AL Titan LX vs. SP MK25/G250HP

[myScubaLogin]

hello all,

I am new to scuba diving and intend to stay within recreational limits. I will probably dive only a few times a year, mostly in moderate to warm water...sometimes possibly in cold, but probably not below 40F. I have very little experience with different regs, only a couple of rentals, one of them being Titan (not LX) and i felt at some times that i did not have enough air at 60+ feet. I would like to purchase a good reg that will last a long time. Not looking to spend above $400.
I have two regs i am looking at purchasing at a local very reputable shop. They are also authorized dealers for both, AL and SP.

They have Tital LX for around $365 and SP MK25/G250HP for $399

What do you think? Are these decent deals?
In particular I am interested in performance, realiability, i heard that G250HP can breathe dry (true? is it bad?), service (here and europe - meditteranean)?
considering different setup with 1st stage, is it really a pain in the rear to clean on MK25?
G250HP seems huge...is this a problem under water?
what about bubble interference?
mouthpiece comfort?

Lots of questions, but are important for consideration ...thanks in advance!

 

[DA Aquamaster]

Both the LX and G250HP second stages have plastic air barrels so both will breathe equally dry. If you want to avopid dry mouth the G250V is the reg to get as it has a metal air barrel and better heat transfer.

The LX second stage uses a poppet that looks a lot like the older poppet Scubapro used in their balanced regs in terms of over all shape, but resembles the current Scubapro balanced poppet in terms of one piece plastic construction. It performs pretty much like the old scubapro poppet, which is to say very good, whihc is not surprising as it is sort of a hybrid copy of the two Scubapro designs.

All that said, te LX is one of the second stages that I like a lot and if Scubapro went out of business and I needed a new reg, I'd buy one.

The G250 looks large, but any extra weight is offset by extra buoyancy under water so it is a wash. The benefit is the larger diaphragm which provides more power for a given amount of vaccum and provides some benefits in terms of operating the internal parts. The larger size also tends to reduce bubble interference. The mouthpiece design SP uses is excellent.

Mk 25 has really large holes in the ambient chamber and rinsing is very easy. I almost never find salt or corrosion inside a Mk 25 ambient chamber and it really has to be ignored to become a problem. I can't say the same thing about the Titan as the ambient chamber is much less open and much harder to rinse. Unless you get the "supreme" option, the Titan is not sealed.

If you want a sealed first stage go with the Mk 17 instead of the Mk 25 or Titan Supreme. It is cheaper buy and performance is superb - better than the Titan.

Both the Titan LX and MK 25 G250HP can be serviced almost anywhere as dealer networks for both companies are widespread.

 

[deepocean]

Both regulators are very good. However I prefer the G250. This second stage is classic for a reason.

So my vote would be MK25+G250. If you want to do better get yourself an Apeks.

I have Apeks ATX200 and DS4 regulators. Best regulators for cold diving and no dry mouth either.

Would you opt for an Apeks buy the DS4. The ATX200 (or XTX200 now days) are only better if you do deep dives on air: > 25meters.

Happy diving.

 

[Nemrod]

The Titan LX has one of the best and most reliable and simple first stages ever made dating back decades. The second stage, though plastic, is small and light and works well. The Titan LX performs on par to virtually any regulator at any price point and can be serviced any place in the world I would imagine. N

 

[keyshunter]

DA,

Great analysis, as usual. Just one thing. I was sure that Al uses a metal air barrel. But, with my geriatric memory, I thought that I would check. So, I popped open the newer of my 2 Titan LX seconds, sn5038xxx, and the air barrel is metal.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

That's cool - it has a been a couple years since i have worked on one.

 

[squidster]

hello all,

I am new to scuba diving and intend to stay within recreational limits. I will probably dive only a few times a year, mostly in moderate to warm water...sometimes possibly in cold, but probably not below 40F. I have very little experience with different regs, only a couple of rentals, one of them being Titan (not LX) and i felt at some times that i did not have enough air at 60+ feet. I would like to purchase a good reg that will last a long time. Not looking to spend above $400.
I have two regs i am looking at purchasing at a local very reputable shop. They are also authorized dealers for both, AL and SP.

They have Tital LX for around $365 and SP MK25/G250HP for $399

What do you think? Are these decent deals?
In particular I am interested in performance, realiability, i heard that G250HP can breathe dry (true? is it bad?), service (here and europe - meditteranean)?
considering different setup with 1st stage, is it really a pain in the rear to clean on MK25?
G250HP seems huge...is this a problem under water?
what about bubble interference?
mouthpiece comfort?

Lots of questions, but are important for consideration ...thanks in

advance!

I would get the Titan Lx supreme Simple design
people that have them, seem to really love them.
I cant remember the last time anybody said anything bad about them.
Scuba Pro MK25 Is most likely a smoother breathing reg.
Actually the ScubaPro MK17 /G250VWould be a Great reg.
Good for cold as well as warm water,your covered.
If you are getting Scuba Pro Listen to DA Aquamaster
If you Are getting Aqualung Listen to Nemrod.
Both of those Guys Know alot about the two brands mentioned .

 

[tc_rain]

I second the Titan LX supreme. It is only a couple dollars more then the Titan LX but offers a sealed first stage.

 

[Nemrod]

I am not an expert and I am fond as well of the older heritage Scuba Pro, just never could afford one. Either would serve well. I like the small second stage of the LX. One thing, the Titan only has one HP port. If your the type that wants to double their trouble and use both an SPG and a wiresless then you will need a HP splitter. If that is important to you--it is not with me--then consider that. I have no intention of abandoning--ever--my B&G SPG and while computers are nice, I will pass on that pressure function I don't need or want. N

 

[myScubaLogin]

Thank you all very much for extended responses and analisys. Sounds like i can't really go wrong with either one. May come down to what kind of deal I get with the rest of the setup.

a couple of more things, if anyone has time...
do these prices sound like a decent deal? Would prefer to buy from local shop, so i'm guessing i pay some for that too.

I tried to get a price quote for MK17/G250HP but they told me it only comes with G250 V which kicks up the price to $540 (USD) or with MK17/S550 to ~$500. Wasn't looking to spend this much, but if difference is that big, maybe I would. While I am a beginner and will stick to recreational limits and nice conditions and >50F water, i would like to get something for the next 10 years.

they also offered these deals in sub 400 range:
MK16/G250 HP $300.
Titan LX supreme is around $30 more than LX (395).

anyways, sorry to bother you with details, but any thoughts are appreciated.
Thank you.