Scubapro or Oceanic?

[wgmontgomery]

I have two reg sets:
Scubapro Mk15 & FDX10 1st stages that I'll (probably) pair with my good ole G250. Any opinions on which is better? I always dove with Scubapro Mk20-G250 combo, but it was stolen. I now have two reg sets but will probably keep the G250 as I love it.
Both sets will need service before I dive, and I read that the Mk15 can be difficult to service. I'm kind of new to the area (Levittown, NY on LI) and am in need of a good tech at a LDS.
Thanks!

 

[diversteve]

I don't know about the Mk15 servicing but paired with the G250 all you have to do is find a Scubapro dealer for service. Paired with the Oceanic you have to find someone who services both. I would assume most competent Oceanic techs could also tune the G250 for it - assuming their shop policies allow it. My local Scubapro dealer won't - they're a Platinum dealer so only sell/service SP. Which is kind of funny since the same tech in a different shop also worked on my Atomics a few years ago.

 

[wgmontgomery]

I should note: Scubapro set is a Mk15 & G250; Oceanic is FDX10 and Delta 3. Which should I keep??
thanks!!

 

[eelnoraa]

I know for a fact that Delta4 is NOT actually a balanced 2nd stage, it is called "mechanical balanced" by Oceanic. It is "balanced" by a spring, which is not balanced. I can only imagine Delta3 is of the same design. Between the 2nd stages, no comparison, G250. Beside it is a real balanced 2nd stage, G250 is just better in build quality and craftmentship.

 

[wgmontgomery]

What about 1st stages? FWIW-I was leaning toward the SP G250 as I've dove with one many times. The FDX10 is newer than the Mk15, but is it BETTER/equal in performance?Thanks

---------- Post added September 17th, 2015 at 04:24 PM ----------

My mistake: Oceanic second is a Delta 4! Probably very similar to the 3! I went to my LDS (Oceanic dealer) and asked his opinion. He was VERY honest. He said that he'd keep the Oceanic because he IS a dealer; he also said that the FDX10 is/was an "upscale" first stage. He really didn't comment too much on the Delta 4.
One thing that I found odd was that he claimed to be unfamiliar with the Scubapro units. He's not a Scubapro dealer, but he owns a dive shop. It's not as if Scubapro is some oddball newcomer to gear.
Anyway, I'm leaning towards keeping the Mk -5 & G250. My LDS will send out the Scubapro units for service IF Ikeep them.
One set will go in the water with me; I'll sell the other set pretty cheaply, but that's another post.

 

[ams511]

The MK-15 is kind of an oddball regulator as it was replaced by the MK-20 after a short period of time. It is not overly difficult to service and is still supported by Scubapro.

The Oceanic set is more modern. The Delta 4 is a solid regulator but it is not balanced and not as smooth as a G-250. The FDX10 is a sealed diaphragm regulator which some people prefer over an unsealed piston. Especially cold water divers.

 

[wgmontgomery]

I can mix and match, if that's a better approach. As was previously mentioned, servicing two brands of regs may present a problem; I'd hate to have to take them to two different shops for service, but if the FDX10/G250 combi is better than the Mk15/G250 combo, I will.
I'm new to LI diving, but I assume that cold water is to be expected.
I guess that I'm asking, "What would you do?" I should mention that I do a lot of wreck diving (previously off NC coast) which can get deep.
Thanks again for everyone's input; I honestly don't know what to do...I can't keep both due to $$

---------- Post added September 17th, 2015 at 07:35 PM ----------


---------- Post added September 17th, 2015 at 07:37 PM ----------

I should clarify that I am new to diving HERE (NY/LI) but not to diving. I bought a Mk20/G250 when I first got certified in the late '90s, so I didn't spend much time looking at new gear. I was very happy with the combo & dove everything from NC wrecks to Fl caverns/caves. I DID change BCs from a jacket to wings (Seaquest to DUI & currently own Dive Rite) but that was the only gear change that I ever made.

---------- Post added September 18th, 2015 at 10:23 AM ----------

I have also rented/borrowed regs (mainly for stage bottles) but even those were Scubapro. Since I like/TRUST Scubapro I think that I'll keep the Mk15/G250 & the Oceanic octo. If I wasn't selling the other reg I'd keep the Delta 4 & use it as an octopus. Thanks to all!