Warm waters - Mk25/S600 or Apeks XTX200?

[halcyon]

Hi All,

Am torn between the Mk25/S600 and the Apeks XTX200 (or 100). Am diving warm waters only. Have heard many good things about both but that the Apeks is easier to service (strange, I though diaphragms were more compex) and does not have freezing issues in the cold (won't really matter unless I decide to dive cold later).

Would appreciate everyone's take on this... Let er rip..

 

[xiSkiGuy]

I own both. I think they are similar breathers. (FWIW, my current favorite reg is a SP MK17/X650 combo. I love the way it breathes). I think I prefer the MK25/S600 for singles (or deco bottles) and the more compact diaphragms (XTX200 or MK17) for doubles hose routing. You cannot go wrong with either reg.

I've taken both MK17s and MK25s apart for servicing. Neither are difficult, but you have to be careful with the swivel turret on the 25. I haven't torn into the XTX200 yet.

 

[CompuDude]

I own both. I think they are similar breathers. (FWIW, my current favorite reg is a SP MK17/X650 combo. I love the way it breathes). I think I prefer the MK25/S600 for singles (or deco bottles) and the more compact diaphragms (XTX200 or MK17) for doubles hose routing. You cannot go wrong with either reg.

I've taken both MK17s and MK25s apart for servicing. Neither are difficult, but you have to be careful with the swivel turret on the 25. I haven't torn into the XTX200 yet.

Interesting, from what I have read on SB, the MK25 seems to be far more popular than the MK17 specifically for doubles, because of hose routing. I take it you find the situation to be otherwise?

 

[xiSkiGuy]

Interesting, from what I have read on SB, the MK25 seems to be far more popular than the MK17 specifically for doubles, because of hose routing. I take it you find the situation to be otherwise?

The MK25s give you more hose routing options with the swivel turret. Diaphragm regs turned "sideways" so that all hoses point down are IMHO, cleaner.

Both work fine for doubles. I just like the MK17 better.

 

[halcyon]

Hmmm....

Apeks highly recommended by masses and tech community, easier to service. Mk25/S600 recommended also but less so than apeks, probably highest performance flow rate at depth/in low air conditions (tho I won't be able to tell the difference), warm waters fine, bit more ex to service.

Lots of shout-outs for the TX40 DS4, TX50 DS4, ATX200, ATX50 and some ATX100, in that order.

Have read virtually everything I could find on all of the above, and I'm not going to get a chance to test either as that's not easy in my part of the world.

Think I'll flip a coin!

Thanks, guys.

 

[edwinh]

Hi halcyon

Both are great regs, easy to service in Singapore. And I'm very sure, if you are blindfolded, you will not be able to differentiate one from the other above or below water. My 2c will be to buy the one which is cheaper after you add the console and octopus.

Just one more tip, if you ever intend to go into Air Integrated Dive Comp, then make sure you assess whether is is possible to fit the transmitter on your new reg. Certain 1st stage ports are so compact and few that it is not possible to fit the transmitter. I have a diver who had to change the 1st stage after she bought the AI Transmitter.


Cheers.

 

[halcyon]

Hey Edwin,

Thanks for the advice. Think if cost be the factor it'd definitely be the apeks 40 or 50. Still mulling...

Cheers!