The Abyss‘ high pressure poppet was designed for a "2 year or 200 dives" service interval - double the high pressure seat life industry standard! Designed to exceed stringent U.S. Navy standards, the Abyss also impressed Rodale‘s technicians earning "Tester‘s Choice" distinction in 1998 and 1999.
The sleek Abyss 2nd stage is coupled with Mares‘ MR 22 1st stage to deliver superior performance in temperate and tropical waters. The Abyss is the choice of many of Divers Direct‘s on-staff experts. MR 22 1st Stage: Long life high pressure poppet Dynamic Flow Control (DFC) Balanced Diaphragm design 4 Low pressure ports 2 High pressure ports Flow rate 4,800 l/min Abyss 2nd Stage Chrome
and Nickel-plated Brass (All Metal) body Vortex Assisted Design (VAD) Turbo Flow System Super Flow ½" hose Flow rate 2,400 l/min. My unit is actually the Titanium version so my review is based on that.
My first dive with this regulator was made in Casino Point at the Santa Catalina Island in California.
The regulator performed above my expectations. Air delivery was smooth and consistent in all positions including on semi-inverted hover i did for over 30 seconds. However there are a few negative points I found with this regulator. First is the jaw fatigue that I had heard from other owners of the Abyss. I can add my agreement to that group of divers. After the end of my first dive, my jaw was slightly tired from having to coup with the heavy weight of the mouthpiece.
Second, it lacks the air delivery regulating knob that was found in my old Genesis GS2000 regulator.
On the "cotton-mouth" issue, the Abyss fared better than my old GS2000. All in all, I would recommend this regulator with a small reservation on its weight problem and the tendencies to give diver jaw fatigue.
After the stock motuhpiece was changed to a new ergonomic mouthpiece that was purchased at Sport Chalet, my jaw fatigue pretty much went away. The weight of the unit itself is pretty hefty but it sure performs that way that is supposed to. A tough well built regulator that is reliable and high performer.
Get more information on the Abyss and other Mares products at Mares.
Score: 8
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The Abyss‘ high pressure poppet was designed for a "2 year or 200 dives" service interval - double the high pressure seat life industry standard! Designed to exceed stringent U.S. Navy standards, the Abyss also impressed Rodale‘s technicians earning "Tester‘s Choice" distinction in 1998 and 1999.