Mk2 vs. Mk11

[nikwho]

I assume that this has come up here before, but i could not find it in a search.
I'm shopping for a new reg. I'm looking at the LDS at the Mk2/R295 and the Mk11/R395. I dont dive THAT much. Maybe eight trips a year. Hoping to move into the DM role for the LDS. Mostly San Diego with a trip to Costa Rica or the Bahamas thrown in every year or so. I figure that the Mk2 would be good enough. However, with the Mk11 being not too much more, i'm considering it. I like the swivel feature of the Mk11 first stage. Not sure if its really noticable though.. thoughts? Also, on the R395 they have the little lever that you can rotate to help with free flow? is that i gimmick or is it helpful? Is there any difference in how they will breath at depth? Will the R395 breath with less effort? any pros and cons between the two would be helpful! Thanks, Nik

 

[Wayward Son]

what swivel feature? My wife dive a Mk11, it is not a swivel turret 1st stage.

It's a good reg, but it doesn't have that feature. It's a Mk17 without the evironmental deal.

 

[nikwho]

what swivel feature? My wife dive a Mk11, it is not a swivel turret 1st stage.

It's a good reg, but it doesn't have that feature. It's a Mk17 without the evironmental deal.

Huh. My mistake, I must have been looking at the Mk25 thinking it was the Mk11. thank you!

 

[it_mike]

Will this regulator be for your 'personal' diving, or 'work' diving?

Both are good firsts, with the Mk11 being a marginally better breather at >100 fsw.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

Even without the swivel, the Mk 11 is a better reg. It is balanced and it has a higher flow rate. The MK 2's advantages are complete and utter simplicity of design. It is essentially bullet proof and makes a great O2 reg, but unless you plan on diving with O2 for a deco gas or plan on living on a deserted island, get the Mk 11.

 

[Fishpie]

I would also go for the MK 11 over the MK 2, plus if you will be spending time with students in the pool the diaphragm design will keep the chlorine away from the o rings.

 

[nikwho]

Thanks everybody! Sounds like its worth the slight difference in money. I will use it primarily for recreation, if I move into a DM and eventually Instructor role, then it would be for work. However, by that time, I may be ready to buy another reg any way. Thanks for the input guys, as always, its very appreciated!!

 

[nikwho]

well, i bought my Mk11. thanks for the input all! it should last me quite some time.