Scubapro X650/S600 MK25/MK17

[halocline]

Unless you're diving in warm water and need less than 5-6 lbs of weight, I would consider a steel plate over an aluminum. Having the weight sandwiched between the two sources of buoyancy (your lungs and the wing) really helps with control and trim. Also, if you're diving in salt water using an aluminum tank, the steel plate tends to offset the tank's buoyancy. So what if it's a few extra pounds to carry? We could all use the exercise!

 

[DA Aquamaster]

Airline weights limits can be an issue and if you tend to pack too much to start with the AL plate can keep yopu under the limit. Plus if you take a tropical trip where a t-shirt or 3mm shorty is aedequate thermal protection and end up with a steel tank, you can find yourself over weighted with a steel back plate.

Personally I prefer AL plates and then use Dive rite 16 or 32 lb weight pouches to add lead weight at the destination if needed. The pouches stay put in the v between the shoulder and waist strap and still keep the weight close to the plate and if anything the slightly lower position adds stability.

But the nice thing about a BP wing is you can literally build it and accessorize it the way you want it.

 

[WGoldenheim]

Why is the mk25 unreliable in cold water? Isn't it designed specifically for freezing water? I've used mine a bunch in 34 degree water and never had any issues at all.

 

[Nick UK]

I've just joined Scubaboard and would like to say what a fantastic resource it is, the web at it's best. I would like to ask a few questions..DA Aquamaster if you read this I would be very grateful if you would reply as you are clearly the font of all knowledge on Scubapro regs . I had a Scubapro MK25 S600 combo and have had some freeflow probs in cold water ( 40 f ) . Reading your advise I have swapped to an MK17. My questions are, using the MK17 s600 combo;
1) If the s600 starts to dribble and freeflow in cold water what is the best thing to do ? stop breathing for a moment, turn the viva control to predive, turn the knob to increase the cracking pressure or some combination of the three?
2) I know the s555 is supposed to be good in cold water and that the s555 is just the s600 without the cracking control. So is it a good idea before entering cold water to simply increase the cracking pressure and leave it there, turn the viva to predive and leave it there or both? Would there be any problems or noticeable difference ?
3 Is it worth pulling the hose protectors off the connections and if so which end?
Any advise from anyone would be gratefully received.Thanks to everyone who replies to all the threads , they make fascinating reading .Best Wishes Nick