MK17 with Apeks Egress octo ?

[idive2]

Lately I have been reading a few comments about maybe this second stage or that second stage not being paired up
with this or that. I understand that most first stages are piston or diaphragm but beyond that don't they all
maintain a constant IP to the second stage although maybe at slightly different pressures ? I have heard reference
to "over balanced" first stages and not exactly sure what is meant by this. Anyway, as an adjustable balanced second stage user
with a sealed diaphragm MK17 first stage does a balanced (non-adjustable) Apeks Egress slimline octo seem like a good match ?
For a slimline octo this one seems to be getting the best reviews.

 

[Fishpie]

It'll work perfectly.
As you said the 2nd stage isn't taking notes on what 1st stage it's attached too.
A balanced reg like the egress is very forgiving of small changes in IP and is the best of the hockey puck octos.
"over balanced" is mostly a marketing ploy to explain a small increase in IP with depth.

 

[herman]

To add a little to fishpie's comments, any balanced second stage will handle an "overbalanced", which is not actually overbalanced but rather over depth compensated- first stage. Unbalanced second stages present a little bit of a problem but since most octos are purposely set to a higher cracking pressure than the primary second stage, the few PSI of overcompensation has little effect....and even if you get a few bubbles from slightly going over the IP the octo is set for, it's of no real concern.