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For those that are serious about scuba diving it is important to purchase high quality gear. One of the most important pieces of gear for a scuba diver is the regulator. The regulator must be designed for consistent performance in the conditions that the diver will most often experience. A beginner recreational diver and a Navy diver will have different needs and therefore different gear. For divers that dive in harsh conditions and those that regularly dive in cold water a high end regulator designed to withstand those conditions is a must.
In this article we will review the Mares Abyss 22 Navy. This regulator is Navy approved and designed for the more serious diver, or someone that routinely experiences harsh conditions. We will review the product specs and compare it to some of its competitors to see how it stacks up.
What Is the Mares Abyss 22 Navy?
The Mares Abyss 22 Navy is innovative regulator manufactured by Mares; a company with an excellent reputation. The Mares Abyss 22 Navy’s first stage is unique in that it has been streamlined and designed to be more compact and lightweight. The first stage is a balanced diaphragm design which offers outstanding breathing performance at any depth. Also, the balanced diaphragm design is better suited for divers that regularly drive in extremely cold water as the internal components are less likely to build up ice as opposed to a balanced piston design.
The Mares Abyss 22 Navy also features 2 high pressure ports and 4 low pressure ports and is Nitrox compatible to up to 40% oxygen without any additional adjustment. Also, the all metal design of both the first and second stages improve durability and thermal conductivity which is crucial for divers that routinely dive in cold water.
The Mares Abyss 22 Navy’s second stage is a downstream demand valve system which offers solid performance. The second stage, like the first stage, is constructed of all metal which is better suited for cold water dives. The Mares Abyss 22 Navy also features Mares unique Vortex Assisted Design (VAD) technology. An outlet on the second stage diverts some air to the mouthpiece on inhalation which creates a vortex with a low pressure center that keeps the diaphragm down. This makes breathing with the Mares Abyss 22 Navy effortless and consistent in even the most demanding conditions.
The second stage of the Mares Abyss Navy 22 also features an innovative braided style nylon hose that resists kinks, and has a much higher burst pressure than standard hoses. Mares has also included their comfortable silicone mouthpiece with the second stage that reduces gum irritation.
Product Specs
The Mares Abyss 22 navy features all-metal construction on both the first and second stages. This construction makes this regulator better suited for cold water dives. The first stage features a high flow Dynamic Flow Control “DFC” port which keeps pressure steady during inhalation. The first stage is a balanced diaphragm design which gives consistent performance and effortless breathing regardless of tank pressure and is ideal for cold water dives.
The second stage of the Mares Abyss 22 Navy is a downstream demand valve system which features a mesh grid cover, all metal construction, and is designed to divert air bubbles away from the face; ideal for photographers. The mares Abyss Navy 22 also features the VAD design which keeps breathing effortless and eliminates the need for user controls such as a pre-dive/dive switch. The second stage is fitted with a braided nylon hose and comfortable silicone mouthpiece.
The total weight of the Mares Abyss Navy 22 is 2.9 lbs including the hose including a 1.9 lb first stage and a .6 lb second stage. This first stage has been designed to be one of the lightest weight first stages that Mares has produced.
Pricing
The Mares Abyss Navy 22 is priced at approximately $750 making it a significant investment, but for more serious divers it is a great value. This product offers reliable performance that will keep you breathing easy.
How It Compares
We picked a few similar products available on the market to see how they compare.
Scubapro MK 25/Evo S600 Scuba Diving Regulator
Sherwood SR2 SRB2000 Scuba Diving Dive Regulator
Zeagle F8 Regulator
Mares Abyss 22 Navy
Price $$$
The Mares Abyss 22 Navy is priced at approximately $750 which is appropriate considering this is a high end regulator that is approved for us by the U.S. Navy. This regulator is for more serious divers or those that dive in harsh conditions and is priced accordingly.
Ease of Use ***** (5/5 stars)
The VAD technology helps make breathing effortless and eliminates the need for a pre-dive mode to eliminate free flows. The balanced diaphragm first stage is ideal for cold water dives.
Durability ***** (5/5 stars)
The Mares Abyss 22 Navy is designed to be give the user years of worry free performance in harsh conditions. The all metal construction and braided nylon hose are built to withstand the most harsh conditions.
Design Quality ***** (5/5 stars)
This regulator is extremely well designed and loaded with innovative features. The first stage features an additional high pressure port, and the silicone mouthpiece won’t irritate your gums.
Warranty ***** (5/5 stars)
Mares includes a lifetime service parts warranty with this product for the original purchaser.
Pros
- Innovative VAD design
- All metal construction
- Kink resistant hose
Cons
- Cost
- Not necessary for beginners
Scubapro MK25/Evo S600 Scuba Diving Regulator
The Scubapro MK25 EVO/S600 is a high end regulator set made by Scubapro. The MK25 first stage is Scubapro’s top of the line first stage and features a balanced flow-by piston design. The internal parts of the MK25 are insulated to improve cold water tolerance and keep internal components from freezing which causes free flows. Also, the first stage features 2 high pressure ports and 5 low pressure ports on a swivel turret, so when you move your head the torrent swivels and the hose moves which reduces jaw fatigue.
The EVO S600 second stage is a high end second stage loaded with features. The Balanced design second stage is designed for improved cold water performance and features a venture adjustment switch that can be set on either pre-dive mode or dive mode that eliminates free flows while jumping into the water. Also, the second stage features a breathing adjustable knob which can restrict the air flow which comes in handy during cold water dives.
Price $$$
The Scubapro MK25/EVO S600 regulator is priced at approximately $800 making it rather expensive for a regulator set, but this is a high end set that is loaded with great features and is priced accordingly.
Ease of Use ***** (5/5 stars)
The balanced flow-by piston first stage makes breathing easy, and the second stage’s breathing adjustable knob make cold water dives less of a hassle.
Durability ***** (5/5 stars)
This Scubapro regulator set is designed with high quality materials and is engineered for improved cold water performance over traditional piston design first stages.
Design Quality ***** (5/5 stars)
Scubapro has included lots of high-end features into this regulator. The 360 degree swivel turret and 5 low pressure ports make this regulator set stand out among its competitors
Warranty ***** (5/5 stars)
Scubapro offers a limited lifetime warranty with this product.
Pros
- Unique Swivel turret
- Five low pressure ports
- Insulated first stage for increased cold water performance
Cons
- Cost is the only negative aspect of this regulator that we could find
Sherwood SR2 SRB2000 Scuba Diving Dive Regulator
The SR2 by Sherwood is a compact regulator set that is designed to give the diver excellent performance and value. The first stage is an environmentally sealed balanced piston design which ensures easy breathing and consistent performance. The environmentally sealed first stage prevents water from getting into any of the moving parts, prolonging the regulator’s life and reducing required maintenance. The first stage has 2 high pressure ports and 4 low pressure ports on a 360 degree swivel turret to reduce jaw fatigue.
The SR2 second stage is a pneumatic balanced design for easy breathing and enhanced cold water performance. The second stage features a breathing sensitivity knob that allows the user to easily adjust the resistance in the regulator which is helpful in cold water dives. The second stage also features a venturi adjustment switch that allows the diver to select a pre-dive mode thereby eliminating free flows while getting into the water or swimming in the surf. Overall, the Sherwood SR2 is an excellent choice for a scuba diver in need of a high quality regulator.
Price $$
This regulator is priced at approximately $650 which is a good value considering this product is loaded with several features common on high end regulator sets.
Ease of Use ***** (5/5 stars)
Sherwood has an excellent reputation in the industry for making high quality regulators and this one is no exception. Users report easy breathing and really like the lightweight compact design that doesn’t feel like a weight while diving.
Durability ***** (5/5 stars)
Sherwood’s environmentally sealed first stage protects the internal parts from contaminants prolonging the lifespan of the product and reducing the amount of maintenance required.
Design Quality ***** (5/5 stars)
The SR2 is an extremely well designed set with venturi adjustment switch, 360 degree swivel turret, 2 high pressure ports, and breathing sensitivity knob.
Warranty ***** (5/5 stars)
Sherwood offers a lifetime non-transferrable warranty on all parts. This warranty only extends to the original purchaser of the product, so product registration is a must.
Pros
- Environmentally sealed first stage
- 360 swivel turret
- Nitrox compatible up to 40%
Cons
- Cost will eliminate some divers
- Some users have complained about gum irritation
Zeagle F8 Regulator
The Zeagle F8 Regulator is Zeagle’s re-designed flagship regulator set that’s manufactured in the USA by Zeagle. The first stage is constructed from chrome plated brass and is an environmentally sealed balanced diaphragm design. The balanced diaphragm design is better suited for cold water dives and environmentally sealed means longer lifespan and less maintenance. The first stage is equipped with 2 high pressure ports and 5 low pressure ports.
The second stage is compact and lightweight with smooth edges and streamlined features, and is a pneumatic balanced design. The breathing sensitivity control is very easy to operate, and the venturi control switch is clearly marked and easy to reach. The balanced first and second stage deliver a consistent flow of air regardless of tank pressure and water temperature. The F8 weighs a total of 2.6 lbs and is Nitrox compatible up to 40%.
Price $$
The Zeagle F8 is priced at approximately $600 which is a good price for a high end regulator like this one.
Ease of Use ***** (5/5 stars)
The Zeagle F8 is very easy to use with its balanced diaphragm first stage and pneumatic second stage that make breathing natural and effortless. Also, diver controls are easy to reach and clearly marked.
Durability ***** (5/5 stars)
This regulator is designed to last with chrome plated brass construction and environmentally sealed balanced diaphragm first stage. This regulator is designed to deliver reliable performance in a variety of conditions.
Design Quality ***** (5/5 stars)
This is a very well-designed regulator set. The controls on the second stage are easy to reach and operate, and the balanced diaphragm first stage is better suited for extreme cold water dives. The F8 will give its owner great performance for several years.
Warranty ***** (5/5 stars)
Zeagle offers a limited lifetime warranty on this product.
Pros
- Balanced first and second stage for effortless breathing
- Diaphragm design is better suited for cold water dives
- Second stage features 2 high pressure ports and 5 low pressure ports
Cons
- Cost, this model is a bit pricey for recreational divers
- Some have reported first stage failure during deep water dives
Conclusion
The Mares Abyss 22 Navy is a well designed high end regulator set for the serious diver, or for a recreational diver that doesn’t mind spending the extra money to get a high-end product. The regulator is U.S. Navy approved and will deliver reliable performance in the most harsh conditions. WIth the Mares Abyss 22 Navy you really can’t go wrong.
