Scubapro MK10 VS. MK25....pros & cons

[emmagee]

What are the pros & cons of the Scubapro MK10 vs. the MK25?

I am a warm water, recreational diver so I will never need to worry about cold water problems associated with the MK25. I want a couple of other reg. setups and am trying to decide if I should just stick with buying a couple of nice, used MK10's and having them rebuilt or paying more for the newer MK25's.

Although it is a very subjective question, is on considered "better" than the other? Do some prefer the older MK10 to the newer MK25?

Also, do the MK15 and/or MK20 offer any advantages over the MK10 and/or MK25?

Thanks in advance!!

 

[strider]

The MK15 had a very short life and is difficult to find. Scubapro no longer stocks any parts other than the repair kit for the MK15.

The MK10 was a great regulator and is very similar to a MK25, there is a little difference in size and the MK25 uses a bushing system to hold the O-ring in place for the piston stem, which has much tighter/better tolerances as compared to the groove being machined into the MK10.

A MK20 is just a MK25 without a couple of upgrades.

As far as whats best it depends on you. Do you know of a couple MK10s at a great price? Are you going to use the regs often and have them serviced every year? Are you good about rinsing/soaking your gear after use? (The MK10 has smaller ambient pressure holes and tends to corrode inside a little more than a comparable mk20, not to mention the 10 has been around a while and the chrome plating will be worn more inside)

 

[halocline]

I have a MK15 which I bought in what appeared to be new condition. Are you sure about the lack of parts availability, as the tech who rebuilt it is very knowledgable about vintage SP stuff and never mentioned that to me.

Regarding the the MK10 vs the MK25, I would highly doubt if you'd ever be able to tell the difference in diving. I guess you might consider whether you have a vintage 2nd stage that would better match with the MK10 or a current one. By "better match" I don't mean in terms of performance, just the aesthetics of matching the stages with their contemporaries, which probably makes no difference to most people. I've heard that the MK25 is a little easier for most current techs to service. Personally, I'd love to find a like new condition MK10.

 

[redacted]

I retired my Mk20/G500 in favor of Mk5s and Mk10s with Adjustable and Balanced Adjustable 2nds. The performance difference is almost imperceptable but the newer models do have a slight edge. The older models are simpler, reliable, durable and easier to service.

 

[emmagee]

Thanks, guys, I appreciate the info.

Looks like there isn't much difference between the two. I don't have a source for a bunch of MK10's, but do have a a few of them around. I am going to set up a new primary and was just trying to decide if I should stick with on of my MK10's for a 1st stage or if ther was a legitimate reason to get a MK25.

Thanks again!

 

[DA Aquamaster]

The only part I have not been able to get for a Mk 15 is the piston. Realistically though, unless it is abused or dropped, a MK 15 is not going to need anything other than soft parts and those are readily available.

Matt...I do have a couple near mint looking Mk 10's that could probably be for sale. They are the later style with the rubber boot for the spec system but the boot can be rotated so that the holes line up if the SPEC chamber is not filled. They have the black knob rather than T shaped yoke screw and are also set up with Mk 10 Plus kits at present.

 

[pescador775]

I opened up the tiny holes in my MK 10 with a drill. Makes it easier to rinse out. If you do that, stuff a piece of rubber inside the barrel to prevent the drill point from hitting the opposite wall.