Scubapro vs Dive-rite

[skinerd]

Scubapro MK25/S600 vs Dive-rite RG2500 with the Mares MR12 Rebel as a secondary, I'm looking for a long lasting reg that will serve me well in cold Canadian waters. Have at it.
Thanks all

 

[Vie]

Scubapro MK17/G250 vs. Dive Rite RG2500 might be a more appropriate comparison as both have balanced diaphragm first stages. The MK25 (balanced piston first stage) + S600 is great but probably not the best choice for "cold Canadian waters."

I am not recommending the Scubapro MK17/X650 as you indicated that you are considering DIR-F in another thread (?).

Othoh, since you already have a Mares second stage, why not look at Mares regs such as the V16/Proton Metal as well? The Mares all metal first and second stages are quite suitable for cold water use.

 

[drew52]

Borrowed a friend of mines MK25/S600 for about 20 dives here in Cape Town. Water temperature between 7 and 13 degrees centigrade and had no problems with the cold. It was an awesome reg to dive with. Don't know temps in Canada so...

I have the ScubaPro MK16/S550 and that is also an awesome regulator. It has been replaced with the Mk17 which has even better specs than mine.

Pluses for ScubaPro:
Can get parts just about any where. Factories in Europe and America.
Lifetime warranty
ScubaPro usually have a no questions asked policy on warranty claims. (up to a point I guess but in my experience in SA no problems)
Great customer service. See above.
All service kits backwards compatable. You can still service there very first regs with todays service kits.

I guess you can tell I'm a ScubaPro fan, don't know diverite so...

 

[miked10]

I am new and after reading all kinds of reviews and not being able to afford the Atomic M1 I am deciding on the DiveRite. The 2500ICE version is the one i am getting. My LDS also says for the price it can not be beat. Compares with REGS twice its price in performance!!!!

 

[miked10]

Also dude if you are in St. Catharines go into Dan's Dive Shop and talk to Matt. He will put you on the right track. He is an awesome diver with tons of experience with all kinds of equipment!!!!

 

[skinerd]

Ya I have spoken with Matt, he is a fantastic resource. Anyone else have thoughts on the Dive Rite RG2500?

 

[Vie]

Borrowed a friend of mines MK25/S600 for about 20 dives here in Cape Town. Water temperature between 7 and 13 degrees centigrade and had no problems with the cold. It was an awesome reg to dive with. Don't know temps in Canada so...

I have been using a Scubapro MK20/S600 for the past five years. I am not saying that it is a bad reg in cold water (I have only used mine down to 15 degrees centigrade...). All I am saying is that a MK17/G250 (or even a MK25/G250) would be a better choice.

 

[pdoege]

I have Mk25/S600s and the DR regs. No breathing differences between them that I can tell.

The DRs are considerable cheaper and repair parts are easily available on line.

Given the choice I would go with the DiveRite regs because of price and the parts.

Peter Doege

 

[PerroneFord]

My RG2500ICE will be delivered today. I'll comment tonight after I get it on the tank. I've never heard a bad thing about this setup, it's VERY popular here in cave country, Dive-Rite has an excellent reputation for customer service.

Now, here is why I did NOT consider ScubaPro:

1. Prices are kept artificially high by SP by only allowing 10% discounts at the LDS, and online sales are forbidden if you want the warranty.

2. By cutting out online sales, customers have far fewer choices of where they can buy items from and who they can support.

3. SP Parts may be plentiful around the world, but only for dealers. For those who choose to do their own service, SP does not support them.

4. Some say the piston designs are more apt to freeflow in cold water. I don't dive cold water (yet) but this was a concern to me, and apparently to SP as well, which is why the Mk17 was introduced.

5. I don't care for my local SP dealer.

6. Dive Rite's factory is 90 miles away from me.

7. I've met the owner of Dive Rite and you can email the guy. Try that with SP.

All that said, I am NOT saying ScubaPro is a bad company. Nor am I saying they make bad products. In fact, I think they make very fine products. But their sales tactics, and closed mentality do not sit well with me. I have the same problem with Aqua-Lung, and won't use their products either. I think these two giants of the industry are trying to use their name recognitoin and influence, to dissuade fair competition, and I won't support them. Ok, I do have Jetfins, BUT THAT'S ALL!!

I wish you the best of luck in your choice. I have no doubt that a proper regulator from either company would work well for you. You may want to consider the Mk17 if you go the SP route as others here have mentioned.

 

[Tamas]

Anyone else have thoughts on the Dive Rite RG2500?

Bullet-proof, easy to service, simple design, awesome performer...sick looking black reg. I have a few older 1205 first stages and they are great workhorses.

No comment on Scubapro regs besides the fact they tend (or have been known) to freeze up in frigid waters at depth - but are also great performers as well.

Your decision should be based on reg performance as well as local support. Get regs that you can have serviced at a local shop and do not have to ship off to a "service centre". Also see if you can try them before buying, a reg that looks good on paper might not be that "good" for you in real life.
Also there are a few manufacturers that offer free lifetime service parts, this might save you $50-$60 each year when it comes to service.