Thursday, March 28, 2024
Scuba DivingReview Extra: Mares Loop 15x Regulator

Review Extra: Mares Loop 15x Regulator

-

Mares have never been afraid to try things a little out of the ordinary – just look at the top-of-the-line Fusion 52x and its motorcycle-throttle-like venturi control! So that is why I was not surprised to see a Mares logo on the Loop, with its bizarrely routed hose. Regs tend to be either right or left, this one, the hose protrudes from the bottom of the reg between the vents of the exhaust!

Mares secondary Loop 15x
Mares secondary Loop 15x

While this obviously has an impact on its use as an everyday regulator – it is designed to be used ‘under the arm’ style – it does make it perfect as a stage cylinder reg, and when stowed sits nicely at the top of the cylinder. It also means you don’t have to deploy the full length of hose to be able to use it. It is teamed up with a compact balanced diaphragm first stage.

Mares Unveils Loop 15x Regulator At DEMA 2016
Mares Unveils Loop 15x Regulator At DEMA 2016

The Loop gave a nice, smooth breath in all positions. The mouthpiece is comfortable, the purge works well and there are no controls to fiddle with, it just works well out of the box. As we said above, it is designed to be routed under your arm for use as a primary regulator, and while I can see the thought that has gone into this novel approach, I am not sure how many divers will adopt it. That said, it is good to see Mares trying something new – and as stated above, on a stage it is perfect.

Technical Specs

  • RRP: Loop 15X $400 / £272 – Loop Octo $140 / £90
  • FIRST STAGE: Balanced diaphragm
  • PORTS: 4 Low Pressure, 2 High Pressure
  • SECOND STAGE: Vertical connection
  • USER ADJUSTABLE: No
  • WEIGHT: A-clamp 1.146kg, DIN 972g (including hose)

REVIEW OVERVIEW

Review Extra: Mares Loop 15x Regulator

SUMMARY

Bravo to Mares for trying something different. Not sure how it will sell as a normal reg, but it will make a damn fine stage set.
Mark Evans
Mark Evanshttp://www.scubadivermag.com
Mark is the Editor-in-Chief of Scuba Diver magazine - a lavishly illustrated, independent diving publication that serves the divers across the world.

1 COMMENT

SEARCH

CONNECT WITH US

858,282FansLike
108,965FollowersFollow
2,738FollowersFollow
22,801FollowersFollow
13,177FollowersFollow
25,921FollowersFollow
2,531SubscribersSubscribe

RECENT ARTICLES

Bravo to Mares for trying something different. Not sure how it will sell as a normal reg, but it will make a damn fine stage set.Review Extra: Mares Loop 15x Regulator