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

[4sak3n]

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.

Thanks!

Uhhhh ... those two first stages are diaphragm designs, not pistons. Silly tec.

P.S. I have a Mk17/G250V and am very happy with it.

 

[halocline]

Uhhhh ... those two first stages are diaphragm designs, not pistons. Silly tec.

This is correct; I should have read your post more carefully and if the guy who told you that was in fact the same person who works on the regs for that shop, that's not a good sign at all. I once had a conversation with a SP tech who insisted that all SP regs were pistons, while we were standing about 3 feet from a display with the MK16.

In general, I'd very pretty cautious about package deals. You want to choose each piece of gear yourself; not let a dive shop do it based on clearing out inventory. You could, for example, buy the MK16, G250V, and a R190 to use as an octo. Since the MK16 (and R190, I think) are discontinued, you should be able to get a good price on those, although it's never a good idea to underestimate a dive shop's ability to gouge.

Then give some thought to the type of BC you really want to dive with; it's a big decision that will affect your diving more than the reg.

 

[John_B]

I think the MK16 R190 reg price dropped quite a bit lower when included in the "package deal."

Then have them give you the same deal separately. If they know that you know those parts are discontinued, they might be more inclined to give your a better deal. (As others have said, Scubapro is far-and-away the best when it comes to supporting old models.) If its 10% off or so, then go ahead and get the MK17/G250V and leave their old stock to collect dust inside their display case.

Would be very interested if they quoted the lowest price for the MK17 G250V if anyone knows.

IIRC, LP uses the manufacturer's MSRP to compare their pricing against. They list the MK17/G250V MSRP at $595 which would mean $540 would be right around 9% or 10% off. Maybe someone who has access to their price list could verify that for you?

 

[sandmanz32]

you cant go wrong with either of those 1st stages, but id go for the g250v 2nd stage. i use a mk25 with a g250v, and a r190 as a octo. the 190 is an ok reg but definatly gets put on otco duty in my opinion. the g250 is an awesome second stage. with the adjustablity and weight its good for anyone rec to tec, total newbie to 2000+ logged dives diver.

 

[D_B]

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.

Which is how I got my Mk18/G250HP for so cheap in early 2005 (almost dealer cost) because the Mk18 was being discontinued.
Listen to DA Aquamaster and the others, Get the G250V with whatever first stage gets you the best deal
Me? .. I would go with a heavily discounted Mk16 like DA suggests

 

[diver 85]

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.

Think of it this away........it's $140 more over a 20+ year time period--you do the math(assuming you want to keep it that long)......example: I'm still using my MK 10/G200(not 250) for every dive I make---bought it new in 1989----& plan on continue using it for a long time(why fix something if it ain't broken)......IMO, get the 17 with the 250 ie get the 250...

 

[Smelly]

You might want to check out Dolphin Scuba Center - Scuba Sales, Trips, Service, and Education. give them a call. They got me a kick butt deal for my MK17/G250V Package!
P.S. I love my MK17/G250V

 

[John_B]

P.S. I love my MK17/G250V

To the OP, that's really the deal. Most regs have their fans and their detractors, but I haven't heard of anyone (either in person or on those intarweb tube thingies) that doesn't love their MK17/G250V and wouldn't rebuy them if they had to.

 

[kathydee]

Thanks so much for stearing me away from sales pitches towards awesome gear!!
Using your advice, my LDS just offered a great custom package deal on a fantastic setup!!

MK17 G250V
Bella BCD
Aladin Computer
SP Octo
Pressure Gauge
===============
$1,255

Don't think I can beat the price! So excited to almost have my own reliable diving gear! Soon, sketchy rental gear from dingy 3rd world dive shops will be a trauma of the past - thanks to you all!