Regulator Purchase

[cpd123]

I am thinking about getting a new regulator. Which is better- Mares Abyss MR12 or the Mares Abyss 22?

Thanks

[SarahBella]

Besides the price difference the Abyss 22 is environmentally sealed so that would be better in the cold water. Neither reg appears to have an adjustable 2nd stage so they are equal in that area...I guess it matters what kind of diving you want to do and how much cash you have to lay out. St sell many different regs and they all do the same job well. Have you been able to try either of the Mares out? A test dive will give you more help in choosing than I could. Good luck with your shopping.

[medic001918]

I have an MR22 Abyss and my wife has a V16 Proton from Mares. Both of these regs have been trouble free and breathe well at any recreational depth. There are slight differences like the environmental sealing which was mentioned. The Abyss tends to be a pretty heavy reg...so if you have any kind of jaw issues (such as TMJ issues), it might not be the reg for you.

That being said, I also just picked up a set of Apeks XTX50's for my doubles...and none of our Mares regs breathe half as well as the apeks. It's just something to consider. There are quite a few Mares dealers around, so service shouldn't be an issue for you.

Good luck,
Shane

[CODMAN]

I might be wrong, but to my knowledge the MR22 does not come environmentally sealed. It is however compatible with a Mares sealing kit to make it so.

The MR22 is the Workhorse 1st stage of the Mares lineup. It's what is used and recommended by many Tech/ deep water divers. It's not the lightest, but apparently very reliable. It also gives a lower breathing resistance than the MR12 1st stage.

The MR12 1st stage is also a classic (it's been around for a long time) and dependable 1st stage. It's dependable a bit lighter than the MR22, but doesn't breathe quite as easily on paper (will you see the difference? Who knows...). It's a good more budget oriented choice.

If you want bullet proof deep water reliability and easy breathing, the MR22 is the classic choice! If you want to save a few $ and you aren't going to be doing tech stuff, the MR12 is definetly more than enough for what you need. The choice is yours!

Hope this helps!

Oh, and personally? If I was going to go with an Abyss (for deep dependability), I'd go with the MR22. If not, for rec diving, I'd rather go with a MR12 Proton metal (lighter than the Abyss and will do the job great).

[kancho]

I don't the the abyss is env sealed. It is an option. That is why i went for the Zeagle.. It was already env sealed. If you are going to go coldwater makes sure you get the correct one.

[Defman]

Either one would be a great choice, it's probably up to Senor Wallet!! FWIW, I have a MR22 Abyss and love it. The 22 is technically better, but in all honesty we probably can't tell the difference.

[cpd123]

Thanks for all the helpful info guys.

CD

[Clanggedin]

ST should be getting their stock of the new 08' regs in in the next week or so according to Joe.

You may want to wait and get the newly designed 2nd stage.