ScubaPro MK25/S600 - Why SHOULDN'T I?

[Daz]

I've finally decided to update our regs - My wife and I have both been diving Sherwood Classics (1st & 2nd) for almost 15 years now. Don't get me wrong, I like our Classics, they still breath nicely, but she's decided she wants a second stage that is a bit lighter and more streamlined, and I'd like something with two HP ports so I can run a SPG along with my AI transmitter (an adjustable second stage would be nice as well). I figure that regulator technology/performance has to have changed a bit in the past 15 years hasn't it?

We'll probably add SP octos as well - just not sure what models yet. We had been using the Sherwood Shadow Plus octo/inflator which we both really liked, but their hoses are bit longer than the corrugated hoses on the "H" Ecplise wings that we're now diving and don't fit as streamlined as we'd like, so back to more traditional alternates.

How do we dive you ask? Well, we're strictly warm water divers these days, rarely anything colder 75-80 F. We do some deep stuff, but for the most part keep it above 100 fsw. We mainly dive air, but do on occasion use various EAN blends.

I've read lots of posts here and on other boards touting the MK25/S600 combo and haven't really seen anyone say anything bad about them. So - anyone ever dive this setup and not like them? I know the SP name costs a bit more than some others (but not as much as some others). I'm not looking for the best cold water/tech reg set out there - we don't need it and I don't want to pay for it. I'm just trying to decide if there are any reasons I shouldn't continue to conside the MK25/S600 set.

Thanks for any input.

 

[digital_steve]

zeagle flathead xp
you'll thank me later

 

[scubamickey]

I've finally decided to update our regs - My wife and I have both been diving Sherwood Classics (1st & 2nd) for almost 15 years now. Don't get me wrong, I like our Classics, they still breath nicely, but she's decided she wants a second stage that is a bit lighter and more streamlined, and I'd like something with two HP ports so I can run a SPG along with my AI transmitter (an adjustable second stage would be nice as well). I figure that regulator technology/performance has to have changed a bit in the past 15 years hasn't it?

We'll probably add SP octos as well - just not sure what models yet. We had been using the Sherwood Shadow Plus octo/inflator which we both really liked, but their hoses are bit longer than the corrugated hoses on the "H" Ecplise wings that we're now diving and don't fit as streamlined as we'd like, so back to more traditional alternates.

How do we dive you ask? Well, we're strictly warm water divers these days, rarely anything colder 75-80 F. We do some deep stuff, but for the most part keep it above 100 fsw. We mainly dive air, but do on occasion use various EAN blends.

I've read lots of posts here and on other boards touting the MK25/S600 combo and haven't really seen anyone say anything bad about them. So - anyone ever dive this setup and not like them? I know the SP name costs a bit more than some others (but not as much as some others). I'm not looking for the best cold water/tech reg set out there - we don't need it and I don't want to pay for it. I'm just trying to decide if there are any reasons I shouldn't continue to conside the MK25/S600 set.

Thanks for any input.

Well, I have the same reg on a long hose setup with the G250 as well. Nothing negative and all positive . Even works well in extreme cold regardless of what others state. If you can afford them then go for it. I love mine.

 

[maged_mmh]

only -ve: bubbles flow very close to the face

 

[Cyclops_Diver]

Personally, I'd say the MK17/G250V. But for what could be very small differences, depending on how you percieve them. The MK25/S600's are great regs.

I used to get dry mouth on occasion. Some folks say that the metal air barrel in the G250V helps to alleviate dry mouth. I believe that now. Never had a problem with the dry mouth since I switched. As for lightweight, I know it's a larger reg, but with it's water displacement and the way it fits me, I forget it's in place when I'm underwater.

As for the Mk17 instead of the MK25, I figure with an environmentally sealed reg, it would be more versatile. Cold to warm, deep to shallow, I would never have to worry about it's performance. Of course...the MK25 could be just as good, considering how/where you dive. But like I said, this is just my preference.

I wouldnt take the MK25 down deep or very cold, but I'm a California cold water diver, and that decision is just preference only. Not completely performance based.. Only reason i got the MK17/G250V was to be sure I had a solid regulator combo for any situation or any dive.

Wow...I got long winded. Sorry about that.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

Another vote for the Mk 17 G250V.

The metal air barrel does reduce dry mouth and the Mk 17 is a sealed design. it makes it better in cold water, but more importantly for you, it makes if much simpler to rinse and nearly eliminates the potential of having salt and corrosion inside if it does get poorly rinsed.

Cost wise, it is cheaper than a Mk 25 and you will notice no difference at the second stage.

The S600 is my third choice for an SP second stage. The G250V is better given the metal air barrel and the G250HP is identical to the S600, it just has a larger case and a larger diaphragm to power the same intenral parts. Being larger it weighs a bit more, but it is also more bouyant so there is no difference in the water in terms of jaw fatigue. Both the G250V and G250HP make better choices than the S600 and they are, along with the Mk 17, more cost effective in my opinion.

 

[halocline]

I figure that regulator technology/performance has to have changed a bit in the past 15 years hasn't it?

Not really. However, the reg you're looking at is a higher performing reg than the Sherwood. If you had a 15 year old comparable reg like the MK15/G250 (I don't know if they made the MK20 fifteen years ago) you'd notice no improvement going to the MK25/S600. I would also recommend the G250V as a 2nd stage.

 

[Couv]

First of all, solve the problem of the miss-matched inflator/corrugated hose discrepancy.
If money is burning a small hole in your pocket and your current regulators have been serving the purpose, just buy a couple of G250v second stages and move your old second stages to octo duty. For your transmitter, you should be able to get an adapter, try these guys: http://www.northeastscubasupply.com/cat_misc_portadapters.html

If money is burning a big hole in your pocket I third the vote for the MK 17/G250v combo….but you still need to address the hose miss-match problem either with a different corrugated hose or different length lp hose. Go to the bottom of this page:
http://www.diveriteexpress.com/bcs/aircells.shtml

Or this page:
http://www.diveriteexpress.com/regs/hoses.shtml

Keep us posted.

couv

 

[ONESPEED]

only -ve: bubbles flow very close to the face

:huh: Interesting, I've got more than a couple hundred dives on my MK25/S600 and never noticed.

I'm extremely happy with mine, nothing negative to say.

 

[Couv]

Bubbles are like tags in a shirt.