Converting a G200B into a G250?

[Eric Sedletzky]

My very first reg setup I bought when I started diving was a Scubapro MK20/G200B.
A the time the G250 (as I remember) was about $100 more than the G200B. I was already at the limit of what I could spend with the pile of gear sitting on the counter, so I opted for the balanced but fixed second stage to save a little money. The salesman quietly told me that the G200B was pretty much the exact same thing as a G250 just without the adjustment knob, and if I ever wanted to add that I could for about $75 for the parts.
I don't know how true that was because I was brand new and believed everything I was told.
So, is that true?
I'm not necessarily thinking of converting it now if it even is convertible, but I'm just curious.
I am also halfway in the market for a G250 now just to have something I couldn't have then. I don't know why, I have dozens of regs. I guess I just want one?

 

[Whitrzac]

New air barrel, adjustement knob and a few bits of hardware for sure.

Pretty sure they're all discontinued now.

 

[Nemrod]

I am also halfway in the market for a G250 now just to have something I couldn't have then. I don't know why, I have dozens of regs. I guess I just want one?

Yes, I think conversion is possible. I think the case is the same. I say think because I hve never done it but just from memory. But you will also need the decal for the purge. otherwise it will just not be right . So you will end up scrounging a G250, might as well get what you know you really want .

You want a G250 because down deep, you know you want the best and the G250 sits at the top of the regulator heap .

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

A guy I know and former dive buddy was selling his MK25 with a G250 and an R190.
Another friend of mine was getting into diving so I turned him onto the deal. It was $300 cash.
That was 5 years ago and the dude that bought it has never used it once! Anytime he goes on vacation he rents?? He also bought a super nice polished stainless Freedom Plate from me and I had him order a 30# VDH wing for it. He has the premium setup with all the trimmings and never uses it!
Very frustrating indeed.
I'll give it a few more years and then offer him $500 for everything and see if he bites.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

Yes, I think conversion is possible. I think the case is the same. I say think because I hve never done it but just from memory. But you will also need the decal for the purge. otherwise it will just not be right . So you will end up scrounging a G250, might as well get what you know you really want .

You want a G250 because down deep, you know you want the best and the G250 sits at the top of the regulator heap .

G200B not G200
The B is balanced.

 

[Nemrod]

G200B not G200
The B is balanced.

Yes and the schematic should have had both 200 and 200B components.

Still not a G250 because it has no knob nor the important decal on the purge button.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

I actually have a G250 face plate with button.
Years ago I broke the faceplate on the G200B
and within minutes the DIY brotherhood came to my aid and sent out two spares they weren't using. The LDS and scubapro wouldn't do squat for me except tell me how bad of a person I was because I didn't bring in my reg every year for needless service and therefore they would do anything for me except sell me another second stage for $350.
All I wanted was a faceplate, and they probably had one in a box somewhere in the back.

 

[Nemrod]

I have encountered different threads on a few, for example, my 190 case has a different thread from my G250 fleet. Otherwise the case appears similar. Not sure if that was generation or model driven.

 

[halocline]

You need a new air barrel; the G250 barrel is longer. I ‘think’ the G250V barrel should fit. Then you need the adjustment knob and the little clip that holds it in place. I have an extra adjustment knob and a G200B and have thought about converting it, but when I checked a few years back the barrel was over $75 and I’m too cheap for that. Besides, I’m pretty much only using balanced/adjustables or converted 109s, and occasionally a D300.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

I have a G250 coming!