Mk2 w/R109 - anything i should be concerned about this pairing?

[chile7236]

may be a dumb question but i am new to the vintage/older regs and not sure if there will be any issues with this pairing. thanks.

 

[herman]

None at all. Solid designed stages that are dependable and easy to service

 

[redacted]

As long as the number of ports, HP port size, and the afforded hose routing meet your needs, it should be fine.

 

[Zung]

+1
Maybe the 109 deserves being paired with a better first stage, like the MK5, 10, or 20.

 

[chile7236]

+1
Maybe the 109 deserves being paired with a better first stage, like the MK5, 10, or 20.

i was thinking the same thing...looks like i will be trying to pick up a mk10 as well.

 

[halocline]

The 109 will work great with the MK2. If you want a higher flow BP 1st stage, fine, but don't expect to be able to tell any difference at all while diving, with one exception. If you leave the 109 unbalanced (it still breathes great that way) paired with the MK2 you'll notice the breathing resistance increase as the tank empties; probably you won't notice it until you're under 500 PSI.

I would go for a MK5 rather than MK10 to pair with the 109, but that's for no logical reason, they just seem 'right' together. If you get a MK5 and you find that it has the older brass turret bolt, it's not a bad idea to change that for a SS bolt. Fortunately, there's a large supply of those around due to Zung's efforts getting them machined. I easily have a couple I could sell.

 

[chile7236]

The 109 will work great with the MK2. If you want a higher flow BP 1st stage, fine, but don't expect to be able to tell any difference at all while diving, with one exception. If you leave the 109 unbalanced (it still breathes great that way) paired with the MK2 you'll notice the breathing resistance increase as the tank empties; probably you won't notice it until you're under 500 PSI.

I would go for a MK5 rather than MK10 to pair with the 109, but that's for no logical reason, they just seem 'right' together. If you get a MK5 and you find that it has the older brass turret bolt, it's not a bad idea to change that for a SS bolt. Fortunately, there's a large supply of those around due to Zung's efforts getting them machined. I easily have a couple I could sell.

agree with you...which is what makes it hard to decide which 1st stage to go with . it will only be used as a back up reg for the most part....occasionally getting primary use for some shore dives.

 

[Couv]

... it will only be used as a back up reg for the most part....occasionally getting primary use for some shore dives.

Then keep the MK2/109 combination. It is a very dependable setup and will serve you well. The only change I would suggest (not a big issue if you don't) is to have the 109 upgraded to a Balanced Adjustable. The MK2 is unbalanced, so having the second stage balanced would compensate a bit for the loss in performance as tank pressure drops. However, some people prefer their regs to breathe a bit harder when the tank pressure is lower as an added indicator.

 

[herman]

Then keep the MK2/109 combination. It is a very dependable setup and will serve you well. The only change I would suggest (not a big issue if you don't) is to have the 109 upgraded to a Balanced Adjustable. The MK2 is unbalanced, so having the second stage balanced would compensate a bit for the loss in performance as tank pressure drops. However, some people prefer their regs to breathe a bit harder when the tank pressure is lower as an added indicator.

Or just ease up on the knob a little during the dive. I like the idea of keeping it simple.
Somebody has already mentioned it but the one bug might be HP port size. Depending on the age of the MK-2 it might have a 3/8 HP port. Not a big deal, 3/8 to 7/16 adapters are available (old style to new) or you can just get a 3/8 HP hose from Trident.