Mark 20 1st Stage

[ERIC.K]

Last question and I think I have my reg finally, the mk 20 1st stage when attatching the reg to the tank valve, do you have trouble placing the reg to the tank due to the length of the 1st stage. During my reseaech divenet.com stated that the reg is too long to place on the tank valve in certain positions? Is this a real hassle, do you bump you head on the first stage, what gives

 

[deepocean]

Hi Eric

the SP mk20 single tank setup is very easy. To find out check these pic's for your self.

http://www.dis-uk.org/gallery.htm

Xerxes

 

[ckharlan66]

I haven't experienced any of those problems with my MK20. It fits just fine.

I can't say a bad thing about it.

Hope this helps.

Chad

 

[redacted]

LP turret (swivel end) up, down, and to one side. All fit on the tank & BC with no major problem. Turrent up had a tendency to hit me in the back of the head. Turret to the side let me hook the 2nd into the port on the end for maximum gas delivery (according to scubapro) but left other hoses a little awkward. Plus I could not overbreath the Mk20 in any of the ports. I settled on turret down. This was the most compact configuration & works fine. Hose routing with pony gets a little tight but no real problem. I'm using an air2 so I do have one less hose than usual to deal with.

 

[ERIC.K]

If the 1st stage is hitting the back of your head cannot you simply lower the tank in the BCD? or would that leave very little tank for the BCD tank strap to hold onto?

 

[ERIC.K]

Which way is more correct? LP turrent up or down or personal preference?

 

[metridium]

Originally posted by ERIC.K
Which way is more correct? LP turrent up or down or personal preference?

Having tried both, turret down became my preference back before I started using two first stages for redundancy's sake. Now both are horizontal.

 

[cstreu1026]

Hey Eric, when you get a chance send me a message. I would like to hear abot what you have found in the way of scuba gear in Cincinnati. I am looking into buying my first set of equipment, and its always great to hear about others experience with shops in the area. Thanks.

 

[ERIC.K]

I've been to alot of shops! Most have been very friendly, but lets face it here in Cincy we are not a hot bed for divers. Most shops are happy to show you equipment on stock but very reluctant to order anything in for you unless you pre-purchase! I can understand that to a degree, but I really cannot shell out alot of cash to buy something that in the end I will not like. My wife wants to try on a Diva Lx in size large but its a top-of-the-line BCD and she is leary buying something sight unseen, you don't buy cars that way! As expensive as gear is these days it would be cheaper to buy a car. Good news though! of all the dive shops we have in Cincy, all have been very friendly! Lastly, I wish every shop sold the same equipment because every shop has the "best equipment".....safe diving

 

[SDAnderson]

Originally posted by ERIC.K
Last question and I think I have my reg finally, the mk 20 1st stage when attatching the reg to the tank valve, do you have trouble placing the reg to the tank due to the length of the 1st stage. During my reseaech divenet.com stated that the reg is too long to place on the tank valve in certain positions? Is this a real hassle, do you bump you head on the first stage, what gives

The MK20 is a longish first stage. Some K-valves are short enough (Genesis, maybe? Sorry - I've seen the problem but don't know who made the valve) that the MK20 can't be mounted in a "turret down" position, but most K-valves are long enough to allow for 360 degree mounting. If you have a short valve, try mounting the MK20 pointed other than straight down. If that messes up your hose routing or bangs the back of your head, replacing the valve with a longer one will cost you about $35.00.

Steven