ScubaPro first stages

[DivingDoc]

OK, I'm leaning toward ScubaPro (although I could still be talked into Zeagle).

Sounds like the best second stage is the S600.

Question is, what should I get for the first stage -- MK16, MK 20 or MK25?

All opinions and reasons for them welcomed.

 

[SDAnderson]

Shortest answer: MK25.

Short answer: MK20 and convert it to an MK25 (yourself or have your LDS do it for you) and save a couple of dollars.

Longer answer: They're all good regulators, but are you sure you need the 600?

Longest answer: The cost/benefit curve is working pretty hard against you at these levels. Even for cold water, there are less expensive options that work as well, if not better. SP makes excellent regulators that have a proven track record and can be serviced almost anywhere in the world, but the 600 is a lot of cash for ??? If cost is no object, go for it. I own a couple of MK20/G250 regs and other than an occasional tendency to free-flow (gotta fiddle with that venturi vane) if you drop them in the water face down, they have been solid performers. Every diver should also consider Apeks (I've been happy with the TX50 and TX100 seconds and the DST and DS4 firsts) and cold water divers should consider the Sherwood Blizzard (which I don't own but have dived/dove/diven?

 

[MNScuba]

I've got the MK16/G250HP combo and it breathes real easy. I've been told that upgrading my 1st stage would make it even better.

 

[Jonathan]

I would go for the Mk20 (well I would I have 4) but you should be able to pick them up cheap as the 25 is out.......

Jonathan

 

[devjr]

Yes, they are showing up on E Bay but the warrantee might be a problem. SP is the original company that required yearly "checkups". If you follow this routine, the warrantee stays in force. I think it covers parts and labor--- does anyone know? Otherwise, the retail price on the MK25/600 is steep.

I bought my MK20/G250 on E Bay. If it ever needs work, I'll do it. With your planned intermittant use, a new reg will probably be good for 5 years before new O rings and adjustment are actually needed.

I've been a tad suspicious of the tiny, touchy second stage regs. Too many reports of bubbles and blurbals. Fortunately, they have the adjustment knobs to tune out the burps. The (Apeks, Zeagle) TX and (SP) G250 seconds are larger but, like the smaller ones, don't weigh anything in the water. They don't look as sleek as the little ones, though.

Incidently, the MK25 differs in having an intermediate pressure adjustment screw. This new feature is probably intended to appeal to the tech crowd who are constantly fiddling with their gear. In this case, they think they can control icing by adjusting the reg. Should not be of any concern to the average diver. The MK16 has this feature also.

 

[zodiacred]

before you dish out any money you should look at what kind of diving you do. The small size of the 600 lends itself to bubble interference,that is bubbles tend to go infront of your mask.If you intend on taking photos this may become anoying. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Jonathan]

I've had my 600 for almost a year now and can not say that I have noticed any bubble interference - you've made me paranoid now and I will be checking next time......

 

[SDAnderson]

SP is the original company that required yearly "checkups". If you follow this routine, the warrantee stays in force. I think it covers parts and labor--- does anyone know? Otherwise, the retail price on the MK25/600 is steep.

The annual maintenance on SP gear is required to maintain the warranty. SP pays for the parts but the diver pays for the labor. In my neck of the woods that will run about $75.00 per first/second stage combo, a little more if you add in an octo.

Steven

 

[Campana]

I am a dm for a shop that sells Scubapro, and I get it cheap. I have 2 mk20's, 2 mk16's, 2 mk2's. For second stages, I have a G500, 3 R380's, 1 G250, and 2 190's.

There is no difference in the breathing of the Mk20 vs. the Mk16, in my opinion.

There is no difference in the breathing of the G500, the R380, and the 250. I was surprised at how much I liked the 250 on my one dive with it last weekend; it was sweet. Might be my new favorite.

Size doesn't appear to matter. I haven't had any of the big ones til recently, but they seemed just fine to me.

They all freeflow if you adjust them too light, but they can be detuned on a truck tailgate in about 2 minutes with a 1/4" wrench, a 1/4" nutdriver (better) or a pair of needle nose pliers. I like them detuned a bit so they don't free flow; I'm not that sensitive to cracking pressure.

If money was a consideration, I'd buy the Mk16 and the G250 with a G250 second or a 190 second.

If money was not a consideration, I'd buy the Mk25 (like the Mk20, actually, except they changed the adjustment method from shims to a screw, which they didn't really need to do; it's just a gimmick in my opinion.) and the G600, just because I don't have one yet. However, I bet the R380 is just as good except it doesn't have the little knob to fiddle with.

Haven't used the Mk2's and 190's yet, but I expect they will be just fine. I think they are kind of the Chevy 6 cylinder stick shift kind of regs.

The actual bottom line is, you'll be very, very happy with any of the Scubapros and probably with any of the recommended APEX regs.

I'm going to buy an APEX setup this year just to see if all you clowns are right about how great they are. I bet they are no better, but I'll be the first to eat my words if I'm wrong. I ain't that proud. I pay retail for Halcyon wings when I can get DiveRite wholesale, for example.

 

[DivingDoc]

Originally posted by Campana
I am a dm for a shop that sells Scubapro, and I get it cheap. I have 2 mk20's, 2 mk16's, 2 mk2's. For second stages, I have a G500, 3 R380's, 1 G250, and 2 190's.

........

The actual bottom line is, you'll be very, very happy with any of the Scubapros and probably with any of the recommended APEX regs.

I'm going to buy an APEX setup this year just to see if all you clowns are right about how great they are. I bet they are no better, but I'll be the first to eat my words if I'm wrong. I ain't that proud. I pay retail for Halcyon wings when I can get DiveRite wholesale, for example.

I'm confused about everyone saying that ScubaPro is the most expensive. Retail on the ScubaPro MK20/S600, Mares Abyss and Zeagle Flat VI -- at least at my LSD's are all the same -- in the mid-$600.00's. The Zeagle dealer routinely gives a 20% discount on everything -- package or no. The other 2 give you a 10% discount only if you buy 2 or more major items. So that would put the SP MK20 S600 and the Mares Abyss at around $600; and the Zeagle flat VI at around $540. This is not a whole lot of difference in price, given that it will probably last me at least 5 years and will likely be both the first and last reg I will ever buy.

If I buy a ScubaPro from DiveInn or elsewhere on the web, will the LSD's service it? Is the warranty valid? Does it come from DiveInn already tuned or not? I don't know how to service it myself.

How similar are the Apeks to the Zeagles?