ScubaPro G250V vs s600 and mk 17 vs 25

[waz555]

Hello!

first of all im sorry if this is already an old topic or it has been discussed already , but i never saw a direct comparison of the items

1. i would like to ask the main differences of the 2 1st stages and 2nd stages
2. is the extra value of s600 worth it vs the G250V?
3. is the extra value of mk 25 vs mk17 worth it?

im currently eyeing on the mk17 and the G250V combo because it is cheaper and i read somewhere that the 250 models of sp is bulletproof, but the sales person is the dive shop prefers the mk25 s600 combo. i dont know why

but if saving a little money for the mk25 s600 would be alot better in terms of performance then i might save for it hehe

or mk 25 g250v combo is better?

im asian so most of my dives are in tropical waters.

thanks alot for your response

 

[vixtor]

1. MK17 vs. MK25
MK17 is a sealed diaphragm first stage
MK25 is a piston first stage
MK25 provides a higher air flow (but MK17 already provides more than what you really need). MK17 would work better in tough environments (cold, dirty waters). MK17 is also cheaper and more compact. The only "plus" of MK25 is the swivel turret, but then there's MK19 (a MK17 with the same swivel turret). I see no reason to choose MK25 over MK17, so my vote goes for MK17.
G250V vs. S600
S600 is a smaller unit, with more plastic. G250V is the copy of the old G250, a second stage that many still enjoy. The larger diaphragm of the G250V provides a more natural breathing (in my opinion), even if the S600 is rated as slightly better. G250V has more metallic parts in it, to improve the heat transfer. If you want it for travel, S600 would fit you better. If you don't care about the larger size, I think you'll enjoy G250V better.
2. I would say NO. I like G250V better.
3. I would say NO. MK17 is more reliable in tough environments and the extra performance of MK25 is not useful. If you like the MK25 rotating turret, look at MK19.

I use currently a setup with 2*MK17/G250V, and I wouldn't wish for anything else. Probably the margin for MK25/S600 is higher, and that's why dive shops like to sell it.

As you dive in tropical waters, you will not really benefit from the advantages of MK17/G250V. You'll not benefit from the higher flow of MK25/S600 also, and that's why I would say MK17/G250V would be better for you (cheaper). Also, the sealed MK17 is easier to clean than the MK25 after a dive in salt water.

 

[Matthew Mandziuk]

Vixtor pretty much said it all.

S600 work of breathing is better with an MK25, but if in cold water....MK17/G250V is better. Metal 2nd stage is better heat conductor than carbon fiber.

I have a couple of MK25/S600 for $499cdn and same for MK17/G250V DIN if interested. PM Me.

 

[waz555]

Thanks for your input vixtor, this help me decide on what to buy

thanks alot

 

[vixtor]

And what is your final choice?

 

[John-PacNW]

The reality of the differences between a mk25 vs mk17 in performance is minimal except in the extremes of their conditions (Deeper then 165' or extremely cold conditions where ice crystal formation is a reality). If you are looking at a full kit I know in the states there are some good deals going on that make mk25/s600s free with purchase of a scubapro bc with air2 and a sol, they may be pushing them for that reason.

 

[waz555]

@vixtor

im more on the g250v side
but still thinking if buying would be really alot better than renting heheheh

@john
thanks john ,but we are located in asia ,
thanks

 

[WRChadwell]

I dive a new (purchased 2008) Mk 17 1st stage paired with a G250 I bought back in 1988. It is a superb combination that I would recommend over the Mk 25/S600. The draw of the Mk 17 is slightly, but only slightly, more difficult than the Mk 10 that it replaced, but I have more confidence in it in the cold waters I often find myself in. Of course, if you are in SE Asia, that is not a consideration, but I still would recommend the Mk 17/G250V combo.