Mares Brand Reputation

[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?

[texdiveguy]

I think it has something to do with relations between Italy and New Zealand..... just kidding I have no clue as to its less than stellar reputation in NZ.

You will find all over the world I am guessing different views on scuba gear manufactures. In the USA Mares has a strong following and has for many many years. They offer a good selection of gear and it is for the most part very dependable. I have and do use some Mares gear at depths far greater that 30m and have always found it great.

ST will back your purchase and this package appears to be a nice set-up!

[obrules15]

I like them, I have used Mares Abyss Regulators and various computers for about 8 years. No problems. But I use Zeagle BC's

[divingchef]

i dive the Mares MR12 abyss set-up....no problems....i know that Mares gets a bad rap from dive shops as far as rental gear is concerned due to the fact that the Mares parts are VERY individual and not really interchangeable with other regulators at the entry level. If you look at the trident catalog, they show a regulator, that is identical to about 5 other "brands" that the companies just put their logo on. This makes the mares a little more expensive to run as rental gear in the "inexpensive" regulator range.....but I wouldn't trade mine for anything...

[cummings66]

I've got Mares stuff and think it's fine for diving with. I'm thinking of buying more but haven't decided for sure yet. I can't say it's junk, and I can't say it's top of the line either. It's somewhere in betwixt the two. Certainly usable for what you want.

[Damselfish]

Just make sure you can get the reg serviced, locally or at the very least someplace you'd be willing to ship to. You probably don't want to ship it back to Scubatoys for service.

I would reconsider getting a Nitrox capable computer. Even if you don't care now, there is a good chance you will at some point. Maybe in a year or 2 then you will regret it. And if you wanted to sell the computer for some reason, a Nitrox one would probably do better on resale.

[Black-Gorrilla]

i dive a mares V16 reg and i like it, it's a great reg, has the same second stage as the one you've picked out... and has served me well. the deepest i've taken it is 80ft... and it was great, no struggles and no problems.

[Kokomo]

I just bought a Mares regulator setup from ST. Haven't had it out yet although hoping this weekend will be the first time. But I did a fair amount of research and I'm confident I made a good choice.

[Marcus]

Mares is a fine brand with quality products.

[CODMAN]

Mares has been around a long time and is one of the very reputable brands out there. Why in some areas they are disregarded is probably more a matter of "what brands are distributed locally". I know in the US, this Italian made brand is not as wide spread as many of the american brands (which is normal), so you don't see it as much and the dive shops will often "poop" on it since they don't sell it (and they want to sell brands they have to you). Here in Canada, Mares is widespread and has a very good reputation. Have a look at this thread on another forum to get an idea of what kind of warranty service their reps give to Mares owners when something does happenPlease replace my faulty Nemo Wide - ScubaBoard

And as others here have said, Scubatoys know Mares gear and will back it without a problem, so that is great too...

I have mostly Mares gear and love it. It's well designed, durable and works great. I've had my V16 proton regulator (which is middle to low end) in all kinds of conditions (cold, deep = 130 feet, mucky) and it has always worked flawlessly and breathed great.

I honnestly think you can have confidence in Mares gear. On the other hand, as was suggested, it would be good to consider gear you can get serviced easily near you! Sending gear off for annual service or quick repairs is a pain. Check out if you have Mares dealers near you for the service.

Cheers!