Scubapro MK2 Plus/R295 Regulator as Starter

[bbkid]

Any thoughts on this SP combination?

Scubapro MK2 Plus/R295 Regulator

bbkid

 

[superstar]

the mk2 is an outstanding regulator.

 

[halocline]

Its an excellent 1st reg. It was my first reg too, and I still have it.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

Perfect.
There's no need to get anything fancier.
If I knew then what I know now I would have just bought that very regulator and been happy. I can't tell the difference between my current MK2 and my first MK20.

 

[mahjong]

Any thoughts on this SP combination?

Scubapro MK2 Plus/R295 Regulator

bbkid

Can't go wrong. But you are perhaps getting fancier than need be. An MK2 (not sure what the "plus" offers) and an R190 is the workhorse combo. It probably won't be too long before I sell all my regs and just go with this combo (but I might also keep my G250, because "my" G250 breathes better than all the others .

 

[Couv]

I like the MK2 because it's a bullet proof design. Easy to maintain, easy to get parts for and easy to DIY. However it's an unbalanced first stage and the R295 is an unbalanced second stage (as is the 190.) It's really not a big deal, but as tank pressure drops so does performance. Having said that, one might argue that is a good thing as it may help alert you if you're not paying attention to your SPG. If I'm not mistaken, the R295 has a smaller diaphragm which may also lead to a reduction in performance. I'll try to find a post where some of the Masters have commented on this issue.

Edit: here is a thread you may find helpful:
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/regulators/329314-sp-r190-vs-r295-octo.html

 

[Zung]

I started diving at an SP backed dive club, so it was all MK2/R190, and it was OK. Then I bought my 1st set, an AL Supra(Cousteau)/XL because it was on sale, but nevetheless noticed an improvement, possibly from the 1st stage, the XL being identical to the R190 for all practical purpose. Then I changed to the SP MK10/20/G250 and again noticed an improvement, likely because the 2nd stage is a better design.

I still dive the MK20/G250 and standardize the whole family on it.

So it all depends on how fussy you are: you could live happily ever after with the MK2/R190/29x/39x (more or less the same thing), which will make it a great deal. Or you'll buy another set, and the deal'll become not so great, unless you go the TEC way and recycle the old set for a pony or something.

 

[diver 85]

I use them plus a DR octo on my BP/W ......No problems to date.....

 

[redacted]

I also started with a Mk2/R190 and it is a reliable, perfectly adequate reg. But, working hard in some fairly strong river currents, I felt I was overbreathing it and moved up to higher performance balanced 1sts and balanced/adjustable 2nds. The Mk2 has been relegated to pony use where I believe it is a better choice than the heavier, high performance options.

 

[Supermanwoot]

for 2011 scubapro is offering the mk11/(c200/c300) in their "budget" range.

Got a editors choice from the padi magazine. Any thoughts? probably right in that same price range except a balanced, brand new design, albeit diaphragm.