MK16/R390 vs. Mk16/S550

[pcowboy6196]

Any pro's con's over either 2nd stage from anyone's experience? I have always dove with MK2/R190's but am ready for an upgrade to a balanced system and these are on sale at LP. I am leaning toward the Mk16/S550 setup but want to know if it is worth the $60 extra that it costs. Any input would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Wes

 

[scubawally]

YOu are not going to find much difference with the r390 over the r-190. So in this respect the 550 would be the better choice. I have the mk25/s600 and it is a great reg. I upgraded to this reg from a mk16/r-190 combo and I have to saythat combo worked well for me up to 150 feet deep in silty water @ 45 degrees. So take it from me all scuba pro regs are great at a recreational level the mk2/r-190 that you have is a great reg. But if you want to upgrade go with the 550

 

[laurelgsc]

I have the MK25/R390 bought it at my LDS for $299 I can tell you it breathes great down to 110'. No problems.

 

[pcowboy6196]

My LDS wants $495 for the MK16/S550 and LP wants 249 for it..LoL I love my LDS but sometimes his prices don't work out for me. For now I decided to go ahead and get the MK16/S550 from LP.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

The R190 and R390 share the same basic poppet design and the difference is mostly in the size of the case. There is basically no difference in breathing performance.

The S550 uses a much better performing balanced poppet (the same S-wing poppet as the G250HP, S600 and G250HP). The S550 breathes as well as an S600 or G250HP, it just lacks the ability for the diver to adjust the inhlation effort.

My LDS wants $495 for the MK16/S550 and LP wants 249 for it..LoL I love my LDS but sometimes his prices don't work out for me. For now I decided to go ahead and get the MK16/S550 from LP.

The high LDS price is unfortunate as Scubapro has discontinued the MK 16. That means it is no longer subject to the dealer pricing restrictions and your LDS can legitamately sell it at cost if they choose. Consequently they could meet or come close to the LP price if they chose to do so without violating the dealer agreement.

It may be worth pointing this out to them and asking them if they are willing to come close to the LP price (plus LP's shipping charges) in order to get your business. Even if you paid 10% more than it would cost you at LP, it would be to your advantage as the LDS reg would be fully warranted and eligible for the for the free parts program.

Some (smart, customer oriented) shops buy fairly large quantities of discontinued regs, BC's, etc, to enable them to offer a fully warranted low price alternative to compete with cut rate unwarranted grey market internet products. It's good business.

 

[pcowboy6196]

Thank you for the info and I agree about discontinued pricing. But for the $250 price difference (even if it was the MK17 instead) isn't worth $8.00 a year in parts. Heck I plan on getting a source for parts and getting the necessary equipment/knowledge to do my own repairs/servicing. I have always had a problem anyway with taking my things to someone else to work on. ( I am very technical in nature and profession )
I don't think I will be disappointed in my decision. If so I can always breath my mk2/r190's.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

It's still worth asking the LDS. The $250 LP price is very close to dealer cost, but the dealer may be willing to come close. Parts cost is also a bit more than $8.00 per year and the LDS will be much more willing to service your reg if they sell it to you, even at the LP price, than if you get it through LP without giving them a shot at matching the price. It's usually worth cultivating a good relationship with your LDS.

Plus if you give them the opportunity to come close on the price and they decline, at least you can then get the LP reg with a more or less clear conscience.

 

[pcowboy6196]

i do have a clear conscience and a good relationship with my LDS. I buy most all my stuff through them. I think the main thing was he wouldn't sell the mk16. Don't know why but was pushing the mk17. Its okay though they still get my business with everything else. I will still be buying a diverite or apeks set through them (my LDS) probably later this year or early next. I won't get into the debate about servicing.lol If any dive shop refuses to service my equipment just because i didn't buy it from them I will simply find another LDS. I don't do business that way. If a mechanic refused service on my vehicle (if i couldn't do it), just because I didn't buy it from him, I would tell him where to go and what to kiss. business is business, know what I mean. There will always be competition to contend with. But all is well thanks again for the info!

-Wes

 

[DA Aquamaster]

It may be he no longer has the Mk 16 as it was discontinued last summer. Plus, the cost difference on them is something like $20.00 and for the money the Mk 17 is a much better first stage.

The Mk 17 eliminates some problems with seat alignment that occurred in rare cases with the Mk 16 and it is also a fully sealed design that is currently the most freeze resistant first stage available.

He's right to push the Mk 17 over the Mk 16 as it is a much more capable first stage, especailly if you dive a lot or dive in cold water.

One thing to consider is that any Leisure Pro Mk 16 is going to be old stock and will be at least a year old before when you buy it. It's not a big deal with the first stage, but the second stage will be just as old and the LP seat will show it's age, so it is far more likely to need serviced sooner (and without warranty support) than the a reg you would get from your LDS.