scubapro setup??

[Les]

i have an opprotunity to purchase scuba pro regs set.MK20 1st stage,G250 2nd, and a R180 octo.the unit is used but serviced ant well taken care of.is this a good combo for a recreation/ sport level in cold water (35 - 60 F ).I also have a pamphlet on 2002 apex regs.anybody experienced with these regs.right now i have a zeagle 1st,2nd, octo +.thanks for any input.Les

 

[pescador775]

Les, I own a SP G250/ Mk 20 and it is a fine breathing reg. There are a few variations of the G250 and the latest is the G250HP with auto anti set feature. Truly a nice reg.

I only use my reg in warm water so I have no direct experience with freeze up. However, reports and comments that I have seen do not indicate SP, especially the 550/MK20, is not the best cold water reg. I'm not sure what the problem is but the reports from England and Washington/USA have been consistent and insistent that 35 deg in fresh water is especially problematical.

I would buy the MK 16 first stage for cold water use. This should be a good setup paired with the G250. Otherwise, look for something in an Apeks TX50/DST.

Dennis

 

[Lost Yooper]

Both Scuba Pro and Apeks make good regs. I'm an Apeks fan. For cold water, like you described, I would recommend the Apeks because of the dry sealed first stage. Of course, I would recommend the Apeks anyway, I guess -- any Apeks second stage with the DS4 first stage.

Good luck,

Mike

 

[MacLeod]

Hi Mike,

Out of curiosity, you mention the DS4...do you prefer this 1st stage over the TX-100 first stage? (I know many DIR's are unhappy w/ the one 1/2" port). Jusst to complicate things a wee bit...what about the ATX-200?

Thank you!!
Jon

 

[Lost Yooper]

The TX100's make hose routing nicer for doubles, but as far as breathability, I couldn't tell the difference at depth when both were set at the same IP. I got rid of my TX100 for an ATX50/DS4. There is talk from Apeks that they may discontinue the 1/2" port nonsense. If they do that, I'll probably get a couple 100 first stages.

I haven't even seen an ATX200. It seems kinda gimmicky to me. I just don't need a light weight first stage, and the breathability difference is likely insignificant. Perhaps a machine could tell the difference. One thing is for certain, you'll pay out the nose for a 200. The ATX50 second stage is nearly identical to the ATX200 second stage other than the size of the heat exhanger. The same can be said about the TX50 and TX100's second stages.

IMO, the best reg combo on the market (for the money) is the TX50/DS4. It's just a bullet proof reg combo with an awesome track record within the tech community in a variety of conditions. You won't beat that combo for the money. In fact, you'd be hard pressed to beat that combo with any money. However, I really like my new ATX50 second stage too. You can get the ATX50/DS4 from Simply Scuba for $280 or something. I would recommend that combo too. The lightweight second stage is luxury that, if you can afford it, is pretty nice.

Take care,

Mike

 

[chuckrt]

You should have no problem with that set up. Most of the people and instructors from our diveshop use that exsact combo of mk20/hp250. We dive all winter in upstate NY and it can get cold right now the water is 38degrees. Good Luck

chuckrt

 

[bigcat]

Many, if not most public safety fire dept. dive teams in the NE Ohio area use Scubapro MK-20 first stage. That should tell you something about the quality of the product. Absolutly the best breating regulator I have ever dove. Could probably deliver enough air for 10 divers.

 

[ninja]

No freeze ups in our neck of the woods!!

My buudy dives mark 20/G250 no problems or freezes

I dive mark 20/ D400 no problems or freeze up shallow rec dive or trimix dives we love em!!!

Good Luck

NINJA

 

[scubeedoo]

I love my Scubapro reg. Never had trouble with my G250 and mk10+ setup. I'll tell you in a couple of weeks about the mk20 1st, just got one a little while ago and I plan on hooking up my G250 to it. I think it needs a serious silicone grease job as an environmental kit thing though.
I see alot of people talking about free flows in cold water on the Scubapro stuff. Not saying they haven't had problems, but they might not be used to cold water and are freaking a little and demanding (hyperventilating) too much air. Cold water does take alot out of you. Personally, I've dove into some pretty chilly waters ( 35 deg.) and have never had trouble with my regulator, it always worked like a champ. I, however froze my butt off. In other words, I failed in the cold water before my regs did. Time for a drysuit eh?
Don't know much about the Apeks/Zeagle stuff. Sorry.


Happy diving!!

Todd