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Review Summary
2015-09-03T20:00:00
I looked at a lot of regs in different price ranges but wanted the best instead of the least expensive. I also wanted a nice old-school aesthetic because this would be featured in a lot of professional photography. I narrowed it down to Mares® and some Scubapros®. I chose the Abyss 52 because it was better built than most others; it is all welded and chromed metal with some plastic accents and felt like a tank. A lot of even the most expensive regs have plastic 2nd stages and I don't see where the price comes from. This one also had no adjustment knobs. I rarely use those knobs while diving and wanted less to break. Having dived the reg I am mostly very happy. The build quality was really good. The breathing was very responsive and even on a tank ran down to 350PSI it breathed the same as on a full cylinder. The 2nd stage really did breathe more moist with my breath condensing inside the metal conductor and sending a spray of fresh water into my mouth once in a while on inhaling. The 1st stage was nice and light and it had nice spread amongst the ports for adding my transmitter for air as well as a traditional spy/gage combo for backup. The flex hose works well and stores tight. The purge works well and won't crack like the flexible variety. The mouthpiece it came with is too floppy and does not have enough length for a lot of your teeth to cite into. So I bought a custom moldable one which was ok since the 52 is not that expensive. But I wish I had added it to my Leisurepro order in the first place as it was more expensive locally. The 52 1st stage is nice and I had zero leaks or issues. I don't know how it compares to the 22 which is time tested, but I know it is lighter which is great because I was already having issues getting my Hawaii baggage down to less than 50Lbs and every ounce counts (less 3 Oz vs the 22.) I felt no need for adjusting venturi or spring rate so it's great that it just works and there is nothing to jam with sand or fail. Great Buy.
Filip P.
2014-08-17T20:00:00
Best regulatior I've used to this point in all the years of diving... The only concern was getting used to positioning it correctly once in the water while not in my mouth to prevent free-flow...
HARRY M.
Balanced Diaphragm
Four 3/8" Thread
Two 7/16" Thread
Downstream Demand Valve
Chromed Brass, Plastic, Silicone Rubber
3/8"
29.5" (75 cm)
39 oz. (1117 g)




Great Regulator!
By HARRY M.
Best regulatior I've used to this point in all the years of diving... The only concern was getting used to positioning it correctly once in the water while not in my mouth to prevent free-flow...
The Abyss Regulator is available with the compact top performer MR52 first stage: the best for a unique high caliber set up. The Abyss 52 incorporates a double DFC System that provides a consistent flow of air at any depth, even when breathing simultaneously from both the primary second stage and the octopus. The Natural Convection Channel (NCC) System and the design of the Abyss second stage with more metal on the front cover, allows this combination to achieve very high performance in cold water. The NCC System increases cold water performance by creating a flow of water across the regulator. The flow is driven by the change of density in water with temperature. The Abyss 52's pre-oriented pressure ports provide for an ideal placement of hoses even when using two independent regulators.
The all chrome plated marine brass first stage regulator is a balanced diaphragm design which is environmentally sealed. The diaphragm membrane transmits the pressure changes to the internal mechanism eliminating the need for the surrounding water to enter the intricate mechanism. The benefit of this type of first stage design is that none of the internal parts are exposed to contaminants such as salt, sand, chlorine or pool acids. These environmental contaminants cause corrosion and mineral deposits to form on the internal mechanism deteriorating regulator performance.
The Abyss 52 uses Tri-Material Valve Technology. This patented technology created to optimize performance, safety and reliability. The valve is covered with a hard Polyurethane (PU) and the sealing surface is a layered with a soft PU for a perfect seal. Tri-material (brass, soft PU and heavy-duty" PU) reaches new levels of durability.
Another unique feature of the first-stage is the Dynamic Flow Control (DFC). The DFC system minimizes the intermediate pressure drop during inhalation, making it possible to use a simpler more reliable second stage. No type of manual adjustment of the second stage is necessary due to the consistency derived from a first stage that guarantees a stable flow of air, even under extreme conditions. The first stage is equipped with 3 LP ports with 3/8" and 1 LP port with 1/2" threads. There are also 2 7/8" HP ports for attachment of a pressure gauge or air integrated console.
For extreme demanding conditions, such as use in cold or contaminated water, the Abyss 52 second stage is also made of chrome plated brass. This material offers a number of benefits: ruggedness and thinner walls which allow compact dimensions obtained without using smaller-diameter diaphragms; this result in reduced water drag. The second stage ha an anti-freeze function, which is enhanced by the "radiator action" of the metal.
The Abyss with its Vortex Assist Design (V.A.D.) system: all Mares second stages offer the unique patented VAD system. The air bypass tube conveys air to the mouthpiece creating a swirling vortex with a low-pressure area in the center this keeps the diaphragm down during inhalation, giving very sensitive and easy breathing at all depths. The second stage cover features the new "mesh-grid" system for water inflow and outflow, which provides a further performance improvement.
Furthermore, the compact and ergonomic exhaust tee ensures superior hydrodynamic performance and reduced exhalation resistance. The mouthpiece is made of soft hypoallergenic silicone: limiting jaw fatigue and offering a secure fit even after very long dives. Mares developed the Superflex hose after many years of testing and research. The results achieved far surpassed the tests required by EN250. Hose is extremely light weight and exceptionally soft, guaranteeing the maximum freedom of movement and further reducing jaw fatigue. Superflex hose is 3/8" threaded high-flow hose and is 29.5" (75 cm) in length. The regulators total weight is 39 oz. (1117 g).
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