Upgrade my MK2...but to what?

[JKSteger]

I've been diving my MK2 R190 for a while now and was thinking on upgrading to a newer model of regulator. I just don't know what to be looking at. I also honestly don't know if I even need an upgrade. The regulator has been fine for my diving but that's relative as I don't have anything to compair it to as it's all I've ever been diving.

My diving style:
Mainly fresh water lakes and springs. I do dive in the winter quite often (usually once every other weekend) in temps down to low 40's.

I don't get to dive salt that much but will dive salt water maybe 10X's per year and it's usually in salt that I dive over 80 feet.

In the local lakes and quarry's I generally don't dive deeper than 80 feet.

What started me wandering about a new regulator was the other week when I visited a new LDS and they had an Atomic Acquatics Z1 for around $350.00 USD (I thought these were alot higher!) I took a good look at it and thought that maybe it was time to get something newer.

Maybe I've been missing out this whole time! Kinda like always driving my old Ford Escort...It seemed like a great car at the time but once I test drove a BMW 525, I realized how much better a car could be and what I had been missing all the time.

My LDS in town is trying to sell me on a Scubapro MK25...which I'm sure is a pleasure and it should be with a price tag that they are trying to sell me. Actually its way out of my price range.

So, for thoes who have dove the MK2 / R190 do you think that I will benifit from upgrading to a newer model given my type of diving? If so, please give some suggestions. Remember, I dive alot in low 40's water each year but don't generally dive deep.

Thanks for all your help,
Jeremy

 

[Hoosier]

You mean newer model?

SP MK17/G250HP

 

[D_B]

The SP Mk18/G250HP (what I have) was just on sale at my LDS for $288 , to give you a price idea , don't know how much better it would be than what you have though

DB

 

[ScubaSarus]

I might suggest the Sherwood Blizzard for a lot of 40 F diving It works nice for me so far in winter and at 120 ft.
I'm not too sure if freez ups are a concern at 40 f and if not, the next up in Scubapro will do well and you'll have great service if purchased from a LDS.

 

[KarolinaKid]

My LDS in town is trying to sell me on a Scubapro MK25...which I'm sure is a pleasure and it should be with a price tag that they are trying to sell me. Actually its way out of my price range.
Jeremy

Go for the MK25/X650, you may have to save up, but it's worth it.

 

[archman]

Ha ha, I've been pondering the exact same question lately. I also have a well-used Mk2-R190 combo that has performed very well.

My interest in a new reg set comprises only two criteria.
1. smaller second stage
2. 1st stage on a swivel

I've been eyeing the ScubaPro Mk25. I'm fuzzy on second stages. I've even pondered retaining my R190... I wonder if the techies would even let me do that. I really like the rugged outer case on the R190. I'm dropping it constantly on the ground.

 

[Corigan]

Jer: I would go with a Apeks DS4/TX50 or a Dive Rite RG2500 w/cold water kit. Just my opinion. I own an atomic M1 and a DS4/TX50. Kyle owns a RG2500. My next reg set will be the RG2500 so I can have the DS4/RG2500 as left and right posts on my doubles and retire the M1 to be used as a singles rig reg setup. The M1 cost twice as much as the apeks and the dive rite, but I still would use the apeks and dive rite over the m1 any day. Of course I'm not slamming the m1, it's a great reg. Of course like anybody else, preference is everything..

Matt

 

[JKSteger]

thanks for all the information. I was looking at all the post about the Apeks brand and thought that I might investigate their model of regulators.


Matt, thanks for the heads up on the DiveRite regs. I didn't even think about them. I wander if the "Divers Supply" SeaElite Tek X regulator is actually a Dive Rite? It looks alot like one. DS has them for 299.00 with 100 Loyalty pts. (translation = 100.00 back as in-store credit). They also have a trade in program where anytime you want a new one just bring in the Tek X and for 140.00 they will trade it out for any new Tek X ...even a new model of the Tek X.

I'm thinking that I will call DS and ask them a few questions about this reg.

Anyone dive with the Sea Elite Tek X? or know someone who does?

Jeremy

 

[aquaholic901]

I dove with an MK2/R190 for about 5 years before upgrading to an Atomic M1 a few months ago. My diving conditions are all warm water mostly salt so I can't really help you on that matter but for me the biggest differnce is comfort. I used to feel like my jaw was going to fall off after an hour with the 190 whereas I can do a 1.5+ hour dive with the M1 and almost not even realize its there (the comfort swivel makes a huge difference as well). The M1 also breathes very dry in any position which is mostly a good thing but it almost seems a bit too dry sometimes. I've actually been thinking about selling the M1 for something a bit simpler like the Dive Rites or the ATX50/DS4 combo. The M1 is just a bit more than I need I think; I'd also like to be able to do he services myself which I undestand DR and Apexs are very good about. Hope this helps..

 

[Corigan]

Jer: The Tek X is a DR reg. I would suggest talking to them specifically about the RG2500. Kyle got them to give them a hell of a deal on it.

Matt