New Diver Reg Set-up

[Thibaut27]

Hi everyone,

I’m a relatively new diver (10-15 dives , recently got my AOW certification—but definitely not “advanced” yet). I’m looking to invest in my first reg setup and would love some input from more experienced divers.

My main goal is versatility. Right now, I’m heading to the Red Sea for a liveaboard, but I want a setup that gives me the option to dive in colder water in the future. Based on what I’ve read on the forum, I’m considering the following:

• 1st Stage: Scubapro MK19 – Sealed, which I understand makes it more suited for cold water while still being a solid all-around choice.

• 2nd Stage: Scubapro G260 – Seems to be highly recommended and cold-water capable.

• Octo: Scubapro S270 – Chose this based on feedback that the octo shouldn’t be a weak link and should also be cold-water friendly.


A few things I’d love to get feedback on:

1. Does this setup make sense for someone in my position, or would you suggest any changes?

2. Are there any major drawbacks to this combo that I should be aware of? (For example, limitations for extreme cold or other scenarios I might not be considering.)

3. Would this setup still work well for warm water diving, or am I over-engineering for my current needs?


I really appreciate any insights you can share! Thanks in advance.

 

[rongoodman]

Forget about the "octo". Just choose a second stage and buy two of them.

 

[DCN]

We are no gear experts whatsoever, but as @rongoodman said, skip the 'octo'. Buy once, cry once.

Some might say it's over the top for our current needs, but as beginner divers we decided to not save on the one thing that will keep us alive. We both got MK19 Evo + 2 x G260's in a long hose config for our cold water diving, and they are well suited for just about every condition you can throw at it.

 

[BoltSnap]

Hi everyone,

I’m a relatively new diver (10-15 dives , recently got my AOW certification—but definitely not “advanced” yet). I’m looking to invest in my first reg setup and would love some input from more experienced divers.

My main goal is versatility. Right now, I’m heading to the Red Sea for a liveaboard, but I want a setup that gives me the option to dive in colder water in the future. Based on what I’ve read on the forum, I’m considering the following:

• 1st Stage: Scubapro MK19 – Sealed, which I understand makes it more suited for cold water while still being a solid all-around choice.

• 2nd Stage: Scubapro G260 – Seems to be highly recommended and cold-water capable.

• Octo: Scubapro S270 – Chose this based on feedback that the octo shouldn’t be a weak link and should also be cold-water friendly.


A few things I’d love to get feedback on:

1. Does this setup make sense for someone in my position, or would you suggest any changes?

2. Are there any major drawbacks to this combo that I should be aware of? (For example, limitations for extreme cold or other scenarios I might not be considering.)

3. Would this setup still work well for warm water diving, or am I over-engineering for my current needs?


I really appreciate any insights you can share! Thanks in advance.

This is fine for what you want to do. "Cold" water is a relative term. The MK19/G260 will be OK for <10C. Not sure about the S270, you need to ascertain its suitability for diving in <10C water. I'd get a second G260 myself.

 

[Mobulai]

1st I’ll admit my (common) biases:

I travel a lot to the the redsea
I sometimes dive „cold“ (not really, like 12decC)
I have mk19+g260 (x2 for sidemount) as my main regs for these purposes
I love them, esp the g260 and its seatsaver + MA

Now the con:
the mk19 is heavy and sometimes that feels like a drag — I have a couple mk25Tis that I use sometimes instead (not to save on luggage weight but for trim purposes, I’m already foot light)

Unless you’re diving really cold water, a non sealed 1st stage will do just fine btw

The s270 is a great second stage, especially if you wanna save a bit of money and get a great performing balanced 2nd (from SP)
I think it having plastic internals makes it more resistant to icing issues than a s600/620 (its fancy counterpart); can’t say as I didn’t try either in such conditions

I’m certainly of the get 2 similar 2nds camp.. it isn’t a must; but would make it much easier to „rotate“ between then keeping even wear on them

 

[Ez E]

I am also of the mindset to just get 2 G260s. At least that is what I did and havent looked back.

 

[lexvil]

Nothing wrong with your list but are you really going to dive in water cold enough to matter? The G260 is one of the best second stages available, no doubt. The 270 is supposed to be pretty good but I haven’t tried one. Two G260’s is excellent advice.

Personally I would look at the MK 11 EVO or a MK 17 EVO rather than the 19 but I really don’t like swivel turrets.

 

[Thibaut27]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone! I have gone with the dual G260 set up and the MK19 to start - hopefully I can do this piece of gear justice !

 

[BoltSnap]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone! I have gone with the dual G260 set up and the MK19 to start - hopefully I can do this piece of gear justice !

When you are all set with the new regulator, you can dive with me here in Tripoli, Libya. I guarantee you no cold water diving here

 

[Ez E]

When you are all set with the new regulator, you can dive with me here in Tripoli, Libya. I guarantee you no cold water diving here

What about sharks?