Oldie but Newbie looking for gear advice

[DakotahDiver]

Hey there ScubaBoard... New to the forum... looking for great gear info! Been diving for many years, so working on old gear... Gonna buy new Reg and BC sometime soon and compiling budget and suggestions to look into... perhaps dry suit (lower priority)... On the Reg... Looking for those who have experience with a $500 range balanced. I have a wireless for my computer that i need an additional Hi-pressure outlet for (so looking for space for that knobby sucker!) and still have room for a backup gauge console. Anyone got some input on this? Thanks a ton!

 

[a22shady]

For the Reg's if your concerned with Brand I would go with ScubaPro MK17/G250V or Atomic. Both make excellent regs that last. If not so name brand oriented I would look into Hog regs. I have not used them Myself but a buddy has them and others that have used them say they perform as well if not better then the others and are a fraction of the cost.

As for the BC. I like Backplate/wings. I dive the Halcyon Eclipse and love it and recomend it. If your looking for something less pricey. Look into Diverite Transpac/Or Hog System. Also Hollis/OMS/DSS also offer BP/W systems.

 

[DakotahDiver]

Thanks for the feedback on the regulator... I actually have had my eye on the Scubapro MK 25 which (as far as I can tell) is a newer, SS version of the MK17... I will lookinto the HOG BC... Gracias a22shady!

 

[a22shady]

No the MK25 is not a newer version of the MK17 it is a differnt 1st stage. the MK25 is a piston 1st stage that is not sealed. It is a great 1st stage But I would not remcond you go in waters below40-45 as there is an increased risk of free flow with any non enviromentally sealed piston regs.

The MK17 is a sealed Diagphram and is great for waters Cold, Warm, contaminated etc..

 

[DakotahDiver]

Uh Oh... Bought the MK25 and proceeded to do a 90 foot dive in 43 degree water... didn't have any flow issues, but glad to have the info...Thanks Shady!