Balanced configurations?

[rhwestfall]

Okay, lets talk about the assembly of a kit. Are there any thoughts on:

1. Unbalanced 1st with a balanced second (such as a SP MK-2 [maybe a SP MK-5] w/ an upgraded SP109).
2. Balanced 1st with unbalanced second (SP MK-10 with SP109).
3. Balanced 1st with balanced second. (SP MK-10 w/ upgraded 109 [they put together the SP MK-17 (& MK-25) w/ the SP G250v].

I have some opportunities to put some gear together in these configurations, and wonder if there are any benefits or problems. Give me your thoughts. I want to avoid the complete "unbalanced" rig as I just don't like the low cylinder effort. I know they are great for students/training (or so described).

 

[herman]

There are no issuse with any of the combos. It matters little which is balanced as long as one or the other is. By the way, the MK-5 is also balanced. Of the bunch, I think my choice would be the MK-10 (or 5) with a standard 109. No reason to balance the 109 and it introduces an extra oring to go bad....and I have had a SP balance chamber (plastic) actually split along it's seams so another good reason not to balance the 109.

 

[Zung]

#3 is my preferred configuration because I stock the same parts for all my 156's and G250's.
But then the seats for the unbalanced 2nd are so inexpensive thanks to awap's magic punch that I don't mind having unbalanced 2nd for octo's.

 

[elan]

Check whats serviceable easier in the area and go from there some shops in ontario i found are not friendly to stuff like 109 for different crappy reasons but if you diy that would not matter. I had hard time finding a good service guy and those who are good are usually loaded up to the roof so i had to wait
Are the stages other than 17 sealed ? I would guess no. I would hesitate to go to Toby with unsealed first. So my choice would be 17 + 109 or 250

I dove my buddy's 17+250 a month ago in toby and i liked the reg.