd. I had some freezing issues when I dove cold water with it. Solved that with a V16- Proton Ice combo. I have since acquired several other higher end regs, and now use the MR12 for filling tires and beach toys.

 

[Ontwreckdiver]

I have had a MR22 Abyss for about 9 years and have never had any problems with it and I dive the Great Lakes where just above freezing water temps are usually the norm. I wouldn't dive with any other reg than an Abyss.

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

HI,
I have been offered a choice of two 1st stage regs. Both Mares. One is the MR12 and is under 2 years old. No damage. The second is the Abyss. Age unknown but has some minor abrasions and scratches. Definatly seen more use than the MR12.

I will be using it mainly for diving in far off places so need to think about weight. I have my CMAS* and am booked in for the AOW in May in Eygpt. I have about 10 -12 dives so far.

What would you recommend out of the two?

Thanks.

We have 5 divers in our family, my wife and I use the MR22 Abyss (2007 model?) and our 3 kids use the MR-12 Proton. The octo's on all regs are the Rebel. So I've used, at various depths, both the MR22 and MR12 with the Rebel.

The Rebel is fine as an octo, and absolutely fine as a primary reg for recreational dives. I only notice a slight decrease in performance between the Rebel octo and the Proton or Abyss second stages. The Abyss 2nd is my favortie, it seems to be the most responsive, and because it is all metal reduces "dry mouth". But I'd be just fine in a pinch using the Rebel as my primary 2nd stage.

I do prefer the MR22 1st over the MR12 1st for the reasons Greg Barlow mentioned above, but have been very happy with both 1st stages (I dive in warm water, so cannot comment on cold water use of the MR12).

The MR22 can be upgraded with the Tri-material high pressure poppet when you get it serviced, which is a 200 hour / 2 yr part (or more ). The MR-12 (if it is only a couple years old) probably already has this upgraded part.

Best wishes.

 

[jesses]

abyss