MR22 & Abyss + Proton Metal

[ste64]

Hi,

I'm the happy owner of a MR22 1st stage with Abyss 2nd stage; I'm actually running an octopus configuration with a Rebel backup regulator.
Now I saw this shop selling a Proton Metal 2nd stage and I'm thinking about replacing the Rebel with it: it sounds to me like it would be an awesome octopus! :14: (I'm going to try an hogartian config., so I could donate the Abyss and still use a great backup stage).
Is there any contraindication?

Thanks

ste64

 

[TN Traveler]

I dive an Abyss on a long hose and have a Proton Ice bungied around my neck - makes sense to me to have 2 first rate regulators - that way you know you always have a good one in your mouth.

 

[Ltstanfo]

TN Traveler,

I second your thoughts. I have a first generation MR22 (1st / 2nd stage) and when I purchased it back in the 90's it was offerred with a Mares Beta octo (very basic 2nd stage...basic breathing ability but nothing special). A few years back I came across another 1st gen Abyss and replaced the Beta with the other MR22 2nd stage. I've never looked back...

In the last 6 months I have modified the reg for DIR-F use and it is still a first rate performer at any depth. Mares sure knows what they are doing with metal regs!

Regards,
Ltstanfo

 

[TN Traveler]

Having 2 top notch 2nd stages is the only way to go. When I was in Jamaica recently, my Abyss 2nd started breathing a little hard - still good, but harder than normal - so I just swapped it with the Proton Metal on a surface interval and still had a great breathing reg in my mouth.

Rebuilt the Abyss when I got home and swapped them back.

I don't think I would have wanted to do this if I had a cheap/poor performing octo.

Heck - I've been known to hang the Abyss 2nd on my harness and use the Proton Ice for part of my dive.