Comments about Mares Proton Metal Octopus:

I bought this to use primarily because I dive in cold water. It turned out to be better than the expensive primary reg I had at the time (Zeagle Flathead). I absolutely recommend this octo for the sake of your buddy who may have use it some day.

Comments about Mares Proton Metal Octopus:

I use a Mares Proton Metal for my primary reg and love it, so I ordered this Octo as a backup. It's a great, all metal design. Never had any free-flow issues. A little more expensive than other regulators, but for me, worth it. It's identical to my primary so no difference when I need to switch. Also, although it's metal, as a second stage it's relatively small and lightweight.

Comments about Mares Proton Metal Octopus:

Solid.

Comments about Mares Proton Metal Octopus:

I took some advice from here and purchased the Octo and put it on as my 2nd stage (use an Air2 on my BCD or a Mares Viper as my octo). I mounted it to a Scuba Pro MK17 1st stage and it works like a charm...also the service kit for the Proton Metal (as a 2nd stage) is the same (except for the Black vs. Yellow coloring; however, the longer Octo hose works great to reduce the hose pulling the regulator out of your mouth. It is simple to adjust, if you know what you are doing (no exterior knob). I am still trying to find a socket deep enough to reach the adjustment...I have to take the face off to adjust it with a combo wrench right now.

Comments about Mares Proton Metal Octopus:

This is the most perfect Octo you can find. Reliable, metal, light weight yet performs heavy duty. I also have Mares Abyss for main Reg and this is perfect because when my jaw gets tired I switch to this one and have almost no drop off in performance...much beter than non-metal proton Octo.

Also, cheaper than proton Ice Metal...for an Octo, you can't go wrong here.