Hello, I'm looking at possibly buying a used reg setup that is an SP MK20 1st stage and I believe a G250hp 2nd stage (I'm trying to go from the pictures and they aren't very good). I was just wondering what the differences were between the G250hp and G250v? I've read a lot of people's comments on the G250v and everyone seems to love them, I'm interested to see what you guys think of the G250hp. Also, how is the MK20 as a 1st stage? I know there was a recall on them a few years back and you have to get it services to change the vents on it from 3 to 2, but I was wondering how its performance is despite the recall. Thanks in advance for any input and advice.
Difference between SP G250hp and G250v 2nd stages
- Thread starter gmineau
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DA Aquamaster is the regulator guru and will have definitive answers for you
But, from reading here on the board, the G250HP is one of the better breathing regulators you can buy, and one of the best for money spent (the V version has a metal air barrel to help make the air not so dry)
.. I like mine so well that I picked up another (used) Mk18/G250HP to use as a backup reg
But, from reading here on the board, the G250HP is one of the better breathing regulators you can buy, and one of the best for money spent (the V version has a metal air barrel to help make the air not so dry)
.. I like mine so well that I picked up another (used) Mk18/G250HP to use as a backup reg
I have a G250HP - it's basically an oversized (and, more importantly, cheaper
) S600 - internal components (apart from diaphragm size, obviously, is the same. It's a little bit on the large side but this is not a problem underwater.The G250V (see pics - G250V / G250HP comparison) is pretty much a re-release (with plastic instead of brass orifice + cosmetic changes) of the original G250.
It's great. The first reg I bought was a MK20/S600 and I still use it (eight years later). Never a problem. Great performance. Great hose routing.
The newer MK25 is basically the same design, btw. Price wise the MK20/25 was/is more expensive compared to just as good (...better?) MK17. The MK20/25 offers great hose routing possibilities but if you're not concerned about that so much then the MK17 is definitely a better buy.
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The Mk 20 and Mk 25 are basically the same except for minor details. The daythe first Mk 25 rolled off the assembly line the only difference between it and the last MK 20 made just in front of it on the line was the adjustable seat carrier intended to allow easier adjustment of intermediate pressure. And in my opinion, the adjustable seat carrier just creates a potential leak.
The Mk 20 used three separate pistons during it's production life, but the last one was the smae one still used in the Mk 25, so if you have the older brass tipped rounded tip Mk 20 psiton it is worth upgrading it to the Mk 25 piston. That is the only upgrade really worth having betweeen the two first stages.
I also agree the Mk 17 is a better buy and in some ways a superior regulator to the Mk 25 - I traded my Mk 25's for Mk 17's a couple years ago.
The G250V is a better design than the G250HP, but the G250HP is no slouch either so if the price differecne is significant, the G250Hp is not a bad way to go.
The Mk 20 used three separate pistons during it's production life, but the last one was the smae one still used in the Mk 25, so if you have the older brass tipped rounded tip Mk 20 psiton it is worth upgrading it to the Mk 25 piston. That is the only upgrade really worth having betweeen the two first stages.
I also agree the Mk 17 is a better buy and in some ways a superior regulator to the Mk 25 - I traded my Mk 25's for Mk 17's a couple years ago.
The G250V is a better design than the G250HP, but the G250HP is no slouch either so if the price differecne is significant, the G250Hp is not a bad way to go.
vicdiver656
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As far as I know, the G250HP does not have a venturi assist lever, and the G250V does. Scubapro also does not make the G250HP now, but they do make the G250V. In my view, the G250V would be a better buy. If you can, you could just buy the SP Mk17. It is almost exactly the same setup as the MK25, just a diaphragm style enclosed reg with no swivel head.
Hope that helps,
Taylor
Vicdiver656
pescador775
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I like the looks of the MK17/G250V and I hear it performs great. The diaphragm type first stage should be very reliable and lack some of the quirks of the piston types. Like its predecessor, the large second stage of the retro new model makes it easier to manipulate controls. I don't know what a "Venturi assist lever" is. The G250HP has a vane which can be rotated by a knob. It doesn't seem to do much except suppress free flow a little. The overall performance of the G250HP is outstanding, smooth and confident. I presume the same for the newer model as I said.
I use a G250HP demand valve supplied by a US Divers SEA first stage regulator, a rugged diaphragm type with angled ports, "superflow" hose and easy parts availability.
I use a G250HP demand valve supplied by a US Divers SEA first stage regulator, a rugged diaphragm type with angled ports, "superflow" hose and easy parts availability.
Thank you for the great advice, it's all really helpful. My original plan was to get the Mk17/G250v reg set-up, but then I saw this used Mk20/G250hp reg set-up for sale on Craig's list and I thought it might be worth it. I'm still waiting to hear back from the person to see what they're asking for it. What might be a good price for this set-up with an Oceanic swivel octo (not sure of the model yet)?
Hoosier
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This subject has been covered so many many many times. I don't need to echo it though.
It is very subjective point of view to say how much G250V is better. It is obvious that a brass orifice must be better for a cold water, but how much cold water are you diving in?
My G250HP works great with MK17, even in 37 degree water.....
It is very subjective point of view to say how much G250V is better. It is obvious that a brass orifice must be better for a cold water, but how much cold water are you diving in?
My G250HP works great with MK17, even in 37 degree water.....
vicdiver656
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PalatkaBoy
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Both have the Venturi Initiated Vacuum Assist (VIVA) as well as an inhalation effort adjustment. The only difference is the materials and the weight difference given the metal used in the V. The V is a couple of ounces heavier. I use an HP and so far have sucessfully fought off the urge for a V (I am an admitted gadget guy, newest and best for me), although the HP has been an excellent reg.
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