Which is better the Mares Akros or Voltrex?

[timakempton]

Recently picked up 2 sets of second hand Mares regs both are MR12 1st's but one has an Akros second and the other a Voltrex. Which is the better second stage? They are both older versions. I know the Voltrex was renamed the Abyss, But I have no idea which of these was regarded as the more up-market when they were new. Any opinions?

Tiny Tim

 

[Fishpie]

The Voltrex was the more expensive and might have a small performance edge.

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

The Voltrex. I have an older Voltrex, and also a pair newer Abyss 2nd's, and they are essentially the same (internally and performance).

Maybe due to the brass orifice in the Voltrex (vs plastic orifice found in newer Abyss) I am able to get a slightly better "tune" on the Voltrex when I service it, which is saying a lot, since the Abyss 2nd's are very nice breathers for unbalanced downstream 2nd's.

Best wishes.

 

[Greg Barlow]

The performance difference will be minimal. I have made many dives with both designs, and used two Akros second stages for my technical diving needs for nearly a decade.

The Voltrex is actually the same as an Abyss. The Abyss was fitted with a larger diameter LP hose and was normally fitted to the MR22 first stage.

The Voltrex is simpler, and easier to rebuild.

The Akros offers easy cracking effort adjustment. Personally, I would use the Voltrex due to its robust design and benefits of a metal second stage. I currently use Proton Metal second stages.

Greg Barlow

 

[acteg]

I had a voltrex, and have 2 Abyss 2nd stages. They are essentially the same and are great breathers.