Deciding Between ScubaPro MK17 and MK11

[PfcAJ]

Scubapro is a great choice. Solid brand and it can be serviced worldwide.

Both the 11 and 17 are good regs.

 

[BoltSnap]

Good people, help me decide between these two ScubaPro 1st stage regulators. I know there are several posts on this, but each situation is unique. Let me provide details for mine. I'll be doing almost exclusively the following type of diving around Florida and the Keys:

• Warm water (67 F - 85 F)
• Shallow (<60')
• BP/W setup if it matters
  
• Shore diving (could be sandy, silty entries)

The last bullet has me concerned enough to strongly consider the fully enclosed MK17, but I like the compactness and simplicity of the MK11. Regarding my concern, in your estimation, will the MK11 have issues with beach entries over time? I do require 2 HP ports, but I am not opposed to a piston-style if that makes more sense (for example, the MK25).

Thanks.

David

In my region, the price difference between the MK11 and MK17 (same second stage) is about $30 so I'd go with the MK17. The size difference is insignificant with a better first stage, the MK17.

Important question for you, are the second stages the same on the MK17 and MK11?

 

[certainmisuse]

In my region, the price difference between the MK11 and MK17 (same second stage) is about $30 so I'd go with the MK17. The size difference is insignificant with a better first stage, the MK17.

Important question for you, are the second stages the same on the MK17 and MK11?

Good question, still undecided on the second stage. I'm going to do something really weird and get an octo first, that will be a ScubaPro R195.

 

[BoltSnap]

Good question, still undecided on the second stage. I'm going to do something really weird and get an octo first, that will be a ScubaPro R195.

In my region we have the C370 which is a balanced second stage and it is awesome (not for very cold water diving however). I am not sure if the MK17 and the MK11 are available with the C370 yet in the US. @tbone1004 advice to get an MK17 with G260 is very good advice but that may drive the price up very high. It is worth it if you are going to be diving in colder water, <10C/40F. @tbone1004 also advised to get matching second stage, I agree with him 100000%!!! (It is seldom that @tbone1004 and I agree on regulators FYI).

 

[BoltSnap]

Scubapro is a great choice. Solid brand and it can be serviced worldwide.

This is a very valuable fact and well worth the extra $$ in the long term indeed.

 

[tbone1004]

@BurhanMuntasser we can get the mk11/c370, but not the mk17/c370. Only the A700 and G260 are available with the MK17

 

[BoltSnap]

I'm going to do something really weird and get an octo first, that will be a ScubaPro R195.

Look at @tbone1004 's advice above about buying matching second stages, get a G260, c560 or the C370 for the primary and octo. I also recommend that you use the "Primary Donate" configuration. It will reduce the chance your octo. dragging in the sand/rocks/mud for a lot less troubles with the octo. since you will be doing shore entries/exists (you will need matching second stages).

 

[BoltSnap]

@BurhanMuntasser we can get the mk11/c370, but not the mk17/c370. Only the A700 and G260 are available with the MK17

Too bad, the C370 is a fantastic second stage for recreational diving in >10C/40F waters. (I agree with you that the G260 is an excellent option but it is much more $$$$).

 

[shurite7]

The Mk17 is normally combined with the G260 (which I happen to like, too) or the A700. You can get the C370, S620Ti or S600 with the Mk11 or Mk17. Same with any of their first stages. It will cost a little extra to match different second stages with the first stage if it isn't offered as a combined reg.

Rsingler mentioned the C350 is underappreciated and I agree. The C370 is a nice second stage. I've been trying to convince Scubapro to make a yellow cover for the C370 so that people can use it as an alternate second stage. Like others above, I prefer to have two matching second stages - G260.

 

[Storker]

Your concerns about pistons and beach entries is spot on! The grit that adheres to the fine crevice where the piston oring meets the land accelerates the deterioration of that design even with "thorough rinsing".

Isn't this a pretty good argument for looking at a diaphragm 1st stage instead of a piston 1st?