Regulators

[SkipperJohn]

OK good people, thanks to your sage advice I passed on the 5 y/o reg being sold on e-bay and am now on the prowl for a new one.
I seem to be gravitating to the Mares 22 Abyss. Ever since I read about the less dry air thing I kinda liked it. Plus I'm Italian, they're Italian... sounds good.

Anyway, anything I should know about that regulator? Most of what I found on it seems pretty good. & I checked, my LDS maintains Mares regulators.

Also, It seems I could get this years latest and greatest model for just under $500 or last years model for under $400. Any reason to spend the extra 100? Do you think last years model is just as good? (I intend to post in the manufacturers section to get the lowdown on the differences)

Many thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Reg Braithwaite]

I dive a Mares Proton Ice. I have read a few nice things about the Abyss. But before purchasing...

First, my regulator uses a less-than-common 1/2" UNF hose for the primary and the more common 3/8" hose for the secondary. Many people dislike this because it means it is harder to find the hose or swap with a buddy, since most everyone else is diving 3/8" hoses. I don't know if that matters to you. A Mares shop will probably stock the 1/2" hoses in various lengths (my LDS even has 7' hoses for HOG rigging). I have a full set of spares in my kit just to be sure.

Second, ask about annual servicing. Some manufacturers give a warranty that includes free replacement parts when you service the regs every year on schedule. This can save a lot of money over five years if you are the type to service the equipment that protects you from drowning. So before purchasing, ask your shop what it costs to service the regs. Make them be specific. How much for labour? How much for parts? How much is covered? How much is out of your pocket??

Finally, of course, ask yourself whether you will ever dive in cold water. Some Mares models are environmentally sealed out-of-the-box, some require that a cold water kit be added at additional expense. Some are all metal, which helps prevent freezing. I don't recall if the Abyss was cold-water compatible right out of the box, I don't think so, but I could be wrong. If you are interested in cold water diving, you might want to look at the models (like the Proton Extreme) made for that purpose.

 

[divingbuddy]

The Abyss does come with the free-parts-for-life (as long as you have it serviced annually by a certified technician).

As for the 'odd' hose size, like you, Reginald, I simply carry a spare with me (although most places I've been that had any kind of repair equipment/supplies had the 1/2" hoses).

IMHO...the Abyss is a great reg right out of the box (ready for those refreshing Ontario dives). I believe the only difference with the new model is a re-designed cover plate (save the $100 for post dive beverages).

Just my two cents...Cheers!

 

[Stu S.]

Good choice. A metal second stage does retain moisture, and I really notice the difference. My first regulator had a metal second, then I went to plastic. I used that one a couple of years and was pleased to get a Mares in 2006. It is the Proton metal, and I'll be keeping it a long time.

 

[SkipperJohn]

So.. I am happy as all whatever thinking I made my decision and after doing my homework, the right decision. I am going for the Mares MR22 Abyss. A shop in Georgia is willing to sell me a new 2008 model for more than $100 off list, but when I call to pull the trigger, they actually talk themselves out of a sale. The woman recommends I go to my local shop and see what he will sell it for. She explains the virtues of buying local.
So I call. And WHAMO! He hates Mares. He said he will sell one to me if I want, explains he is a qualified registered Mares dealer and repair shop, but tells me about all the horror stories he has had with their regulators. Mostly regarding parts. He said that form year to year the updates share no parts so it would be necessary to inventory too many parts to be well equipped so he orders form Mares and that shipments can take over 3 months and never less than 1 month! Also he said that when there are problems, if it does not jeopardize lives, they basically don't tell the dealers and wait for you to complain then they ship the parts for free (and a 4 month wait).
Anyone ever hear of anything like this?

 

[Hank658]

Mares has had its ups and downs with parts availability. I still have a TI planet and sometimes I can overhaul it, sometimes not.

That being said, if it's an Abyss 22 you are looking at then it is a solid design. The first stage can drive nails and the second stage hasn't changed substantially in a bit of a while.

The 42 first stage, while being itty bitty and lighter than a 22 can be pesky when setting the IP after an overhaul. It most likely will eventually settle, but your tech might be a bit miffed by the time it decides to settle down. :devious:

Strange about the GA shop though........

 

[Skooter]

As a reg tech that has been my experience with Mares. Maybe some others have better support than we have had. My last round with them a customer brought back a product that obviosly had a manufacturer problem. We replaced it of the shelf, sent the broken one in only to get it back 3 months later with a note "not covered under warranty" In my opinion there are better choices out there.