Mares Brand Reputation

[Judestudio]

Originally Posted by GTNuT

I am currently looking at picking up the Mares Proton Package with XR1 Computer on ST (Mares Proton Super Sale Package, Packages: Regulator, Mares, Mares Proton Super Sale Package)

I am a newly certified Recreational diver with 7 dives under my belt, looking to get some gear that will serve me well down to 30 metres. Will be doing a bit of shore diving off of sandy beaches, but primarily out of a boat in clean water. No nitrox requirement.

The Mares name doesn't seem to be that highly regarded locally - what is the general consensus here?

Mares is a "well known" brand here in NZ, but the fact that Dive HQ is the sole retailer for the brand, other dive shops don't "regard" them as much. You'd also need to think about servicing. You'll have to take them back to Dive HQ, they're the only ones with parts!

Most regs will do you right at 30 meters and most will be compatible up to 40% nitrox anyway. I wouldn't be so sure about no nitrox, just something to think about if you're getting a computer.

This is CERTAINLY a very good price for reg + octo + gauge. Just one thing though, the gauge is in PSI (imperial), we are taught in and most people here refer pressures in BAR (matrix)....not a huge deal but might be handier for you and your instructor / guides for referencing purpose, especially when you're a new diver, they'd like to check on you more often.

It comes down to your budget really. This is a good package for the price. I'm an Apeks user, I did a lot of research and decided to get something I can grow into. For something that ST carries, the Zeagle range was one of my top choices - though there's only one place in Auckland for servicing, at the time I'm getting regs there was no Zeagle reps in NZ at all so had to give it up. Servicing for Oceanic is not a problem here in Auckland, my instructor has one of the Delta series and has been very happy with it. They're certainly built to last! My suggestion is do a bit more research, you might still pick Mares at the end, but at least you have good reasons to

Have fun shopping.

[CODMAN]

For the imperial vs Metric issue, ask scubatoys if they can get the metric version and if so, how much it would cost? It might not cost you much...

[Doug B]

I dove with a Mares Proton Ice for a year. Made a bad harmonica sound with every breath as I hit 1000psi. This started happening after the third dive. It would breath very well - just made a lot of annoying noise.

I sent it in for service (for free) and they fixed something in it. Sound problem went away. Very nice reg.

But - getting is serviced was going to be expensive, and the parts weren't always readily available. I traded my Mares with the dive shop and got a Oceanic Delta IV. Comparing the cost of the annual inspections, parts, trade-in price I got, etc... I'll easily be money ahead with the Oceanic very quickly.... and it breathes just as well (maybe better) and has a nice swivel built in on the second stage that makes for less jaw fatigue.

All in all, I really liked the Mares Proton. But, I like the Oceanic Delta IV much better.

[CODMAN]

Yup, ease and cost of service is definetly an important aspect in choosing a reg...

Originally Posted by Doug B

I dove with a Mares Proton Ice for a year. Made a bad harmonica sound with every breath as I hit 1000psi. This started happening after the third dive. It would breath very well - just made a lot of annoying noise.

I sent it in for service (for free) and they fixed something in it. Sound problem went away. Very nice reg.

But - getting is serviced was going to be expensive, and the parts weren't always readily available. I traded my Mares with the dive shop and got a Oceanic Delta IV. Comparing the cost of the annual inspections, parts, trade-in price I got, etc... I'll easily be money ahead with the Oceanic very quickly.... and it breathes just as well (maybe better) and has a nice swivel built in on the second stage that makes for less jaw fatigue.

All in all, I really liked the Mares Proton. But, I like the Oceanic Delta IV much better.

[jtkkym]

Mares is pretty good and reputable brand. I have Mares Abyss and Proton Oct. They are great I like them.

[ScubaToys Larry]

Originally Posted by CODMAN

For the imperial vs Metric issue, ask scubatoys if they can get the metric version and if so, how much it would cost? It might not cost you much...

Actually, we stock metric gauges and southern hemisphere compasses, and swap them out at no charge when asked for. Now, we'd have to switch it to an aeris metric - as Mares doesn't bring theirs into the US... but no problem putting an Aeris Metric Gauge on any of the packages.

[GTNuT]

Thanks for all the responses guys, really good to get another perspective on things!

Looks like I'll be heading down the path of ownership sooner than I would have thought

[Black-Gorrilla]

Originally Posted by ScubaToys Larry

Actually, we stock metric gauges and southern hemisphere compasses, and swap them out at no charge when asked for. Now, we'd have to switch it to an aeris metric - as Mares doesn't bring theirs into the US... but no problem putting an Aeris Metric Gauge on any of the packages.

how can you tell what area a compass is made for?

[CODMAN]

That is great service Larry! Too bad Mares doesn't import the metric version of their gauges. I love my mission3 compass and if I had to replace it, I would probably like it to be Metric this time around...

Cheers!

Originally Posted by ScubaToys Larry

Actually, we stock metric gauges and southern hemisphere compasses, and swap them out at no charge when asked for. Now, we'd have to switch it to an aeris metric - as Mares doesn't bring theirs into the US... but no problem putting an Aeris Metric Gauge on any of the packages.

[justaddwater_ifukuda]

My first reg was a Mares V16/Orbiter. I used it for 3 seasons in SoCal. It was rugged (metal second stage) and breathed easy regardless of whether I was at 15ft or 100ft. No complaints at all with performance.

I got rid of it was because shops in my area didn't have overhaul kits in stock and it took them weeks to get one from the distributor. I wouldn't get my reg back for 6 weeks when I took it in for annual maintenance. After the second annual maintenance, I lost my patience and sold it to a friend for dirt cheap.

That was 4 years ago. Maybe the parts situation is better now... But, with so many other great options out there, I've never had a reason to go back to a Mares reg.