Scubapro MK2 Plus/R190 Regulator
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Plenty of them around, they are not fancy and are not the best breathers but they are simple and dependable. Not my first choice but certainly acceptable for occasional rec diving.
Plenty of them around, they are not fancy and are not the best breathers but they are simple and dependable. Not my first choice but certainly acceptable for occasional rec diving.
Just be aware that the European R190 and the U.S. R190 are different regulators, both targeted at the same market notch, but some parts (including the faceplate) are not interchangeable. I assume your looking at used gear, personaly I would not pay over about $50 for a used Mk 2 R190, maybe $100 at most if it is mint and has been professionaly serviced recently as this was the cheapest 1st/2nd stage Scubapro made when introduced almost 20 years ago. For just a little more money you can get a much better used Scubapro regulator, I just bought a used Mk 10/G200B off ebay last week for $68 (this would have been their upper end 1st stage, and midline balanced 2nd stage from about the same time period as the R190).
I have this reg set up on my pony bottles, and am very happy with them.
They are very easy to work on, and a very simple dependable design.
I have seen these regs on e-bay go from as low as $70.00 up to $160.00.
Jim Breslin
They are very easy to work on, and a very simple dependable design.
I have seen these regs on e-bay go from as low as $70.00 up to $160.00.
Jim Breslin
I just wanted to say I agree with this being a simple very reliable design, and if used as an alternate airsource on a pony bottle, etc. it is almost ideal, however as a primary regulator it leaves something to be desired.
divinginn
Contributor
Leasuire pro has them on sale for 135 dollars or so,hard to beat that deal.
halocline
Contributor
The MK2/R190 is an excellent recreational diving reg. If it's adjusted correctly, it will supply PLENTY of air for dives at recreational depth, and I'm sure somewhat beyond. I've had mine to 130ft and it was fine. Not quite as smooth as the balanced piston SP regs, but still perfectly acceptable.
A nice thing about the MK2 is that it is extraordinarily simple and easy to maintain, and works great as a stage reg if you ever get into tech diving.
A nice thing about the MK2 is that it is extraordinarily simple and easy to maintain, and works great as a stage reg if you ever get into tech diving.
The Mk 2 R190 is fine down to 130 ft or a bit more.
The R190 in my experience is a bit inconsistent. Some can be adjusted to breathe exceptionally well while others that look identical are mediocre breathers even after you try all the tricks short of swapping out parts until you get a combination that delivers exceptional performance.
I agree that you can get a good used Scubapro reg for a lot less than a new Mk 2 R190. As mentioned above, the Mk 10 G200 is a great reg that is a very consistent high performance excellent breathing reg that is still fully supported by SP and often sells for bargain prices. Also, I have noticed that most G200's and G200B's are usually in great shape where as a Mk 10 G250 has usually been used much harder. G200's can be upgraded to G200B status inexpensively and you can install a G250 air barrel and have a G250 if you want the adjustment knob.
The R190 in my experience is a bit inconsistent. Some can be adjusted to breathe exceptionally well while others that look identical are mediocre breathers even after you try all the tricks short of swapping out parts until you get a combination that delivers exceptional performance.
I agree that you can get a good used Scubapro reg for a lot less than a new Mk 2 R190. As mentioned above, the Mk 10 G200 is a great reg that is a very consistent high performance excellent breathing reg that is still fully supported by SP and often sells for bargain prices. Also, I have noticed that most G200's and G200B's are usually in great shape where as a Mk 10 G250 has usually been used much harder. G200's can be upgraded to G200B status inexpensively and you can install a G250 air barrel and have a G250 if you want the adjustment knob.
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