Scubapro MK17 or DiveRite 2500 Ice

[ChickenBone]

I know this may come down to personal opinions but recommendations or advice greatly appreciated. here's the scenario - I am in the process of purchasing new regs for a doubles rig that i have. I know Apeks makes great regs as well, but the reason i've narrowed it to these choices is simply because they are the brands offered by the 2 shops i deal with. I'm getting a great deal on either purchase, but I'd save about $250 more on the DiveRite package (that's not really that big of a concern, but just thought i'd throw that in).

so long story short - i want a 'rock solid' cold water reg for northeast conditions. one that i don't need to stress whether it might freeze on me in frigid conditions. I know they both breathe well, so the cold water factor will be my primary concern. I've heard fantastic things about both regs. So, my final choice will be either:

1) Scubapro MK17 with G250 second stage or
2) DiveRite 2500Ice with the environmental seal .

I'm also switching to a long hose configuration, so perhaps ease of proper hose routing may be a deciding factor? feedback from people who own these regs would be appreciated. thanks in advance.

 

[cobaltblue]

I just switched from a MK25 to the MK17 and love it! I can't tell the difference which means the MK17 is an awesome breather as well as a great cold water reg. I have only dove it in Lake Michigan so it's never seen water over 60*. I have been down to about 35* at depth 100'ish with it with no problems at all. My recommendation would be to go with the ScubaPro as their customer service is wonderful. I have personally been put in contact with the sales rep for my area by the home office. They actually gave me his personal number when I called with questions. They may be a little more $, but in my mind, they're totally worth it. The small problem I had was resolved better than I was expecting and far better than I would have accepted. I have made other posts along these lines because I feel that when a company does good things people need to tell everybody they can, (you know people do when they have a bad experience). ScubaPro, along with my LDS, have made me a very happy customer that will continue to support them both for years to come. Not to sound like a ScubaPro advertisement, but deep down don't you want and need the best?

My 2 cents.

 

[daveg1]

I am currently using DR2500's on my doubles as well as my 100% bottle. I have had them for 3 years with no problems. They breath great at any depth I have been at. With the adjuster on the 2nd I can set them at depth to free flow if I wanted. I have also never had a problem with the cold here in NH&ME. I also have the cold water kit on them. I don't know if it helps with the cold but it sure makes the rebuilds easer. Since no salt water gets in they are always clean in side.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

Another vote for the Mk 17 G250. It's an excellent performer and is bullet proof in cold water.

 

[drew52]

MK 17 for sure, I'm also a great ScubaPro fan (I have the MK16/S550) and their customer service is awesome. I had some of their split fins (off the topic but...) after 1 and a half years and about 200 odd dives with about 20 pool sessions thrown in they started coming apart a little. Guess what? a brand new pair arrived for me to replace the old ones. this after the warranty was already over. I'm definately not complaining.

We get temperatures of around 7 - 8 degress here in Cape Town and I've never had any issues with cold or depth. 7 degrees at 40 meters and no problems whether I'm upside down or any kind strange position peering into a wreck.