Scubapro MK2Plus R295

[anatolian]

Hi Everybody,

I’m CMAS 1* diver and this summer i will take CMAS 2*.
I’m looking at getting a new diving gear and BCD.
We live in a warm water environment where is the Mediterranean Sea in Turkey so water temperature is minimum 15 oC (59 F), generally up to 20 oC (68 F) . We are also sport diver who are planning to dive maximum 40 meters (131ft) depth, generally between 20 – 30 (65 – 98 ft) meters. I dive approx. 20 times in a year.

I’m looking for Scubapro MK2 Plus 1st stage + R295 2nd stage + R295 Oct. Is this a good regulator set for me? Which depth can we dive with this regulator set without problem? I dive to 26 meter (85 ft) with this gear set and it was really good. Please i need your help. Do you have any bad or good experience with this regulator?

About BCD, i’m looking Scubapro T-One or Cressi Aquapro 5R or Aquatec BC-65 Atlas.
Scubapro T-One; cheapest but very simple.
Cressi Aquapro 5R; more accessories but price a bit more than Scubapro.
Aquatec BC-65 Atlas; more accessories, cheapest but Aquatec is not more used.
Which one should i select? What is the best BCD for me?

Please let me know what is the best regulator set and BCD for me?
Thank you all…

 

[halocline]

The MK2/R295 is a decent performing super reliable workhorse. There is absolutely no problem diving it to recreational depths. There are other regs that will provide lower breathing resistance, like for example the scubapro MK11, 17, or 25 with either the S555 or G250V or S600 2nd stage. How much impact this has on your diving is debatable. One thing about the MK2/R295 is that it's an unbalanced piston with an unbalanced 2nd, which means that as the tank pressure drops below 500 PSI, the breathing resistance increases, slightly. IMO this is not a bad thing, as it can provide a low air warning if your SPG fails or you simply fail to pay attention to it.

Unbalanced regulators respond to depth changes exactly the same as balanced regulators, and despite the lower flow rate of the MK2 in comparison to higher end regs, it still provides PLENTY of air at any recreational depth. I've used mine to 130 ft and it performed fine.

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

1+ what mattboy said.

When I returned to diving a few years ago, I rented the mk2 for several dives while deciding if I was really going to get back into diving. I ended up buying more "expensive" regulators, but like mattboy stated above, the performance difference at recreational depths is minimal. Proper "tuning" (of whatever reg you use) plays a bigger role I think.

Best wishes.

 

[anatolian]

Thank you very much mattboy and Leadturn:glad:

What about the BC's?

 

[halocline]

I didn't comment on those BCs because I'm not familiar with them. My best advice regarding choosing a BC would be to try both a back inflate model and a backplate/wing set up before buying anything. (I assume you're already familiar with jacket style BCs.)

BC style is a matter of strong opinion, just go over to the BC forum and search for threads about BP/W vs jacket BCs. Happy reading!

 

[Pacifica Dive]

You might want to consider the R395 as the main.
It gives you an adjustment option and looks better IMO.
For the BCD I would prefer the Scubapro - super reliable and robust, second the Cressi, no third...

 

[tarekaly]

I dove this reg as rental in Marsa Alam and it was a great performer. When i decided to purchase i went for the top line G250 with breathing adjustment knob.
I was advised by a dear friend that you buy a reg for life so by the best even if you have to wait for some time to save the bucks.

As for the BC Zeagle scout is a gr8t back inflate with v good price.