Scubapro G250V vs A700 for cold and deep

[SigCool]

mk17 first stage, currently with G250V. I'm thinking about switching to the A700, but how does it compare for cold water (great lakes 38*) and deep 200+ ft?

 

[ajduplessis]

Go for the A700 or S600. I would also maybe replace the 1st stage for a MK2 or MK25 depending on your requirements.

 

[Becca_007]

Why switch the first stage? There is a similar thread about first stages and I got the feeling the MK17 was better for the cold?

 

[Pudsky]

When I bought my regulator, I wanted one that would perform in cold and deep water. I talked to quite a few people and did lots of research. I ended up buying MK17/G250V. The shop I purchased my gear from actually suggested the 250V over the A700.
But I think either second stage should perform equally in those conditions. My suggestion is to stick with the G250V.

 

[a22shady]

Myself anf My Girlfried use the same setup and love it. While we have not been down to 200' level we have been in some very cold water and never have had any problems. I have the S600 also and think the G250v is a better breather just how it feels to me. As for the A700 I have never used it so can not say if that is a better breather compared to the 250V.

 

[halocline]

Go for the A700 or S600. I would also maybe replace the 1st stage for a MK2 or MK25 depending on your requirements.

Please disregard this nonsensical post. Nothing personal, it's just totally wrong.

It is possible that the A700 has 'theoretically better' heat exchange than the G250V, because it has a full metal case, where the G250V has a metal air barrel. But, in the real world the G250V is a highly proven design based on one of the most successful 2nd stages ever. So, I wouldn't worry about it.

Changing the MK17 to a MK2 or MK25 for cold, deep water is exactly the wrong thing to do; the MK17 has better flow for deep water than the MK2, and is sealed for better cold water performance than the MK25.

IOW, if you currently have a MK17/G250V I don't think you have any regulator worries whatsoever.

 

[sibermike7]

Please disregard this nonsensical post. Nothing personal, it's just totally wrong.

It is possible that the A700 has 'theoretically better' heat exchange than the G250V, because it has a full metal case, where the G250V has a metal air barrel. But, in the real world the G250V is a highly proven design based on one of the most successful 2nd stages ever. So, I wouldn't worry about it.

Changing the MK17 to a MK2 or MK25 for cold, deep water is exactly the wrong thing to do; the MK17 has better flow for deep water than the MK2, and is sealed for better cold water performance than the MK25.

IOW, if you currently have a MK17/G250V I don't think you have any regulator worries whatsoever.

Hear, hear. Couldn't have said it better. I take mine under the ice and deep (well, not too deep, but below 30 meters.) I keep my Mk25/600 for Florida.

 

[elan]

Go for the A700 or S600.

S600 does not work well in cold water. This was proven by many free flows people get from this second stage. Switching to MK25 from MK17 for cold water does not make sense.

 

[elan]

mk17 first stage, currently with G250V. I'm thinking about switching to the A700, but how does it compare for cold water (great lakes 38*) and deep 200+ ft?

You have a good setup for the cold water diving you do not need to change anything. Only if you want to change it for the sake of changing

 

[FireInMyBones]

I love my G250v. I use it everywhere. 200'+ and I have been as cold as 48*F and no freeze.
In fact I have two of them I love them so much. Plus they are bomb proof.