Researching a new Mares MR12 Proton....

[Dlappjr]

I was given a Mares MR12 Proton as a Christmas Present from my Dive Buddy.
While I appreciate the gesture, I want to learn more about this reg and previous experiences with it. I cannot find anything on the Mares Website or any other site as to weather it will work with nitrox or not. It is the MR12 First Stage and a MR12 Proton Second accompanied by a MR12 Proton Octo. Although I have been diving for 4 years this is the very first reg of my own as I have been borrowing friends "extra" equip. Any insight you may have on this reg would be helpful. Thanks a ton,

Happy Diving.
D

 

[do it easy]

I've got two of them, although I have the axis second stages. I think they are good regs- sure there are better regs out there, but he didn't give you a piece of junk. I've used mine with nitrox and I *believe* it is safe for nitrox up to 40%, as are most regs.

I bought mine right after OW and have used it until I bought Abyss regs for my doubles. I've used my MR12 mostly in freshwater and was very happy with it. I currently use my original MR12 for my argon bottle, although I did buy another one for "vacation" dives.

 

[Dlappjr]

thank you for your re-assurance. I dive mostly in quarries around Ohio and Michigan but have also been to the ocean, I'm looking for something versitile for both Quarry and ocean and anywhere from 60-150 ft. Thanks again
Happy diving.
D

 

[Jason Ooi]

I voted maybe i buy "consider" good regs

 

[DiveTub]

Voted No
Would buy Zeagle over Mares any day of the week.

The second stage seats in the Protons are not so good, a fair few free flowing problems and the seat seems to have to be replaced often

Cheers
Chris

 

[Greg Barlow]

I own, and service Mares regs. I also use MR12s on my doubles, stage, and deco cylinders. The MR12 has a flow rate of approximately 140scfm, which is more than enough flow for ANY second stage on the market. When one considers that a typical second stage can only flow 40-70scfm in a free flow, then that 140 rate is more than adequate.

Mares has developed a new HP poppet that has been extensively tested. Reports are that it will be more resistent to failure than the compounds previously used. I am about to embark on a long term study of their longevitiy, and am excited about the project.

The Proton second stage is simple, robust, and very easy to service. The only real minus that I see is that the exhaust tee is a bit small for bubble dispersion, but this is a fact of life for most of today's regs.

One needs to remember that the MR12 Proton meets the US Navy Class A standards. That, in of itself, means a lot.

Greg Barlow
Former Science Editor for Rodale's Scuba Diving Magazine

 

[nineeightysix]

I use an MR12 Proton and Octo for the type of diving you are asking about. IMO, great setup - as Greg indicated it has a great flow rate and can provide more air than you could ever need. I really like the size and that Mares design requires no manual adjustment yet does not freeflow while providing great flow rates. Another plus is that you can get Mares stuff serviced just about anywhere...

Cheers

 

[CODMAN]

My girlfriend has more than 60 dives in that exact depth range, on that exact reg. She loves it and has had 0 problems with it! I've got a V16 Proton XL (different first stage, the V16, but very similar 2nd, the proton XL) and love it (I have about 25 dives on it). It's a great reg, and breathes great even at around 100 feet (I personally have not been beyond that yet)!

It,s a good solid reg you can have confidence in, in MHO

Hope this helps!

 

[Dlappjr]

Thank you to all who bothered to comment back. I appreciate all the responses, even negative ones. I guess only dives will tell if it will suit me well. Its a little too cold here in michigan but I can't wait till spring, may have to head to florida and try em out.

Good luck and happy diving.