Regs comparable to SP Mk17/G250

[Spg01]

I am almost ready to jump on the SP Mk17/G250 bandwagon. But I am wondering about what other regulators would be comparable to it?

The reg sounds like the greatest thing since sliced bread, but there has to be some regs that are comparable. I was originally looking at the XTX50 because of the large ecxhaust tee. Then another LDS was talking about Sherwood regs. There are just too many choices.

 

[John_B]

I am almost ready to jump on the SP Mk17/G250 bandwagon. But I am wondering about what other regulators would be comparable to it?

The reg sounds like the greatest thing since sliced bread, but there has to be some regs that are comparable. I was originally looking at the XTX50 because of the large ecxhaust tee. Then another LDS was talking about Sherwood regs. There are just too many choices.

I have the Apeks XTX100s. Very nice! That's probably the equivalent though I'm sure everyone will recommend the regs they own.

As far as the first stages, I'm not a fan of the swivel turret on the XTX50 first stage, and that's from having a TX50 previously (same first stage as the XTX50 but the TX50 version had that one stupid nonstandard 1/2" LP port, thankfully Apeks has done away with that design). I like the low profile of the XTX100 (FST) first stage though there are people who prefer the XTX200 (FSR).

As far as second stages, the G250V second stage interior has a metal barrel vs. a plastic part on the Apeks, conversely the Apeks has the option of the wide/narrow exhaust ports. DA Aquamaster (one of SB's resident Scubapro reg experts) has said the designs are otherwise extremely similar.

I have a buddy who sold his MK25/S600s to buy MK17/G250Vs, he would agree they are the best thing since sliced bread. I have an investment in my Apeks regs but, if I was starting over, the MK17/G250Vs would be the other regs besides the XTX100s that I'd look at.

 

[Jimmer]

Zeagle ZX-DSV and ZX-Flathead VI are pretty comparable. Both are dry sealed diaphragm first stages and both have an all metal air barrel in the second stage as well as a heatsink on the second stage.

 

[beanojones]

IAs far as second stages, the G250V second stage interior has a metal barrel vs. a plastic part on the Apeks

Do you know which specific part is plastic on the Apeks?

(How do I put an image in a post? I have a clipping of the repair manual...)

 

[halocline]

I think apeks barrel poppet 2nd stages have a metal air barrel.

A great alternative to the G250V is a used old style G250, as long as you can find one in excellent condition. It's not too difficult to do that. As far as the first stage goes, there's no similar SP sealed diaphragm 1st stage, although if you don't need the environmental seal, the MK16 is essentially the same reg. IMO, even better would be an excellent condition MK10, later model with the SPEC boot if you need environmental sealing. I have never heard of a SPEC equipped MK10 freezing. Of course, this only matters if you are in cold enough water to need the seal, meaning low 40s and colder. If you're diving in anything except freezing conditions, any of the SP balanced piston regs would be a fine alternative to the MK17 in terms of performance. My personal favorite is the later MK5, but it seems to be getting more difficult to find those in great shape. An overlooked 1st stage is the MK15, which I think is an excellent reg with essentially the same performance is the MK20/25.

There are lots of MK10/G250 combos for sale in the used market.

 

[Spg01]

I am getting a chance to dive a Zeagle this weekend, not sure on the model though.

As far as temperature goes, I currently only dive a wetsuit. So I do not "currently" need a cold water reg, but I figure someday I might. I would like to get a setup that will grow and not need to be replaced.

 

[beanojones]

I think apeks barrel poppet 2nd stages have a metal air barrel.

A great alternative to the G250V is a used old style G250, as long as you can find one in excellent condition. It's not too difficult to do that.

I have worked on old G250s that had enough wear on the barrel where the demand lever pivots that they would never set up since the lever could float around. That's why I bought an Atomic Titanium second stage wehen they came out.

Was I just seeing a bunch of old boat regs that lived in salt water?

 

[Wayward Son]

FWIW, I know a guy just gave away a Zeagle Flathead, bc he was buying a 2nd Mk25/G250V

 

[DA Aquamaster]

The Aqualung Legend is similar to the Mk17 G250 in terms of design and performance with mostly detail differences.

I do like the metal air barrel of the G250V and agree plastic air barrels can be prone to wear that could cause lever issues. But to put it in perspective, wear in a plastic air barrel should not be a problem with regular annual services and they are cheap to replace.

The big advantages of metal airbarrels are better heat transfer and less dry mouth.

 

[halocline]

I have worked on old G250s that had enough wear on the barrel where the demand lever pivots that they would never set up since the lever could float around. That's why I bought an Atomic Titanium second stage wehen they came out.

Was I just seeing a bunch of old boat regs that lived in salt water?

You're probably talking about the G250HP with the plastic air barrel. I was referring to the old style G250 with the metal air barrel. If you're saying that the metal air barrel wore so much that the lever would not work correctly, that's something I'd like to see a photo of.