Oceanic Delta series vs ScubaPro MK20 S600 vs Zeagle flathead VI vs Mares Abyss?

[foothillsdiver]

(originally posted by DIVINGDOC)

This is very helpful information. I'd like to know a few more things:

1) What kind of care did you give the reg -- i.e. did you wash it out after each dive?
>Nope, only a quick splash in a fresh water tank after ocean dives

2) When you finally rebuilt it, did the parts come clean with washing out or were they corroded and in need of replacement?
>Most of the parts are in the annual service kit and the reg cleaned up just fine.

3) What percentage of your dives would you estimate were in dirty water?
Ponds= 3 hours
Black water diving in Cooper River = 124 dives
Ocean dives = 100 dives
Lakes = approx 80 dives

4) Why do you still prefer a diaphragm reg and, since you do, why did you make the ScubaPro your "working reg"?
> with a diagraphm reg W/environmental seal, no water or any contaminants can get inside. They breath extremely easy, Kits are the cheapest ($3- $5) except APEKS which are $$$$$
Kept the Mk 20 because that is the reg we wanted to sell in the LDS.

5) Over what period of time did you do your 400 dives?
> purchased MK 20 in June 98, rebuilt it last week.

6) Did you notice any decrease in breathing performance over the period of time that you used the reg before rebuilding it?
> none, but the adjustment was getting a little stiff to turn. IP was still at 140 si and the magnehelic reading was 1.2

Scuba Pro regs always are top performers on the independant testing forums. They may be a little pricey, but well worth the little extra. Scuba Pro also stands behind their regs and is the only manufacturer (hat I am aware of) that will put the reg back under warranty for a fee if you happen to let it go out for a year os so.
IMHO they are the best value.

Foothillsdiver

 

[foothillsdiver]

BTW

The Mk20 is replaced by the MK 25 and upgrades are available.
BUT, there is no reason for the end user to have an adjustment.
The adjustment just makes it easier for the tech to service the reg, So maybe ask them to put in on at cost or adjust the price a little.


AND> you didn't hear it from me:huh: :huh:

 

[DivingDoc]

Originally posted by foothillsdiver
(originally posted by DIVINGDOC)

4) Why do you still prefer a diaphragm reg and, since you do, why did you make the ScubaPro your "working reg"?

> with a diagraphm reg W/environmental seal, no water or any contaminants can get inside. They breath extremely easy, Kits are the cheapest ($3- $5) except APEKS which are $$$$$
Kept the Mk 20 because that is the reg we wanted to sell in the LDS.

So would it be wise to get an MK16/S600 then, which has a diaphragm first stage? Or would this not be necessary if I am going to be doing nearly all my diving in nice tropical places, with an occasional quarry dive or a rec dive off N. Car?

6) Did you notice any decrease in breathing performance over the period of time that you used the reg before rebuilding it?
> none, but the adjustment was getting a little stiff to turn. IP was still at 140 si and the magnehelic reading was 1.2
[/B]

I'm a newbie, so can you explain what these numbers are or represent?

Thanks for all your good information. I think I'm convinced I'm going to get a SP S600.

 

[foothillsdiver]

(DivingDoc writes)
So would it be wise to get an MK16/S600 then, which has a diaphragm first stage? Or would this not be necessary if I am going to be doing nearly all my diving in nice tropical places, with an occasional quarry dive or a rec dive off N. Car?
>any of the regs would be a good choice except the MK which is the lowest performer of Scuba Pro. The Mk 16 is a great reg and the Mk 18 a diaphragm also with a swivel port.
You can match any of the SPro 1st stages with any of the 2nd stages. I don't think you are going to be able to tell a difference in any of the SPro regs performance wise.


quote:
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6) Did you notice any decrease in breathing performance over the period of time that you used the reg before rebuilding it?
> none, but the adjustment was getting a little stiff to turn. IP was still at 140 si and the magnehelic reading was 1.2
[/B]
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I'm a newbie, so can you explain what these numbers are or represent?
> Ip = intermediate pressure. The 1st stage lowers the tank pressure to a rate which the 2nd stage ( and your breathing) can handle. SPro IP is 125-140 range. The most important factor is a stable IP or one that does not creep up in pressure.

Magnehelic is a guage metered in inches of water that measures the effort required to start the airflow of the 2nd stage.
This is where regs start to separate the good/bad and ugly. A good reg should be able to be adjusted down to 1 - 1.4 and not freeflow.
The magne guage can also measure the amount of effort needed to blow the breath (exhaust) out of the 2nd stage.


Hope all this info helps. there is just tooooo much to learn. I too am a newbie, cause I learn something new about scuba everyday.


Happy diving !

Foothillsdiver.

 

[foothillsdiver]

sorry, I noticed a mistake.

The Scuba Pro Mk 2 is the lowest on the chain and I would not recommend it for deeper diving. It is a great reg for stage bottles and deco bottles though. also a less expensive choice for shallow reef diving or maybe for the kids.

 

[DivingDoc]

Originally posted by foothillsdiver
(DivingDoc writes)
So would it be wise to get an MK16/S600 then, which has a diaphragm first stage? Or would this not be necessary if I am going to be doing nearly all my diving in nice tropical places, with an occasional quarry dive or a rec dive off N. Car?
>any of the regs would be a good choice except the MK which is the lowest performer of Scuba Pro. The Mk 16 is a great reg and the Mk 18 a diaphragm also with a swivel port.
You can match any of the SPro 1st stages with any of the 2nd stages. I don't think you are going to be able to tell a difference in any of the SPro regs performance wise.

Are both the MK16 and the MK18 diaphragm first stages? Which one do you think is better?

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6) Did you notice any decrease in breathing performance over the period of time that you used the reg before rebuilding it?
> none, but the adjustment was getting a little stiff to turn. IP was still at 140 si and the magnehelic reading was 1.2
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What were these numbers when the reg was new?

 

[DivingDoc]

Foothillsdiver:

One of my LDS's (the one who wants to sell me a Mares Abyss reg for ~$650.00) tells me that piston regs are not good for use in salt water. He says that if you don't wash them out really well (like soak overnight in fresh water), the innards will corrode and they may STOP WORKING suddenly.

Is this true, or is he just trying to scare me away from a SP MK25 S600?

If most of my diving is going to be ocean diving, should I get a diaphragm first stage?

 

[foothillsdiver]

Diving Doc writes
>One of my LDS's (the one who wants to sell me a Mares Abyss reg for ~$650.00) tells me that piston regs are not good for use in salt water. He says that if you don't wash them out really well (like soak overnight in fresh water), the innards will corrode and they may STOP WORKING suddenly.

Is this true, or is he just trying to scare me away from a SP MK25 S600?

If most of my diving is going to be ocean diving, should I get a diaphragm first stage?

All regs should be rinsed after diving in salt water or any diving for that matter. ANd yes Piston regs need to be rinsed a little more thoroughly.
Sounds to me like price is a concern, if so then you can get the MK14 Mk16 or Mk 18 with the R380 for around $350 to $400.
The Mk 25 s600 retail is $678 (i think) and Scuba Pro will only allow an authorized dealer to drop 10% off that.
My advice would be the Mk 16 R380. You would have to put it on a breathing machine to be able to tell the difference. Any SP 2nd stage can be matched to any SP 1st and you can make a very good setup with any combo. If you really want an adjustable 2nd then do the MK 16 with the S600.
So many choices, so little time.

Hope this all helps you make a decision. Come to SC and I'll let you try them all and then buy.

Foothillsdiver.




"Do not argue with idiots, they just bring you down to their level and then wear you down with experience"