Question about my new MK16/S550

[SeaJay]

Okay, I'm settin' up my new regs... I'm sooo excited.

Scubapro MK16/S550/R380

I purchased the correct hose lengths and all from EE... And got those stupid Scubapro mouthpiece holders off (what was wrong with the simple and much more out-of-the-way zip tie?) I've assembled everything just past finger tight, like I know I'm supposed to. I even used the correct lube for the job... "Cristo?" It's by OMS...

I also got a SPG and all... And a necklace (bungee). I'm one happy camper!

Anything strange I need to do? Do these have to be set up and "tuned" before use? I sorta get the impression that they should be pretty well set from the factory, and shouldn't need service until their annual checkup.

Anyone know where I can get a set of covers for these things? My R380 came in "octo yellow," and I'd like to get the plain black cover for it, which should be available at any ScubaPro parts dealer. Is anyone here a ScubaPro parts dealer? Got any recommendations? IN fact, I think I want a black cover for each of my second stages...

Also, how do these covers come off? I understand there's a little "thingie" on the right side of the reg...

 

[BrianB]

I was wondering if you've dove you're knew scubapro regs yet and how you liked them. I'm trying to decide between the same reg set you bought and the apex atx50. I do about 150 dives a year, a lot of them ice dives (most dives under 100 feet). The LSD I deal with sells both regs and has recommended the scubapro partly because of the free parts. He feels the scubapro would work well for the type of diving I do. What do you think?

 

[SeaJay]

...But I've dove this combination before.

I would select the S550 with a MK16 simply because of the fact that they're diaphragm regs. I'm not a fan of piston regs because I'm always diving muddy salt water. I simply like the way that they seal up.

But to be fair, I've never dived an ATX50.

 

[ElectricZombie]

SeaJay,


SP regs are ready to dive right out of the box. The factory does a good job tuning them prior to shipment. I would leave it as is unless you noticed a problem.

The Mk16/S550/R380 is a great reg, I was just using one in the pool Friday. It breathes great and is reliable.


To take the reg cover off, you have to remove a small retaining pin. Hold the reg so that it is facing you, so that "R380" can be seen at the top. Look to the left on the side of the reg. You should see a small pin that looks like the head of a nail. Take a small pick or knife blade and put it under the lip of the pin. There will be a small recess for the pick/knife blade to fit in. Simply pull the pin out. You can now put your hand over the face of the reg and screw it off. (Left=Loose) The cover is comprised of two pieces, a hard plastic piece and a softer rubber piece. These are the parts that would be replaced. To put the assembly back together, you simply have to line the pieces up (the soft purge button will have an cutout for the pin to go in), and screw it back in just like it was. You don't really need the pin as the R380 cover seems to stay on fine without it. If you have any more questions, just PM or email me.

 

[SeaJay]

Thanks a lot, Zombie!