Regulator choice: how likely is a Mares Prestige to freeze up?

[Farantiggen]

Hi everyone,
I´m a PADI rescue diver DM-student in the UK and currently looking to buy my first own set of regulators (I always used rental ones). Unfortunately, since as I´m also a student I don´t have much money and have had an eye on package deals because of that. There is a very good deal by Watersports Warehouse with Mares Prestige 12S and Octopus, Mission 2 console and bag included I´m tempted to go for but here's my question:
I do a lot of cold water diving (lowest temp so far ~2°Celsius) and the first stage does not seem to have an environmnetal seal. Do you think it's suitable? and if not, what other options would you advise to? I don't have much experience in choosing kit so any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you

 

[USdiver1]

The Mares 12 first stage is a good unit for cold water diving. That said, you can (read you really should) add the cold water / environmental seal. It is a 10 minute job for a tech, and kits should be available from your LDS. For the second stage, the Prestige is adequate although if you can source either a Proton Ice/Ice Extreme or Abyss Navy you will be better off IMO. The Mission 2 is a fine basic console and should give you no trouble, regardless of the water temperature. I've used Mares gear in cold water diving for many years. It is reliable and performs well in cold water.

 

[Farantiggen]

Thank you, someone with experience is just what I needed

 

[timakempton]

The Mares 12 is a great super reliable workhorse, make sure that you get the version with 2 hp ports and you will never need to use anything else, you can get an environmental seal kit fitted when you buy it and I am sure your dealer will give you a good price to add it to your package. I agree with USdiver1 about the Abyss second it's definitely the best Mares second you can buy the design is tried and tested and is brilliant in cold water diving. (I own 3 Mares 12 sets one is 15 years old)