~It's like... air, that you breathe?~
Written: Sep 24 '06 (Updated Sep 24 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: ~Solid, Rugged, Sturdy and Easy to use/service~
Cons: ~Chunky, Heavy (not bad for me) and has to be engineered case-by-case~
The Bottom Line: ~Buy it, if you have the cash to spare. This is a terrific regulator. The best I've ever had.~
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| Kieli's Full Review: Mares MR22 Abyss |
Ever feel like you're suffocating? Nothing is worse than that when you're down 100 feet chasing some fish that won't stay still. Some regulators make you really work for your air, but this regulator is just fantastic for the flow of air. I was down on a double-tank dive for nearly an hour and never struggled with my air-flow. (There are some people who would've wished otherwise, but let's just say I'm tenacious.)
My other-half and I tend to do a lot of diving on all of our vacations and I have worn out my last 5 regulators. (Diving for 14 years now, it is a pretty healthy average.) In any case, this particular regulator was given to me about a year ago for my breathing enjoyment. It did not disappoint.
Ok, to the Regulator. I basically have this set up on an Octopus system. (That means I have a "backup-air" on one side and my "primary air" on the other. My BCD and computer are dangling off my sides and I secure them with clips to my BCD (so that I don't cause damage to the reef system). I'm telling you all of this because this isn't the way this particular regulator is sold. I had to have it engineered to fit my particular needs. That being said, It probably voided the warranty, but seeing as how I've replaced my O-rings on my new tanks as soon as I got this regulator, I don't see any flow-problems creeping up on me for a while.
(Now, for you non-divers, you simply remove your cap from the air-tank, position the tapered filter towards the O-ring with the pin and screw on the back-face of the air-tank DIN valve. After making sure the regulator is secured, crack the air-valve open (all the way!) and then give it a quarter-turn closed.)
This chrome regulator head has yet to mar, and I don't really take excellent (spit polish) care of my equipment. I do, however, have all of my gear serviced before each dive. I haven't noticed the purge-valve sticking (as it did with some of my old regulators and almost all I've ever rented) and that is a good thing. This thing is very rugged and great if you like to feel your gear. (And I do... it is my comfort blankie). There are some people who had made dives with this same setup and they complained that the regulator is "heavy" or "clunky" on their face. I say, "STOP YOUR WHINING!! This is the best breathing I've ever had!"
As another side note, I tend to soak all of my gear in the Woolite (for dark colours) for a day after a fresh-water dive and two days for salt-water dives. It allows the gear to clean out and freshen-up. Triple rinsing also helps to make sure all of the functions work properly, everytime. Store in a cool, dry, DARK place and shake it out once a month or so, just to make sure.
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The rest of this review is going to be quoting from other sites. I did this more for your education than over-working the word count.
From joediveramerica.com:
The MR 22 Abyss is Mares top-performing, most popular regulator, and now available from JoeDiver. This reg was designed to meet the U.S. Navy specifications, and it has proven it can substantially exceed them. (Just read the Nov. 2003 tests below!)
The MR 22 diaphragm first stage features:
* DFC system and a replaceable HP seat connector. The poppet is guaranteed for 200 dives or two years' operation.
* The compact body is made of hot-forged nickel-plated and chromed brass.
* It is fitted with a preferential intermediate pressure port for connection to the main second stage, plus 3 other LP ports and 2 HP ports.
* The latter are inclined at a 45?angle to allow a more rational layout of hoses or of the transmitters of modern hose-free, air integrated dive computer.
Second stage:
* The Abyss second stage, with its V.A.D. system, is made of nickel- and chrome-plated brass. This material offers a number of benefits, i.e.:
* absolute ruggedness thinner walls, hence compact dimensions obtained without using smaller-diameter diaphragms;
* this results unreduced water drag; anti-freeze function, which is enhanced by the "radiator action" of the metal.
* Its streamlined shape optimizes the traditional profile that is now made precious by the functional reliefs on the cover which were developed to make water inflow and outflow easier while breathing and swimming.
* The cover is made of technopolymer, a lightweight and impact-resistant material.
* The large manual purge button is placed in a central, perfectly ergonomic position.
* The mouthpiece is of soft hypoallergenic silicone: so no distress and no fatigue, even after very long dives!
The Ruby and Abyss, second stages offer the unique Mares patented V.A.D. (Vortex Assisted Design) system. This system allows smooth breathing at all depths and is unique. Its operating principle is very simple. The air coming from the hose passes through the second stage valve and is conveyed directly to the mouthpiece through the by-pass tube. Within the mouthpiece, the air flow undergoes a "vortex" effect.
Whenever this swirl occurs, the core of the vortex creates a low pressure area. This low pressure helps keep the second stage diaphragm down while inhaling, thus increasing the regulator sensitivity.)
What is the difference from First Stage and Second Stage, you ask? I'll give you the desription laid out in my owner's manual from Mares:
GENERAL WORKING PRINCIPLE Regulators reduce cylinder pressure, referred to as inlet pressure, to a pressure suitable for breathing. Modern regulators do this in two stages connected by a hose. The first stage provides pressure to the second stage; this reduced pressure remains constant despite the sizeable changes undergone by the cylinder inlet pressure during the dive (dropping from 3000/4350 to few hundred psi). The second stage brings pressure down to ambient pressure and delivers air only when the diver inhales. Each stage of the regulator contains an internal valve. When the diver inhales, the pressure inside the case is lowered and a pressure differential (imbalance) is created across the diaphragm (beginning of inhalation). The response of the diaphragm is to bend inward, contact the lever and open the second stage valve. Air continues to flow into the case until the pressure balance is regained (end of inhalation).
FIRST STAGE For the second stage to work properly, the 1st stage must deliver air at a correct and - most importantly - constant intermediate pressure. This characteristic, provided by all MARES first stages, is essential for obtaining optimal adjustment of the second stage and ensuring top performance for the entire duration of the dive, regardless of tank pressure. All MARES first stages are available with the following types of tank valve fittings: DIN 477/50 screw (max pressure 300 bar), international YOKE CGA 850 adapter (max pressure 232 bar), in accordance with the EN 250: 2000 standard.
SECOND STAGE The purpose of the second stage is to deliver air at ambient pressure, only during the inhalation phase. The diagram of a 2nd stage shown in Fig. 4 illustrates its operation. When the diver inhales, the pressure inside the second stage decreases, creating a pressure difference (imbalance) between the two sides of the diaphragm. This pulls the flexible diaphragm inward, pressing the demand lever and unseating the second stage valve. This opening allows air to flow in through the second stage and to the diver, until the diver stops inhaling. At this point the internal 2nd stage pressure increases, pushing the diaphragm back in the opposite direction, causing the valve to return to its seat and shutting off the airflow. Abyss (MR22) First Stage (Fig. 2) The Abyss (MR22) diaphragm first stage features the DFC system and a replaceable HP seat connector. The high pressure poppet was designed for a "2 year or 200 dives" service interval; double the high pressure seat life standard! Compact body, in a modern and smart style, it is made of hot-forged nickel-plated and chromed brass. It is fitted with a preferential intermediate pressure port for connection to the primary second stage, plus 3 other LP ports and 2 HP ports with 7/16" UNF thread. The latter are inclined at a 45° angle to allow a more rational layout of hoses.
Also: Renowned world-wide as an exceptionally reliable, high performance regulator.
Abyss has been the "buddy" for the following diving record;
* Deep Solo Dive: -313 metres by Mark Ellyat in December 2003
* 101 Divers: set in South Africa, when 101 divers breathed off a single MR22 1st stage for 40 minutes (1.4m deep).
* 25 Divers/40m: 25 Divers went down to 40 m and breathed off one Mares MR22 1st Stage for the time period of 10 minutes
Woo. Hoo.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Kieli
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Member: Kieli Is maith an scathan suil charad B'fhearr liom uisce beatha
Location: ~Go hifreann leat!!~
Reviews written: 76
Trusted by: 92 members
About Me:
~Your ridiculous little opinion has been noted.~
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