Scubapro A700 vs S600

[Deac in the Wake]

First, I've searched on the relative terms on SB for existing threads. Didn't really find what I was looking for. I've also done the comparison chart on scubapro.com for both regs and talked to folks around the LDS for their thoughts.

I'm looking at either the S600 or A700 and am interested in what others who've looked at both and went either way found to be their deciding factor. I'm not interested in other manufacturers so it's down to one of these.

I like the metal frame of the 700 and can go either way on the appearance. I'm really interested in the appreciable differences from a practical point of view.

So advice from anyone who went through this process is appreciated.

 

[CPH]

They are both excellent regs and will do everything you ever want. Mainly it comes down to personal choice but if you go to 40+ meters you will notice a slightly better breath from the A700.
The A700 is suppose to be a little better in extream cold.

 

[hawkenph]

Hi,
I just looked at SP site and it saids the A700 is not Nitrox cert 100%. Where the S600 is. So, something else to consider too.

 

[ajduplessis]

They are very close to each other IMO, some say the 700 breaths better below 50m??? I have the 600 and it breaths great at 50m+ The A700 feels heavy to me. Either way both a very very good!!

 

[Scott L]

For anyone going the DIR route, the A700's face-plate does not unscrew...

 

[cbrich]

For anyone going the DIR route, the A700's face-plate does not unscrew...

You are correct, the A700 has 4 SS screws to keep the faceplate on. Actually none of the current Scubapro faceplate unscrew easily, unless the retaining pin has been removed. If the pin is still there, you will not remove the face plate. There is another thread that is currently discussing the whole face plate removal underwater, it's very interesting. Do a search for it. Just my comment, if the reg gets enough sediment between the faceplate, and the diaphragm; stop plowing up the bottom with your reg.

I was in the same boat as you, which one to get S600 or A700. I don't think I need to say which one I settled up on, check my pic out. And if anyone says the A700 will give you jaw fatigue, they are full of it. My longest dive is over 120 minutes, and never thought to myself, this reg is heavy .​

 

[Chill Diver]

I made my decision based on cold water performance. Most of my diving will be cold water here in Canada so I felt that an all-metal reg would do better. I haven't ever regretted that decision. The A700 breathes great at all depths, in all positions, and at cold temperatures.

Unfortunately, I can't comment directly on the s600 as I haven't used it. I have been diving with others who use them and I have not heard any negative comments about them. I was actually considering buying one for my wife.

 

[Deac in the Wake]

Hi,
I just looked at SP site and it saids the A700 is not Nitrox cert 100%. Where the S600 is. So, something else to consider too.

I take this to mean the 700 isn't O2 cleaned to 100% oxygen. I believe the 700 is fully Nitrox compatible to usual Nitrox standards for rec diving (<40% EANx). I'd have to be diving a hell of a lot more to have a reg like the 600 or 700 solely for a 100% O2 bottle.

cbrich: excellent point in re: dragging regs. There was an octo in for service at the shop which looked like it had its own little beach inside. I shouldn't have been astounded at the lack of intelligence at someone so utterly neglecting a safety device like a backup reg but there it was- clogged full of sand and pebbles. And looking as though it hadn't been serviced in 5 years.

 

[cbrich]

If someone is using MK25/A700 reg as Deco regs, then they have way too much money. I would be concerned about them, because they are wanting to look "COOL", over actually dive experience. I can do many trimix dives for the cost of a MK25/A700.

Could a A700 be used for 100% O2, I would think so, because 1) the second stage is made of chrome plated brass (same materials as the MK25 first stage), 2) Scubapro already uses viton o-rings in all of the rebuild kits, 3) the second stage is low pressure, most issues with oxygen happens with high pressure oxygen. I have never heard of a second stage blowing up in the presence of oxygen (I could be wrong tho), but I have seen pictures of a first stage blowing up. Scubapro does not make an oxygen kit for the A700 with all of the pretty green o-rings, but color does not say what the material is made of. Before any reg is to used for 100% oxygen it needs to be oxygen cleaned, and assembled with oxygen compatible lube. This reg should also be dedicated to 100% oxygen use only.

I know of several folks that use a standard MK2/295, with 100% oxygen and no Scubapro Oxygen Kits in either stage.

I have seen a lot of people drag their octos all over the place; all you can do is help them out by showing them how streamline there gear. IMHO, if a person has to remove the faceplate of their regulator underwater, they are being careless in the environment around them. If somebody can give me example otherwise, I am interested in read it. IMHO, if a person does not inspect there "life line" equipment on a annual basis is completely careless, whether that is an annual service, or for some, an inspection (you know who, and what I am talking about, I will not go into detail).

 

[Deac in the Wake]

More good info. Thanks cb. I think I'm just inclined towards the 700 due to the metal frame. I have only once, ever, doffed my gear and put a tank down on a reg (my octo after a shore dive in Bonaire) but it was enough to make me concerned enough to never do it again but also have a reg which may be slightly more resistant to those kinds of stresses. Plus it's got such a dynamic range and the reviews of the 700 from the last 12-18 months are ravingly great.

Besides, my youngest daughter is finally old enough to get her C card this year so it was a great way to sell the idea to my wife: daughter takes my current reg (Aqualung Micron less than 2 yrs old) and I'll get a new 700. That way, she's got a piece of gear that works well and safely and I can upgrade. What can I say? We do what we have to do to score the stuff that feeds our addiction.