need help deciding between three regs

[jefflew]

I have narrowed my search down to 3 regs

SP MK25
SP MK18
Zeagle Tech 50D

I can find a lot about the MK25. It looks like a great reg. I have also been able to find some good reviews on the Tech 50D. But I can't seen to find much on the MK18. The LDS guy says they are all good, but like SP regs have a smoothness to them that is hard to beat. He really thinks I should go with the MK18, because the diaphram is less suseptable to salt / sand.

He seems like he knows his stuff, but I can't find much info on the SP MK18. It's not shown on SP webpage anymore. Can anyone give me some info? Is it a step up or down from the MK16. How does it breath compared to the MK25?

I am brand new to the sport, and any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Jeff
jefflew@carolina.rr.com

 

[raxafarian]

my wife loves her zeagel 50d.

oh yea... just unscrew the front cover. lift out a plastic ring. lift out the diaphram. rinse. reinstall.

i've been looking at the apeks... but my lds is a zeagle dealer, and I don't think they are really any different.

 

[deepocean]

Hi

though choice man Because you have to make a choice between two good regs. (i dont like the MK18)

My first choice is The Zeagle (try to get the DS4 version) and and then the MK25-S600. BTW if you are only going to dive warm waters you may also get the MK25. SP is widely known. So if you are going dive warm the Cold water kit does nt matter anyway.

Have fun, xerxes

 

[greyface]

FWIW, I dive the MK16/R380 and love it. But, I'm just a newbie!

 

[oxyhacker]

The Mk18UL was the lightweight aluminum version of the Mk14. It isn't in the current SP catalog so it may be discontinued (which may have something to do with why the LDS wants to sell it so bad). I think the simplified mk16 is the only diaphragm reg in the SP lineup now.

At any rate, you don't want it - aluminum isn't nearly as durable as brass so you throw out most of the reasons for buying a diaphragm reg in the first place.

The new Zeagles are very nice too. If I was buying a new diaphragm reg it would be on my short list

Originally posted by jefflew
IHe seems like he knows his stuff, but I can't find much info on the SP MK18. It's not shown on SP webpage anymore. Can anyone give me some info? Is it a step up or down from the MK16. How does it breath compared to the MK25?

I am brand new to the sport, and any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Jeff
jefflew@carolina.rr.com

 

[sig]

jefflew, welcome to the board. I have not used the Scubapro but I have used a Zeagle 50D on about 50 dives and never had any problems with it. I've never had any problems with it breathing wet or free flowing and most of my dives are in fresh water in 41 degree's below a 100ft. I should be getting my 2nd 50D in about a week for my set of doubles. Goodluck and let us know what you decide.