Scubapro mk16 with R380 - time to upgrade?

[black_sea]

Have a Scubapro mk16 first stage (diaphragm type, also upgraded to the mk18) with R380 second stage. The second stage has detuned several times, it was "too easy" to breathe at depth, meaning that you got so much air you were straining to keep the air from your lungs.

Have had it serviced again and waiting for it to come back.

I do ice and cold water diving and tropical diving, so ability to work internationally and in all climates is an important factor for me.
I usually do a minimum of 10 dives a month, with some months up to 80 dives.
Starting to feel like i need to upgrade, would love some input
1)Have no experience with second stage upgrades, does it make sense to upgrade just the second stage?

Or is it more effective to go with a first and second stage combo?

2)Has anyone used the mk16 with a different second stage? Opinions?

Thank You!

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

You can upgrade just the 2nd stage. Assuming your first stage is operating properly (supplying a stable intermediate pressure throughout the dive), the biggest effect on performance and ease of breathing will be the performance of the 2nd stage.

If you are happy with Scubapro in general (like your reg, like your dealer), I'd consider upgrading to a G250V second stage... this is a classic, well respected and top-performing 2nd stage, and will work just fine with your first stage.

Best wishes.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

If your Mk 16 has been serviced lately by a qualified dealer, it will have been upgraded to use Mk 17 internal parts and will deliver what amounts to Mk 11 performance (same as the Mk 17 but without the sealed ambient chamber. And that is no big deal as the Mk 16 still performs extremely well even in very cold water. Prior to the Mk 17, we had PSDs routinely using the Mk 16 on ice dives with no issues.

In that regard a first stage upgrade will gain you basically nothing, while you would notice a definite improvement with the G250V second stage. I am not an S600 fan in cold water.

 

[halocline]

As usual, DA Aquamaster's post pretty much sums it up. If you want to buy used, I'd suggest getting either a balanced/adjustable or older style G250 2nd stage and have it serviced. The all-metal balanced/adjustable (or 109, which is easily converted) will be extremely freeze resistant.

I'd also vote for a G250V if you're buying new.

 

[redacted]

If your only complaint with the R380 is the positive pressure breathing, you should be able to adjust that with the control vane.

 

[horsediver1]

I concur with the majority on the G250V hard to beat in harsh enviroments MK16 with the upgrade kit equals MK17 can't beat the combo.

 

[NAUIwowee]

+1 on the G250V

 

[black_sea]

Thank you all for your replies! Really appreciated. This has saved me a lot of guesswork!

G250V it is!

(P.S. the first stage has been serviced and is tip-top. I guess I could complain about too much air, but that is sure better than no air. Will stick with Scubapro for now, as it is so much easier to service in Thailand than say, Apeks)
Once again, Thank You!