Mares Ultra 72x

I was lucky to be given a set of Mares Ultra 72x for review by Rainbow Runner’s Mr.Sim. I’ve been using quite a few regulators in the past 20 years of my diving career, I must say this Ultra 72x is one of the lightest and easiest I have used. Usually and most importantly when I choose a regulator, it must be within a certain weight ratio, coming at 1034g it’s definitely at the light-medium spectrum. It’s when you travel often with your scuba set that all these weights matters.  I tested the Ultra 72x using a very layman method, in ways that anyone picking this regulator would understand. Weight being one bonus criteria, the flexi hose and the ease of breathing is the other deciding factor.

All Mares regulators (newer ones) comes with this VAD – VORTEX ASSISTED DESIGN, some might  know this as Venturi Effects . Easier explanation would be at all depths, this unmatched mechanism makes breathing easier. The underlying idea is quite straightforward as air enters the second stage as it exits the hose and is then sent through the VAD tube directly to the mouthpiece. As airflow enters the mouthpiece, a “vortex” is formed. A region of low pressure is located in the center of this spinning air. By keeping the second stage diaphragm down during inhalation and boosting the regulator’s sensitivity, this low pressure helps to reduce respiratory effort. Regulators that use the VAD technology provide better performance and highly comfortable and more natural breathing.

Often we would like an all rounder regulators that you can trust to do all basic necessity of diving, shallow, deep, tropical or even cold conditions, sometimes these requirements comes with hefty price tag, Ultra 72x is quite affordable at RM 2,3xx. The flexi hose and the 2nd stage mechanism enable divers to perform dives even at odd angle (you’ll know when you dive inverted as shown at video a) smooth, consistent air draw during inhalation and when easy exhalation through the exhaust. Balanced regulators designed and manufacture means they maintain easy breathing for the diver even at depth or with low cylinder pressures. Whereas, an unbalanced regulator produces an increase in breathing resistance for the user as the diver descends deeper or the tank pressure drops. Important factor for anyone buying regulators. Although many brands now have all balanced regulators, it’s important to note that some still is unbalanced (older resorts/dive center rented gears). Here’s some nerd facts for those like more technical information:

• MATERIAL: Ultralight Technopolymer
• FIRST STAGE: Balanced Diaphragm
• FIRST STAGE WEIGHT INT:882g / 31.1oz
• FIRST STAGE WEIGHT DIN:708g / 25oz
• SECOND STAGE WEIGHT:190g / 6.7oz
• TOTAL WEIGHT (G) INT:1208g / 42.6oz
• TOTAL WEIGHT DIN:1034g / 36.5oz
• HIGH PRESSURE PORTS:2 HP 7/16”
• UNFLOW PRESSURE PORTS:LP 3/8”
• UNFHOSE TYPE:Superflex Hose
• GAS USED:AirHOSE LENGTH:75cm

The other regulator that I might buy (for own use) would be the ultra light SXS 62x coming in at 811g. Very compact 1st stage and side exhaust for 2nd stage is something a photographer/videographer might consider (all exhale bubbles flow 1 direction) as this won’t block our view or distract any fishes (lessen the spook effect). Nobody likes air bubbles covering their mask whenever they exhale (as shown below)

Whichever your choice when buying a regulator, it’s just basic logic to do more research before throwing down your hard earned dough. Consider the dive progression you are aiming for, the travel weight restrictions and also the budget you’ve set. All regulators delivers airs, but some does it better than others so have fun researching and buying the right one for yourself. Cheers