SP MK17 S555 vs. Apeks XTX200

[skinfish]

I am interested in both of these regs but wanted some feedback from users of these two. I have read reviews here and there on each but wanted some firsthand insight to each reg.

* I do most of my diving in warm ocean waters. Once a year or so I will do cold water lake dives but it is rare.

* I have about 50 dives under my belt but do not see myself giving this sport up ever as I absolutely love it.

* I have no desire anymore to dive real deep unless there is something really worth diving deep for (rec limits). I have found that some of the best sites I see are in shallower waters (50' & above).

Any advice on these two or opinions from anyone who has dove both models as to which is the better bet. I'm sure either will fit my needs but am looking for endorsements for either to help my decision.

Thanks!

 

[Skooter]

Either one of those would be excellent systems for the type of diving you described. I have had both and it's like comparing apples to apples. You could save a few bucks and look at the XTX50 instead.

 

[skinfish]

Thanks for the advice. How do the XTX200 & XTX50 differ for the $150 cost variance (LeisurePro rates).

 

[mobeeno]

I read a thread somewhere that the xtx50's second stage is bigger than the xtx200 and you cant tell which one breathes better.

 

[John_B]

The XTX200/100/50 second stages are identical except for cosmetic differences. The differences are in the first stages. All four of the low pressure ports on all of the XTX first stages now have 3/8" low pressure ports, thankfully they've finally done away with that one silly 1/2" port that was such a nuisance.

The XTX50 has the DST first stage with swivel turret. You can argue whether the extra o-ring is an additional failure point or not, but in the end the turret lets the hoses shift around when suiting up which I personally found annoying.

You can also get a special version XTX50/DS4 (with a non-swivel DS4 first stage instead of the DST) from most places and that is by far the best bet on a strictly cost/benefit basis.

The XTX200 has the FSR first stage with better hose routing options than the DS4 or DST. Some people find they tend hit their head on the first stage if its mounted right side up (diaphragm up), but upside down kind of defeats the purpose of the angled ports because on a single tank it angles the ports ever so slightly in the wrong direction. Not a big deal though. It has a replaceable valve seat that none of the other first stages do. Nice for doubles.

The XTX100 has the FST (aka Flathead) first stage. The FST has the best hose routing and its also the lowest profile, the flathead mounted with the diaphragm down on a single tank is barely taller than the valve itself. Also very nice routing for doubles. The FST doesn't have the removable valve seat that the FSR does, you'd have to decide if that's important to you.

FWIW, I used to have a DST, I wound up hating that stupid turret. I now have two XTX100s. If I couldn't have afforded the XTX100s I would've opted for the XTX50/DS4s.

Back to the Scubapro part of your question, why the S555 second stage? One of my buddies has SP regs (actually SP everything !LOL!) and he loves the S600 and will be trying the new/reissue G250V seconds as soon as he can get his hands on one. Is the S555 just what your LDS stocks?

John

 

[LowVizWiz]

The XTX 200 has the FSR style first stage while the XTX 50 has the turret first stage. The second stages are identical. I would also recommend saving the extra money and going with the XTX 50 for the type of diving you mention.

Wys.

 

[skinfish]

A friend of mine dives the S555 and really likes it. I have also read many good reviews on this reg, that is why I was looking into that one. I am always open to other suggestions and will look at the SP models you suggest.

Thanks!

 

[Arcaporale]

Get both.

 

[squidster]

A friend of mine dives the S555 and really likes it. I have also read many good reviews on this reg, that is why I was looking into that one. I am always open to other suggestions and will look at the SP models you suggest.

Thanks!

I personally I Would match up MK 17 with the S600 second stage.

I have a MK11 which is a really Good overbalanced first stage,the MK11/S555 would be a great combo for almost half of what an Apex would be.

My MK11 is Matched up with an R395 Second stage.


Scuba labs Recently did a test on the MK11 /R395 And MK11/S555 And About 10 other regs, the results was that it performed as well as The Apexes ,Atomics And Better Than Most Of the rest Listed.
It Was Voted Testers Choice Best Buy,Best Value.

That S555 On the MK 11 is A marriage made in heavan.

I think Apexes are great regs but no better then the scuba pro line.

I think they are overpriced.

MK11/R395 Will run you about 345.00
MK11/S555 425.00

My First Choice is Scuba Pro MK 17/S6600

My Second choice Would Be The Apex xtx50

These two regs will take care of you in deep cold and mercky condtions.

But if you are not planning to dive past 130 ft save some $ and go for MK11/R395, not that this reg would breathe bad at depth in fact it breathes great at depth.

The MK 11 is the same reg as TheMK 17 But does not have the enviromentle seal,You dont need that for sport diving.

That seems to be the buzz word now (Enviro sealed)


They make it sound like if you dont get a reg with that feature its not a good system.

Hogwash!

Jaques Cousteau never had one.

 

[CompuDude]

The only thing I can contribute to this thread, since others have already hit the important points, is that I use the S555 as my secondary to my S600, and I think they breathe darn near identically.

Either way, by all reports any combination you've considered will give you good regs. You may want to look into service considerations and warranty as a final check in the equation.