I have a MARES regulator that has a pressure/depth console that I do not care for and am wondering if I replace it if the replacement console must be a MARES brand or if the fitting on the hose from the console to the first stage is universal and I can therefore replace it with another manufactures unit. If so, any suggestions?
As several have noted, the HP hoses are fairly standard. The depth gauge is usually a 'puck' that is inserted in the console opening. The nice thing is that many of the depth gauges are 'standard gauge' (yep, a really bad pun) - the same diameter, and can fit in most consoles.
Among the choices you have in replacing the console:
1. Some people decide to go 'hoseless', and use an air integrated computer for pressure and depth. I don't recommend it, but some do. It is substantially more costly in that you need the computer
and the transmitter.
2. Quite a few people use a single gauge (SPG) approach and use a computer for depth (I do):
a. A simple 'brass and glass' SPG on a HP hose. On various regs, I have Highland, OMS and Halcyon SPGs, some of which are 2" windows, some of which are 2.5" windows. I don't see much difference between them. Pressure gauges are generally not serviceable, and once they fail (usually, because they start to leak), they fail. I can't say that any of the brands above are 'better' in terms of longevity. I have only had one gauge ever fail (an OMS), and I have one gauge (Uwatec) that doesn't zero out, but is still functional. You can buy a boot to go on the 'B and G' SPG for a bit of protection, but I don't seen much value.
b. A pressure gauge already cased with a console-like boot. I have a couple of XS Scuba SPGs like this and they are functional.
3. You can possibly pull the current pressure gauge out of the console and convert it to the equivalent of a 'brass and glass'. The depth gauge can be put in a boot and worn on your wrist (or put in a BCD pocket).
4. You can replace the console you have, with one that you prefer. You don't specify if it is a two gauge (depth and pressure) or three gauge (depth, pressure and compass) unit but I presume it is a two-gauge unit, based on your post. I have a couple of consoles - one Uwatec, one Suunto - and slightly prefer the Suunto, but actually prefer option 2 overall.
You don't mention if what you don't like are the gauges themselves, or the console. It might help to know what you are trying to change.
