Mares Abyss 22

At a glance

Mares Abyss 22 is a regulator from Mares, rated 4.6 out of 5 and placed 13 of 32 in our regulators shortlist. Its defining number is weight: 950 grams. It scores hardest on build quality (89/100) and softest on value for money (50/100). The clearest advantage divers report: extremely smooth and effortless breathing at depth.

What the regulator actually gives you

Where it wins and where it costs you

Full review: Mares Abyss 22

The Mares Abyss 22 stands as one of the most trusted names in cold water and technical diving regulators, building on decades of refinement from Mares' engineering team. This first stage features Mares' proprietary technology designed specifically to combat the risks of ice formation and freezing in demanding environments, making it a favored choice among divers who explore quarries, lakes, and other low-temperature dive sites. The over-balanced diaphragm design ensures consistent airflow regardless of depth or remaining tank pressure, delivering the kind of reliable performance that divers depend on when conditions become challenging. Its environmentally sealed construction keeps moisture and contaminants away from critical internal components, extending the regulator's lifespan while maintaining peak functionality dive after dive.

Paired with the second stage, the Abyss 22 delivers exceptionally smooth breathing characteristics thanks to its pneumatically balanced valve system, which maintains effortless inhalation whether you're cruising at the surface or descending toward your maximum depth limit. The adjustable inhalation effort knob gives divers direct control over breathing resistance, allowing customization based on personal preference or specific dive conditions. Mares incorporated a lightweight yet durable technopolymer housing that reduces jaw fatigue during extended dives, while the ergonomic mouthpiece ensures comfortable fit across varying jaw sizes. The large purge button remains easily accessible even with thick gloves, a thoughtful detail that speaks to the regulator's cold water heritage and its practical design philosophy centered on real-world usability.

Built to DIN and yoke configurations depending on diver preference, the Mares Abyss 22 accommodates various tank valve systems without compromising performance or safety margins. The regulator's high-flow design supports demanding diving styles, including technical and decompression diving where consistent gas delivery becomes non-negotiable. Corrosion-resistant materials throughout the construction, including brass components with protective plating, help the Abyss 22 withstand saltwater exposure and the rigors of frequent use across diverse diving environments. For divers seeking a regulator that combines proven reliability, robust cold-water certification, and smooth breathing performance, the Mares Abyss 22 continues to represent a benchmark choice within the scuba diving gear market, trusted by recreational and technical divers alike who refuse to compromise on equipment they depend on for life support underwater.