Regulator advice: SP MK 17 G250V vs. SP MK 16 R190

[kathydee]

So excited! I am just about to purchase my first regulator. Looking for dependability and adaptability. Will probably dive a bit deeper than 100 ft, but not much colder than 50-55 degrees. Have 63 dives and may go on to do a DM next summer.

After all the advice on SB, decided on a "Scuba Pro MK 17 G250V"

Just visited my LDS who tried to sell me the following Scuba Pro package:

Lady hawk BCD
Aladdin wrist/or console computer
SP MK 16 R190 reg
Octopus/or built in on the BCD
Pressure gauge
======================
Total $999 It sounds like a great deal but I am suspicious.

Asked the tec the difference between the MK 17 G250V and the MK 16 R190,
he said they are similar piston design but the 16R is an older model.

The MK17 G250V was priced at $540.
The MK16 R190 was priced at $399


Can anyone explain the difference in reliability and performance?

Thanks!

 

[DA Aquamaster]

The Mk 16 is discontinued. No big deal, it will be supported for decades, but it does mean the dealer can discount it all the way down to his cost.

The Mk 16 is a fine reg that formed the basis of the Mk 17. The differences are that the Mk 17 is sealed, has an extra HP port (one on each side) and has an improved seat alignment system that is retrofitted into the Mk 16 anyway.

The main difference is the R190 versus the G250V. The G250V is phenomenal and the R190 is just another unbalanced entry level second stage. The real performance difference will show up there as the R190 will not breathe nearly as well as the G250V.

As an aside, the SP dealer can do a heavy discount on any second stage sold with the discontinued Mk 16, so ask what he would charge in addition to upgrade you to a Mk 16 G250V in that same package.

 

[goldenwingk]

i just recently got a MK 17/G250v
and honestly these are deffinetly the best regs i could of asked for haha

i just did a few dives with them and just phenomenal, super easy breathign in cold water and at depth

 

[realdiver7]

I would try to get my best deal on the MK17/G250V.

 

[jac11819]

Follow D A Aquamaster's advice, he knows exactly what he is talking about. Good luck!

 

[kathydee]

The Mk 16 is a fine reg that formed the basis of the Mk 17. The differences are that the Mk 17 is sealed, has an extra HP port (one on each side) and has an improved seat alignment system that is retrofitted into the Mk 16 anyway.

As an aside, the SP dealer can do a heavy discount on any second stage sold with the discontinued Mk 16, so ask what he would charge in addition to upgrade you to a Mk 16 G250V in that same package

Thanks for this and for your earlier advice :blinking:. What differences would I actually notice between the MK 17 G250V and the MK 16 G250V while diving & for maintenance? Sorry but I am really new to all the technical lingo.

 

[halocline]

In the conditions you described you would not notice any difference between the performance of the MK16 and MK17 with the G250V. In extremely cold water the MK17 would be theoretically more freeze resistant.

If you're planning on doing your DM, I would not get an octo/inflator. Get a standard octo on a 40" hose. It will make the skill demonstration circuit a little easier, and if you're working as a DM it's probably better to use a standard octo for air sharing. If you really want the octo/inflator, consider getting a much longer hose for your primary 1st stage, as you would be donating that one for air sharing.

I don't think that $399 is such a great deal for the MK16/R190. There is a big difference in cost between the R190 and the G250V.

 

[kathydee]

I don't think that $399 is such a great deal for the MK16/R190. There is a big difference in cost between the R190 and the G250V

Thanks. Does the M17 G250V price seem ok?

The combined package looked like a good deal and a quick, inexpensive way to collect a decent set-up. But no reason to compromise on the important gear. I am deffinately willing to pay for a great dependable reg and won't be buying the R190.

 

[John_B]

The MK17 G250V was priced at $540.
The MK16 R190 was priced at $399

At those prices I would spend the extra $141 to get the G250V and the MK17, simple economics.

Maybe someone who works at a Scubapro shop and has access to the price list can verify this, but I think that $540 price might be the MSRP - 10% (which is the minimum price an authorized Scubapro dealer in the US can sell for). You shouldn't be paying MSRP for any reason.

 

[kathydee]

At those prices I would spend the extra $141 to get the G250V and the MK17, simple economics.

I think the MK16 R190 reg price dropped quite a bit lower when included in the "package deal." Would be very interested if they quoted the lowest price for the MK17 G250V if anyone knows.