Scubapro MK17/a700 vs Mares MR22 Abyss

[acteg]

I've got 2 MR22 Abyss setups and now have a MK17/A700. The MK17/A700 looks cool, but feels and looks cheap in comparison to the abyss. The abyss feels like it was over engineered. The A700 exterior feels like cast pot metal junk to me. I haven't opened up the A700 to look at the inside yet. I was excited when I got the A700 and thought that it would replace my MR22 Abyss, but now I am not so sure. I also am not really sure what the benefit of the adjustable knob is on the A700? Wouldn't you just set it to max and leave it? I haven't gotten it wet yet, so maybe once I do I will understand the purpose behind it.

If you were in my shoes which would you choose and why? My options are keep my 2 Mr22 setups, and stick to one "manual of arms" so to speak, and sell the MK17/A700, or sell one of my Mr22 setups. Like I said, I was really excited about the A700 at first, but now I'm not so sure because of the "perception of quality". Maybe I will change my mind once I dive it.

thanks

 

[Chill Diver]

The MK17/A700 setup is in no way a "cheap" setup. It is not "cast pot metal junk". The second stage is hand crafted brass coated with chrome. It is a true, full metal reg and a sealed diaphram first stage. It breathes great and will work in just about any water temperature. I primarily use mine here in Canada diving water temps down to 3C (37f) but I have also used it in tropical waters. It has never had a problem, no matter the temperature.

I agree to some extent about the knobs. For the most part, I set mine and forget it although the dive/predive switch is handy.

IMHO, the MK17/A700 is the top of the Scubapro range (better than the MK25 for cold water). It is also one of the finest regs in the world, regardless of price.

 

[acteg]

Thanks Chill Diver. That is solid input, and what I was hoping to get out of this thread. When I first looked over the A700 there was a noticeable texture in the finish in some areas. I thought it might be impressions from casting, but it could just be an "imperfect" chrome job. I think I've decided to keep the MK17/A700 and one MR22/Abyss set. I really do like the Abyss, but who knows, I may fall in love with the A700 after a couple of dives. On first look, I like the routing of the MR22 better than the MK17, but the MR22 is a beast of a regulator.

and since everyone likes pictures.....

 

[elan]

The adjustment knob is used to adjust the cranking pressure which gives you ability to get the max performance out if the reg. Without the jnob you have to set it to account for the worst case scenario so the reg does not freeflow through the exhaust valve. In this case that would be diaphragm facing down. But people do not swim that way so you can decrease the cranking pressure when you swim using the knob and that will make the reg breathing easier.

 

[rhwestfall]

the adjustment knob also shines when facing into current...

as to the MK-17, I was always disappointed thet only Europe got the model with a turret, but a couple add-on aftermarket swivels, and life is good...

 

[elan]

the adjustment knob also shines when facing into current...

as to the MK-17, I was always disappointed thet only Europe got the model with a turret, but a couple add-on aftermarket swivels, and life is good...

Do they still have it ? I heard it was discontinued ?