Newbie SP R109/G250 questions

[WalkinPaul]

THE STORY SO FAR:
I have a SP MK10. The model w/ the plastic yoke knob.
I have a SP R190 yellow Octo.

I now need a SP second stage regulator. I'm looking at the R109 vs. the G250.

From what I have read here so far, the main difference between the two would be the housing after the R109 has been rebuilt/updated/fully serviced. The upgrade is pretty much the same cost as servicing the G250 + a few more dollars. And the mouth piece opening is a little rounder on the R109.


FACTS:

The R109 is older and is made of chrome plated brass. (it's also nice and shiny looking)
The G250 is newer and made of black plastic.

I am a recreational diver that will probably never exceed 125'. (I've only been to 125' once on AOW Deep dive).
I am 44y/o, 5'7", a fit 160#'s and I really don't use much air to start with.

My GUT FEELING so Far:

I'm leaning toward a R109. Reason, it's metal. I consider that a big plus.



QUESTION:

If the condition/cost of the 2 regs were equal between a R109 and a G250. Why shouldn' I pick the older R109?

(I understand plastic is lighter. I'm willing to carry the extra weight)

I know this is somewhat subjective on personal preferences, but am I missing something here?

 

[Wayward Son]

soft service parts for the 109 are readily available & they breath really well. The weak point is the rubber exhaust T, they don't make those any more. So if you get a 109, take care to not lose that T, they're hard to replace.

There is a G250 & G250HP. As I understand it, the older G250 has a metal barrel that the 250HP is lacking. So it may come down to being sure which model you're looking at before choosing.

 

[Wayward Son]

Oh, and the original mouthpiece on my 109 turned out to not be very comfortable for doing a lot of diving. Easily solved with a replacement, but something to consider for any 2nd stage. If you find one rubbing you raw, try a different mouth piece. The ones I use now I picked up at my LDS & they only cost about $8 each.

 

[redacted]

A G250 usually commands a higher price than an R109 because it is perceived to be a better value. IMO it is not. I expect you can get an R109 for less than half the price of a G250. Better yet, get 2 of them and use the R190 as a spare.

 

[halocline]

I expect you can get an R109 for less than half the price of a G250.

Pretty good guess; I paid $50 for my balanced adjustable (r109) and $100 for my G250. (older style with metal air barrel) You're going to be happy with either one. I end up using the G250 mostly as a primary because I have a seacure on it. Now seacure makes a "sport" or "hi-flow" or something like that that does not have the rigid yellow plastic ring, and should fit fine on the R109's slightly rounder mouthpiece flange.

 

[redacted]

I put an older seacure mouthpiece on one of my R109s that I use for solo diving in a local river. I added an o-ring just inside of the lip of the mount on the R109. It sealed just fine.