Wife and I just got certified and are looking for regs. Will probably dive about 10-15 times per year. Mostly freshwater at our local lake, 75 plus degrees water temp and once, maybe twice each year to Cozumel. Have basic equip plus bc's. Am now wondering, for the amount of diving we'll be doing, which would be the best, most economical regulators. The mk2 with the r380 or the mk16 with the r380. Not much difference in price, $189 and $209 at leisure pro I think. Will buy at LDS and expect to pay about 50 bucks more. For our level of diving, which I expect to pretty much stay the same, would it really matter which we got? Any help appreciated. Thanks, GT
scubapro mk16/r380 vx mk2plus/r380
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JohnCollins
Guest
The MK16/S550 is very high performance and easy breathing and the price for this setup will only be slightly higher than for two R380 second stages on it.
I have the MK16/S550 and it's a great breather.
I have the MK16/S550 and it's a great breather.
John,
My BC has my backup 2nd stage already built in. So, I really only need one 2nd stage for me and one for my wife. Would I significantly benefit from the 550? We used the mk16/380's in class with no probs. Hell, I've already spent about 2 grand on scuba stuff in a little more than a week. I want reliability and affordability too. How much extra would the 550 be and would it be worth it for the little bit of diving we'll be doing? Thanks again, GT
My BC has my backup 2nd stage already built in. So, I really only need one 2nd stage for me and one for my wife. Would I significantly benefit from the 550? We used the mk16/380's in class with no probs. Hell, I've already spent about 2 grand on scuba stuff in a little more than a week. I want reliability and affordability too. How much extra would the 550 be and would it be worth it for the little bit of diving we'll be doing? Thanks again, GT
ElectricZombie
Contributor
An Mk16/S550 is $259.95 from LeisurePro.
The Mk16 is a balanced 1st stage. The S550 is a balanced 2nd stage. This means that they will breath the same regardless of tank pressure and are very high performance regs.
The Mk2/R380 is an unbalanced setup. At deeper depths and lower tank pressures, this setup will not breath as well.
A Mk16/R380 combines a balanced 1st stage with an unbalanced 2nd stage.
It really depends on what type of diving you plan to do. If you don't see yourself diving a lot, the Mk2/R380 setup would probably be adequate. If you are going to dive alot or plan to do deep diving, I would get a better reg.
The Mk16 is a balanced 1st stage. The S550 is a balanced 2nd stage. This means that they will breath the same regardless of tank pressure and are very high performance regs.
The Mk2/R380 is an unbalanced setup. At deeper depths and lower tank pressures, this setup will not breath as well.
A Mk16/R380 combines a balanced 1st stage with an unbalanced 2nd stage.
It really depends on what type of diving you plan to do. If you don't see yourself diving a lot, the Mk2/R380 setup would probably be adequate. If you are going to dive alot or plan to do deep diving, I would get a better reg.
The first time they do Devil's Throat in Cozumel, they're gonna wish they had the "Balanced" set-up. Yes you WILL notice the difference at depth when she gets a little out of tune...I did!!
When breathing turns to sucking, you're due for a better set of regs
Spend more, be happy.
When breathing turns to sucking, you're due for a better set of regs
Spend more, be happy.
I suppose I'll have to ask but do you all have any idea what the mk16/s550 will be at the LDS. I'm still thinking about 50 bucks more than leisurepro. And, if I'm gonna spend more what about the mk16/g250hp? Thats what the owner has but haven't researched it yet at scubapro.com. Continue with the feedback. I appreciate it. GT
ElectricZombie
Contributor
Mk16/S550 is $388.00
A Mk16/G250HP would be more...proabably around $440.00 or so.
I can't tell any difference in performance in the S550 vs. the G250HP. The G250HP does have the adjustment knob which can be useful.
A Mk16/G250HP would be more...proabably around $440.00 or so.
I can't tell any difference in performance in the S550 vs. the G250HP. The G250HP does have the adjustment knob which can be useful.
JohnCollins
Guest
Because I don't have an R380, I use the Scubapro AirII on my BC. I'd say, though that after what you've spent on dive equipment it's silly to save a couple bucks by buying a MK16/R380 vs, MK16/S550. It's really not that different, price-wise. Make your decision between the MK2/R380 or the MK16/S550, but don't put the R380 on the MK16. Now you have some price difference to consider. But I think the reg is the wrong place to economize, given their life support function, and long lifespan, anyway.
Your LDS will give you 10% off Scubapro gear pretty much for the asking, especially if you've bought other gear from them recently. I got my MK16/S550 for $349. Look up local dealers from the Scubapro site and call a couple and ask for prices, letting them know you're shopping.
JPC
Your LDS will give you 10% off Scubapro gear pretty much for the asking, especially if you've bought other gear from them recently. I got my MK16/S550 for $349. Look up local dealers from the Scubapro site and call a couple and ask for prices, letting them know you're shopping.
JPC
Ok, thanks for the input. I'll go ahead and get us each a mk16/s550 rig. I'll plan on buying our uwatec aladin sport plus consoles (computer + SPG) at the same time so we'll have pretty much all the basics we need. Maybe with such a big order my LDS will give me a good deal. I'm hoping he'll do something around $1250 or $1300. If not, I'll buy the regs from him and the computers from the ever dreaded LeisurePro. Thanks for the input and add any other comments you can think of. Thanks, GT
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