Mares Carbon 42 First Dive Impressions/Photo

[esguerra1]

Here is a photo of me (and a prickly friend I met in Anilao, Philippines!) with the Carbon42 in action. Note the long superflex hoses - esp for the Octopus and the superflex hose for the primary regulator. You can also see I changed the mouthpiece as the original one shipped with the regulator isn't very comfortable nor does it feel very secure. I like the comfobite mouthpieces personally as clearly seen on my snorkel as well. It's easily interchangeable - a quick and easy change. Keep the Mares original as a backup.

P.S. (Believe me, the little guy was already puffed up before I took this photo! I released the poor fellow back to the reef where he instantly 'relaxed').

 

[Greg Barlow]

The Mares Carbon is a really attractive design. I use the same 42 first stage with a Proton Metal second stage. It is my favorite reg to use for ice diving.

Enjoy that new reg!

Greg

 

[esguerra1]

Hey Greg,

Thanx for the post. I really like the reg also but I did send it back to Mares yesterday for them to have a look at the first stage/second stage primary. On my other post I mentioned it made a tiny "wheezing/squealing" noise at the end of each inhalation. Quite annoying when underwater after every breath since it's much louder.

The Octopus however was absolutely perfect. Mares is having a look at it right now. Any suspicion as to what could be causing it?

Enjoy your set too!

Aloha!

 

[Greg Barlow]

Hey Greg,

Thanx for the post. I really like the reg also but I did send it back to Mares yesterday for them to have a look at the first stage/second stage primary. On my other post I mentioned it made a tiny "wheezing/squealing" noise at the end of each inhalation. Quite annoying when underwater after every breath since it's much louder.

The Octopus however was absolutely perfect. Mares is having a look at it right now. Any suspicion as to what could be causing it?

Enjoy your set too!

Aloha!

I wouldn't be surprised if spring harmonics was the culprit. The first thing that I would try if I were the tech would be to reverse the second stage poppet spring. I would also lightly lubricate the ends with oxygen compatible lube. If that failed, I would go ahead and rebuild the second stage.

Greg

 

[esguerra1]

Yiikes! I can't do that myself. But Mares was happy to have a look at it. I hope their techies come up with the same fix as you. Will let you know when I get my set back. (Greg, did you used to be Editor of Rodale's Scuba Diving Magazine? It's no longer around...I was searching thru my back issues from years ago! What ever happened to Rodale's?)

Cheers.

 

[Greg Barlow]

Yiikes! I can't do that myself. But Mares was happy to have a look at it. I hope their techies come up with the same fix as you. Will let you know when I get my set back. (Greg, did you used to be Editor of Rodale's Scuba Diving Magazine? It's no longer around...I was searching thru my back issues from years ago! What ever happened to Rodale's?)

Cheers.

Jeremy,

Yes, I used to serve as the Science Editor. Rodale's sold the magazine to another publisher. Since then, it has been sold again.

It was a fun, and interesting position.

Gerg

 

[Ouvea]

Hi Esguerra1:

How does the Carbon 42 compare to the Proton in terms of size? Is it smaller or more the size of the Voltrex/Abyss second stage? I assume the performance is on par with its predecessors?

I do agree with you in regards to the Mares mouth pieces. I prefer the alternatives...

Thanks,
Claude

 

[esguerra1]

Hi Claudehl,

I haven't done any EXACT measurements but the Proton Metal is still a smaller footprint. However it is more of the size of the Abyss second stage. As you can see from my photo as well as marketing literature, the Carbon 42 has a bit more of a squared-off, squashed oval/rectangular design whereas the Abyss is very round and circular. But the Carbon 42 is still very small. The most noticeable difference is the weight. I almost bought the Abyss but the weight difference really sold me.

I've never dove with the Abyss but I'm sure the performance IS on par with its predecessors. I'm really happy with it.

Cheers,

 

[esguerra1]

More photos of the Carbon 42 with Carbon Octopus and MR42T first stage.

 

[Zak OHara]

Great photos. Thanks for posting. Glad you like your new regulator!

Best,