Regulator Geeks: Scubapro Mk19EVO - teardown & discussion

[Kupu]

Anniversary editions or PVD ?

Sorry, standard versions only. It's just nighttime lighting reflecting off the chrome creating the gold look.

 

[derrickroger]

That many of those decades-old regulators are still being used, not relegated to paperweights as so many brands have, is simply a testament to their quality and longevity, not a reflection on their newer equipment.

I have owned and / or serviced every single-hose model, dating from the 1960s-on; and advancements have certainly been made, since -- including their more recent closed-circuit equipment. I wouldn't think twice about diving on any of their regulators, made since the moon-landing; or, one manufactured in the last year.

My day-to-day gear typically involves newer XStream first stages, coupled with either Jetstream, Atmosphere (FFM), Cyklon, or XStream second stages -- paired with stage or pony bottles, fitted with decades-old Cyklon 300s.

There is over a forty year difference between the first stages, below. Neither, new or old, have ever missed a beat -- whether under ice in the Northeast; or under the worker's paradise that is Oakland Harbor . . .

Hi Derrick here, im originally from Yorkshire but now in Ontario, Canada because of the freshwater diving and many shipwrecks. My reg is the ancient P300 1st + cyclone 2nd. These are made by Poseidon. The water temp in the St Lawrence river varies from 75F in Sept to 32F or lower in Feb. and yes i use the P300 and yes, im under ice. In the winter however i will put the environmental black rubber cap filled with plumbers anti-freeze on the diaphragm end of the 1st stage. With careful breathing underwater, there are no issues with the P300. That's why im still using them and why my son is using them. Maintenance however is a problem for me as, i want to service them but it is getting increasingly harder and harder to find parts. No body wants to sell me then. If there is somebody out there that can help - great

 

[derrickroger]

Scubapro has struggled with freezing for its Mk25 for decades. TIS, then squeezy piston washer change, then new oval holes, then more ribs, then spring coating, then a plastic insulating cup. It never ends. They got rid of SPEC sealing with the Mk10, because techs hated the mess. Really bad move. Their best engineers left to form Atomic.
You can't seal a Mk25.

Cold water to 0°C? Sealed diaphragm.
It's as simple as that, if that's your worst case dive. Mk25EVO is a second best choice. Yeah, it's EN250A certified. But it would never be my first choice.

thank you.....

 

[rsingler]

If you weren't across the border, I'd be more than happy to service your 300 Cyklon!
Get yourself an Xstream and keep your Cyklon with it. It may be unsealed, but that Kevlar rolling diaphragm just won't freeze up.
If you can't get reliable Poseidon service and you want Scubapro, grab a Mk17EVO/G260 if the port configuration works, or a Mk19EVO if you want a turret.

If you can get quality local Mares service, get a 62X/Atlas Adjustable and you'll have zero icing worries.

 

[Bigbella]

Maintenance however is a problem for me as, i want to service them but it is getting increasingly harder and harder to find parts. No body wants to sell me then. If there is somebody out there that can help - great

silentexplorers.com, out of Minnesota, carry most every part for Poseidon regulators, both old and new, including service kits for the Cyklon 300 . . .

 

[derrickroger]

silentexplorers.com, out of Minnesota, carry most every part for Poseidon regulators, both old and new, including service kits for the Cyklon 300 . . .

oh my god you have saved my bacon - so so many places said "no current service contract, no parts" again thank you

 

[Angelo Farina]

i want a cold water compatible scuba pro reg- which ? i want it sealed so no issues with cold water, silty water, salt water, guys which one should i be looking at

A MK10 with the SPEC boot, properly stuffed with silicon grease.
And DIN universal conversion kit, of course.
This is what I have now, coupled with two 109s in Balanced Adjustable configuration, upgraded with S-wing poppets and curly feet levers.
One with longer yellow hose and orange exhaust, designed to be donated.
Indeed, during the dive, I usually alternate their usage.

 

[derrickroger]

If you weren't across the border, I'd be more than happy to service your 300 Cyklon!
Get yourself an Xstream and keep your Cyklon with it. It may be unsealed, but that Kevlar rolling diaphragm just won't freeze up.
If you can't get reliable Poseidon service and you want Scubapro, grab a Mk17EVO/G260 if the port configuration works, or a Mk19EVO if you want a turret.

If you can get quality local Mares service, get a 62X/Atlas Adjustable and you'll have zero icing worries.

hi Derrick here, another person from the "scuba-board"gave me the name of a company in the USA that would sell Poseidon parts so, I've been given "another life" so to speak. I will therefore continue to use the ancient Poseidon reg thanks for you help

 

[Angelo Farina]

hi Derrick here, another person from the "scuba-board"gave me the name of a company in the USA that would sell Poseidon parts so, I've been given "another life" so to speak. I will therefore continue to use the ancient Poseidon reg thanks for you help

They are simply the best for cold water!
Said that, I definitely prefer warmer water in a stretchy wet suit. Or no suit at all, in tropical waters...
Also the mediterranean is just fine, May to November...
And for these environments, Scubapro is better.

 

[Bald Wookie]

If you want somewhere in Canada to service your Poseidons, Ocean Quest in Newfoundland has a great service tech that can take care of them and knows them quite well.

If you're looking at going with Scubapros - Agreed with the above from @rsingler - Mk17evo or the Mk19evo for the first stages, and G260 for the 2nds. I have both, dive cold water all the time, and have never had problems. The Mk19s are on my sidemount/doubles setups, and the Mk17 is on my recreational single tank setup and I use them as travel regs too. I have another set that I use for a deco bottle as well.

I used to have a Mk25evo, I personally never had a problem in cold water, but I know others who did. I think a comfortability and breathing rate kind of thing had some effect on these results.