Regs comparable to the MK25/S600

[ADeadlierSnake]

Im curious what regs out there are comparable to the MK25/S600 in terms of performance. I own 3 of said regulator (for my singles rig and my doubles rig), and now that I am moving into tech, I am looking for a reg for a deco bottle. I would love for that reg to be a MK25/S600, however I am not going to limit my search to that reg alone, since those tend to get snatched up incredibly quickly. So I would like to know what other regs I should pay attention to if I happen to see them on craigslist, or hear about someone selling them. So which ones do you all love?

 

[halocline]

MK20 1st stage with either G500 or G250 would be very comparable. The G500 is sort-of the predecessor to the S600, and later versions of the G250HP were very similar except in a larger case. But you might consider going simple for a deco reg. For example, a MK10/G250 (pre 'HP' or 'V') would perform extremely well, both stages are older, simpler, extremely proven versions of the current SP balanced piston/barrel poppet regs.

Personally, I love MK5s, but I'm assuming you want a DIN set up, and the MK5 DIN situation is trickier. The MK10 uses the same DIN retainer as the current SP 1sts. I also love the metal case 109, converted to balanced/adjustable, and the D series 2nds. But the ones I listed are probably closer to what you have.

 

[Shftrdog]

I would recomend the Oceanic Delta 4.2

 

[eelnoraa]

Deco bottle with high % of O2, how about Atomic M1?

 

[FoxHound]

apex, hog, oceanic, zeagle......all pretty similar

I use apex xtx50/ds4 for back gas and oceanic GT3/CDX5 for deco/stage regs

 

[elan]

Is it for a 100 O2 or much lover lower o2 levels ?

I put topics on different forums sometime ago about O2 reg and after collecting different info I decided to use MK2 Plus with S600. because MK2 is very simple and does not have dynamic o-rings on hp side

I assume you also want a second stage that can have the purge cover removable under water ? I never understood the obsession with that feature even with soft purge seconds which do not have movable parts in the purge and are not blocked by the sand. I was always able to clean them even after the stages are picked from a silt.

 

[James R]

For O2 I use a Scubapro MK2 and R395. It's a 20' MOD, no need for anything more IMO...really they work great at 70' on 50% too. My others are DiveRite 1208s. None are as nice as a MK25/S600, but IMO they don't need to be.

 

[Zung]

Stay with the same brand, it'll make servicing a lot easier. There's no difference between the MK25 & the MK20; if anything, I prefer the MK20 with 1 less moving part, but they can only be found used. And the MK2 is plenty good enough for shallow deco's.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

I use HOG D-1's for everything.

 

[Ouvea]

Got to try a Scubapro Mk25/S600, a HOG D1 along with my Atomic Z2. All breathed similarly. I thought my Z2 was slightly easier but I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't completely a placebo effect. Most high end regs breathe the same. Now, which hose configuration, weight, warranty, ergonomics, etc. do you prefer?

My GUE fundies instructor had Halcyons which are rebadged Scubapro. I doubt that your MK25/S600 would ever let you down, even in the most adverse condition, provided that you properly service and handle them.

C.