gfisher4792
Guest
Anyone have any experience with either (or both) of these regs? Trying to find a decent set that's affordable. Both of these list under $200 on LP. If anyone has any other suggestions, I'm more than happy to hear them. thanks.
Mares MR12 Proton or Scubapro MK16/R380
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Rev. Blade
Contributor
I have an MR12 first stage with Proton regulator. It seems like a steady unit. Breathing seems consistent, but a bit heavy, down to 117' (my deepest dive with that reg). I have an AirSource regulator as my backup, which breathes almost as smoothly.
The issue of breathing slightly hard, may just be because of the mouthpiece. I switched to a "ComfoBite" mouthpiece, and though I've only been in the pool since, it seemed to flow a bit better. When it had the factory mouthpiece, I think I was biting down a bit hard, so the air couldn't flow through my (nearly) closed teeth.
Anything I've seen posted about ScubaPro regs, seems favorable, but the LDS was suggesting the Mares, so I bought it. I'm quite satisfied with my Proton.
The issue of breathing slightly hard, may just be because of the mouthpiece. I switched to a "ComfoBite" mouthpiece, and though I've only been in the pool since, it seemed to flow a bit better. When it had the factory mouthpiece, I think I was biting down a bit hard, so the air couldn't flow through my (nearly) closed teeth.
Anything I've seen posted about ScubaPro regs, seems favorable, but the LDS was suggesting the Mares, so I bought it. I'm quite satisfied with my Proton.
Scubapro purchased from a dealer have a lifetime warranty and lifetime free parts. The parts usually run $10-$15 a reg.
If you intend to use these regs for years, consider the cost factor.
Myself, I bought a couple of used Scubapro G200s and had them upgraded to G200bs. The G200b is just like a G250 without the adjustment knob. My first stage is a scubapro Mk10, which is an older balanced piston regulator. (I know people that still dive mk5 balanced pistons) I also have a scubapro mk200 which is just like a mk2. (Unbalanced piston)
Whatever you buy, make sure your first stage is balanced. Pistons tend to be considered more reliable.
The main question is what your LDS/tech deals with. My preferred LDS only services scubapro regs. (He spends 90% of his time rebuilding regs.) My not so preferred LDS will service whatever you take them. My instructor keeps G250s/Mk20s for pool use only! That's how much he loves those regs.
I'm not familiar with the Mares. In my case, I'm not interested in them since scubapro has a great reputation and I trust my tech.
I'm not an all scubapro guy tho. I don't really like their BC designs, so I've got a Zeagle Concept BC.
If you intend to use these regs for years, consider the cost factor.
Myself, I bought a couple of used Scubapro G200s and had them upgraded to G200bs. The G200b is just like a G250 without the adjustment knob. My first stage is a scubapro Mk10, which is an older balanced piston regulator. (I know people that still dive mk5 balanced pistons) I also have a scubapro mk200 which is just like a mk2. (Unbalanced piston)
Whatever you buy, make sure your first stage is balanced. Pistons tend to be considered more reliable.
The main question is what your LDS/tech deals with. My preferred LDS only services scubapro regs. (He spends 90% of his time rebuilding regs.) My not so preferred LDS will service whatever you take them. My instructor keeps G250s/Mk20s for pool use only! That's how much he loves those regs.
I'm not familiar with the Mares. In my case, I'm not interested in them since scubapro has a great reputation and I trust my tech.
I'm not an all scubapro guy tho. I don't really like their BC designs, so I've got a Zeagle Concept BC.
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