Michael Guerrero
Contributor
For those of you who use ScubaPro regs for tech diving, what 1st/2nd stage combo(s) would you say are most common?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Scubapro Reg Recommendation
- Thread starter Michael Guerrero
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Common? Too broad brushed of a statement without a discussion of environment.
May will disagree, but I cannot recommend pistons (even with all the "improvements" they now claim) for cold water like we have in the Great Lakes. I also really don't like what salt water does in the ambient chamber, so a sealed reg is my choice. My preference is the MK-17 (despite it's "flaws" regarding IP change at low pressures). Seconds really can be about any of them, but I haven't gotten anything since the G250v (I do own an S555 converted to a metal barrel S5600, but rarely use it).
Curious to see where this discussion goes....
May will disagree, but I cannot recommend pistons (even with all the "improvements" they now claim) for cold water like we have in the Great Lakes. I also really don't like what salt water does in the ambient chamber, so a sealed reg is my choice. My preference is the MK-17 (despite it's "flaws" regarding IP change at low pressures). Seconds really can be about any of them, but I haven't gotten anything since the G250v (I do own an S555 converted to a metal barrel S5600, but rarely use it).
Curious to see where this discussion goes....
The most popular SP first stage for technical diving is the MK25 (Brass and black tech versions). The most popular SP second stage was the S600 but it seems that A700 is now in vogue and pushed for technical diving by SP. Although I have several MK25/S600, I'd like to get the new MK25 EVO/A700 Carbon Black Tech for sure. The G260 second stage is a great dependable second stage too.
I have used the SP regulators in frigid water of New England no issues at all. My friends who are technical divers/instructors (including technical diving Course directors) use the MK25/A700 for their very deep wreck technical diving all year long including the middle of the very cold winter in Boston no issues.
In addition to the SP regulators mentioned above, the Atomic M1 regulators are used for deco bottles since they are 80% O2 ready and are designed and equipped for technical and very cold water diving out of the box. SP has also has the MK25 EVO/S560 combo for O2 service for deco bottles.
I have used the SP regulators in frigid water of New England no issues at all. My friends who are technical divers/instructors (including technical diving Course directors) use the MK25/A700 for their very deep wreck technical diving all year long including the middle of the very cold winter in Boston no issues.
In addition to the SP regulators mentioned above, the Atomic M1 regulators are used for deco bottles since they are 80% O2 ready and are designed and equipped for technical and very cold water diving out of the box. SP has also has the MK25 EVO/S560 combo for O2 service for deco bottles.
I don't know about side mount preferences but for backmounted doubles, the MK25 first stage with the S600 or G260 second stages appear to be very popular. The shape of the MK25 first stage provides ideal hose routing for back mounted doubles.
PfcAJ
Contributor
I use mostly SP balanced piston 1st stages and g250 2nd stages. Backup reg is always an unbalanced r190 type. I'd stay away from the A700 since it can't be disassembled without tools.
If I was diving cold water I'd probably have mk17s for first stages on my backgas. Its my understanding that diaphragm 1st stages don't do well if they're flooded, so maybe they aren't a great choice for stage/deco bottles. That might not be a real thing, though.
If I was diving cold water I'd probably have mk17s for first stages on my backgas. Its my understanding that diaphragm 1st stages don't do well if they're flooded, so maybe they aren't a great choice for stage/deco bottles. That might not be a real thing, though.
I use the MK25EVO/G260. I've been using variations of the MK25 and G250HP, G250, and now G260 in the Great Lakes, and other cold water, since 2003. I think I had to throttle a valve on a deco bottle one time due to a free flow that cleared after a few breaths. The MK25 is great for routing hoses too.
OP
Michael Guerrero
Contributor
Is it easy to service yourself or does it require special tools? Also, are the MK25s sealed?
They are easy to service if you have the training, experience, specialized tools and access to the parts. All of these components are difficult to get.
The MK25 first stages aren't sealed. If you want sealed and want the same or better performance and most reliability, then go for the Atomic M1 regulator that is made specifically for technical diving, up to 80% O2 and cold water diving. The M1, and the Atomic regulators in general, have features that make them most reliable and you can go many many years without needing service.
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