ScubaPro MK18UL
- Thread starter ScubaRon
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ScubaRon
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The difference is that the UL is made out of aluminum, which makes it lighter that the 18mk. The 18mk is made out of brass. The aluminum is nice. If you scratch it, it could lead to corrosion. The good news is that SP will replace the 1st stage if it does get scratched. As long as it is under warranty. I use the reg also and love it. I have even used it with Nitrox and have done some ice diving with it. No problems yet.
Don't, to use a single word.
AL is not a suitable metal for use in a marine environment. If you think otherwise, I'll show you some examples of what happens when salt gets in and around it.
Second, AL is extremely unsafe around high FO2s, as the metal itself will burn! Brass will NOT. Not an issue for recreational Nitrox, but if you ever go beyond that, it is.
Yes, SP might replace the body if you have problems. But why? Is the pound or so of weight material to you? I say "no."
I wouldn't buy or own one; get a brass-body reg instead.
AL is not a suitable metal for use in a marine environment. If you think otherwise, I'll show you some examples of what happens when salt gets in and around it.
Second, AL is extremely unsafe around high FO2s, as the metal itself will burn! Brass will NOT. Not an issue for recreational Nitrox, but if you ever go beyond that, it is.
Yes, SP might replace the body if you have problems. But why? Is the pound or so of weight material to you? I say "no."
I wouldn't buy or own one; get a brass-body reg instead.
- Messages
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I agree with genesis about AL regs. I got mine because I got a pretty good deal on it and it was my first reg. I mostly dive fresh water so I don't really have to worry about salt water damage. When I do dive in salt water, the reg soaks in the bathtub or sink overnight. Then gets rebuilt when I get home. I've gotten into more technical diving and would like to use higher FO2, which the AL reg can't handle. The same can be said about titanium regs. They can burn at high FO2. But for recreational nitrox use in Lake Michigan, my AL is fine. If I had to do it all over again, I would have gone with the MK25 first stage. But like I said, I got a great deal on it and I haven't had any problems yet.
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