Comments about Mares MR22 Abyss Regulator (old style):

Bought mine used in 2006, still diving strong and reliably in 2012. Been with me on hundreds of dives. I missed a year of maintenance servicing but encountered no problems.

What I like:
-Solid performer, steady at 145ft as at 30ft.
-Minimal breathing effort
-With an Allen Wrench, you can adjust the first stage pressure on a boat if needed. (better leave this one to the technician though)
-Was my "upgrade regulator", been my faithful companion from Open Water all the way to Open Water Scuba Instructor. Minimal maintenance and could take abuse!
-All metal construction prevents dry mouth. Essential when on liveaboards doing 21 dives in just a few days.

What I dislike:
-Mouthpiece. Puts pressure on your molars not canines. Replacing with the Mares Jax will solve this.
-1/2" port for second stage. This wasnt a problem until I took specialty courses and switched to long hoses and miflex hoses. not many LDS carry the adapter. Don't believe guys doing it right, using an adapter (more o-rings) won't endanger you in any way. mine had no problems at all
-Fixed turret. However, for single tank diving, the hose routings are perfect and uncluttered. New divers will find it easier to assemble gear than one with a rotating turret (my OW Students would always fumble with that rotating turret during training, with second stages ending up on the left side.)

So what happened? why did my old faithful workhorse end up with dad? who btw is still smiling since he got "upgraded' from his mares MR12.

I now dive sidemount. as a primary reg (left tank), the fixed hose routings bend the hoses significantly, I don't think they'd last long. My Course Director also pointed out the advantage of the rotating turret on the primary tank on sidemount which allows better flexibility.

My MISTAKE was to hurriedly order 2 regs with a rotating turret.

Lo and behold, after paying for the Scubapro MK25's i discovered the MR22 would make a great secondary (right-side) tank on sidemount. Rotate the first stage top to 9'oclock position, switch HP hose to left HP port and voila, your long hose can neatly be tucked in. Don't forget that 3/8" adapter though!

Compared to the MK25/A700, the MR22 Old Style Abyss is close! I would say the Abyss breathes a tad bit easier, however, the A700 is much more steady and PRECISE (for a lack of a better word). The Abyss has no knobs, simple.

At the discounted price, THIS IS A STEAL. GO FOR IT!

Happy diving and Godbless!

Comments about Mares MR22 Abyss Regulator (old style):

Good sturdy construction and easy breathing. Need a screw to unscrew the faceplate is one drawback. Otherwise great stuff.

Comments about Mares MR22 Abyss Regulator (old style):

cold water dives
effortless breathing

Comments about Mares MR22 Abyss Regulator (old style):

I picked up two of these for my son and I for a trip to Bonaire. We were both pleased with how little effort it took to draw a breath, purge, and use. It was flawless. I would recommend it to anyone.

Comments about Mares MR22 Abyss Regulator (old style):

Its reliable.
Breathing is effortless in warm water, cold water and at depth.
Its comfortable