Amigos,
I posted my experience with the new Mistral over at
www.wetpixel.com (in the DSLR forum topic). Wetpixel is one of two digital underwater photography sites I frequent and this regulator generated some interest to the new generation of divers. Especially for critter shooting.
Ron Yanega and I had bought a NEW Mistral, dived them a full day at our local quarry and since sold them. As a photographer I had high hopes for a rear bubble exhaust regulator providing a wee bit more "critter stalking" capability (like getting close to gators in FLA!) LOL
Too be totally honest my original Mistral (circa 1959) Chucko tuned to perfection outbreathed the new one (!!!!!) I'll be acquiring another original Mistral someday (anyone got one they'll sell in 1959-1970 range and ready to dive?)
The reality of diving anywhere except your own dive holes, state parks as we did in FLA, your own boat or some operator who knows you vintage guys is the main thing that will keep any NEW style double hose from ever being designed and sold in volume. It's simple economics. Any regulator sold these days would have to have ports for a SPG, octopus, dry suit hose, etc. This would be a REQUIREMENT, not an option for something to sell well. While my modern gear (except for dry suit diving) uses only 3 hoses (main second stage, Seaquest AirSource BC inflator / octopus and SPG) the norm in the sport diving world today is 4 hoses (!!!!!) with two second stages.....Then the capability to add a dry suit hose, etc.
I'm sure that's why Aqualung (division of Air Liquide for years now) used the Titan balanced first stage, the modern version of the Conshelf XIV with an APEKS designed balanced second stage. I have two Titan LX regs and it's a fantastic light breathing machine. Simple, reliable and light, good to 160' + (not that I would know tha, of course
The NEW Mistral's second stage performance, big buoyant hoses, swivel mouthpiece (which I thought would be great and didn't help comfort one iota IMHO) just doesn't deliver in real world use.....
Someone over at Wetpixel suggested the Inspiration rebreather hose counterweights......Just what I want to haul in my dive bag on an international trip. LEAD!!! NO WAY!!!!
As far as a Mentor being available to the general public, we'd have abetter chance of winning the lottery
Your Mileage May Vary!
David Haas