I been looking at these. Even though I just bought a new regulator I may spring for one of these next spring. The OP likes the turret and note that he uses the turret installed UP. I use my MkV turrets up as well. However, it seems at least 50% of scubaboard divers run the turret down which negate the advantage the OP is touting. That is kind of a deciding point to me. With the turret down most of the advantage (?) is negated, so, in such case the Mk17 is the no brainer choice. Plus it is more compact and lighter weight.
The OP is a big fella, I am 5-10, maybe 5-11 (in the morning twenty years ago lol) but I do run my turret first stages up and have never had an issue with them hitting my head. I run my tanks a little lower than most newer divers but thanks to long arms and shoulders that disjoint (ouch) I can reach my valve enough to turn my air on if so needed.
Yes, turret up or turret down, that could be the deciding factor. But, I might would get the 17 due to it being smaller and lighter for travel. This does not seem to be a concern for the OP as he is doing local diving.
BTW, I have a Louisiana Pelican Civil War brass buckle. I found it on my grandfathers farm near a skirmish site. And I wear it often.
James