Pony Regs

[NorthWoodsDiver]

I'm looking for info on which is the best reg for me. I just picked up a 19cuft pony that needs a first stage (and possible 2nd). I intend to get into ice diving so it needs to not freeze up on me. Right now I have a scubapro mk25/s600 primary (does it work for ice, I dont think so but am really unsure) and I have their R190 octo. I was hoping to use that R190 on a first stage for the pony setup but I don't know if thats appropriate. I just was hoping to use that R190 since its just layin around. I am also looking for a scubapro product as that is what I can get easiest through my LDS for very comparable prices. Thanks for the help

 

[VK2ICJ]

I used to live in Wisconsin (slightly warmer home now) and used Poseidon Jetstream/Odin regulators without any probs year round Ice diving and in Lake Michigan. I won't get much Ice Diving down here now hahaha Good Luck!!

 

[Igodeep]

If you want to stay with Scubapro, I would recommend the MK 17 first stage since it is a sealed design and will be more appropriate for cold water. If I were you, I would buy two of the MK 17's, put your R190 on one for your pony, and put your S600 on the other for your primary. You will find that the S600 breathes much better on the MK 17 than it does on the MK 35.

 

[NorthWoodsDiver]

Does that mean that the S600 and R190 are Ice compatable cause I have read a couple threads that said the S600 is dangerous is cold conditions and I cant find any info about the R190 being good in the cold either. Thanks

 

[Packhorse]

You will find that the S600 breathes much better on the MK 17 than it does on the MK 35.

MK35? is that a down grade from the MK25?
I have MK25s and S600s and I find it hard to believe anything breaths MUCH better. Although my G250 does breaths marginaly better.

 

[scubaSteveAU]

I think you'll find most scubapro 1st stages above the (very reliable) Mk2 are rated for ice diving.If you look at the 1st stage, you'll find heat sink flanges. These bring in heat from the water (which, while cold, is not freezing) as for the second stage, the greater flow rate is in the 1st stage. the high flow can lead to freezing (hence the heat sink) but through the 2nd stage you've already dropped to intermediate pressure and delivering at demand pressure so the flow rate is unlikely to cause ice unless you get a massive free flow. some free flow is more likely in an alternate (due to knocking etc, no mouth on the reg) but probably not a high enough flow.
For ice diving you might still want to invest in something higher in the range than the R190, not only for peace of mind, the Scubapro website states it is for warm water... the S600 is an excellent 2nd stage and the scuba pro web site states that it is for cold water...Google scubapro and then choose the site for your region

 

[NorthWoodsDiver]

Based on your comments I think I am gonna pick up a mk17 for my primary (w/S600) and a mk17/S600 for my pony than I have two of the same setup but now I dont know what to do with that R190 Octo I picked up earlier this spring. I also like the idea of the G250 instead of an S600 but since I already have an S600 why not keep everything the same. Thanks for your help.

 

[Hoosier]

The best reg. is anything you can afford...

I am using MK2/R380 or R190. I don't have any issue....