what would you buy?

[tbone1004]

I would stay with MK25evo if you have one and are going to doubles you'll want the matching pair and the mk25 has infinitely better hose routing for doubles.... Otherwise, look into other brands and get a full doubles set and keep the mk25 for singles. In which case I'd go for the Dive Rite XT's, and Cave Adventurers should have the best price on that set. You can likely get the full doubles kit for the same price as a mk25/s600 or mk25/g260 and they are more suited for cold salty water than the piston regs are

 

[ripman3]

thanks tbone, I will look into it.

 

[runsongas]

hog d3, DST with 5th port, or similar clones are other choices for sealed regs with improved hose routing.

 

[beaverdivers]

I would recommend getting another MK25 EVO, unless you are diving in water below 40 degrees.

 

[ripman3]

40 degrees is right where I would be

 

[Nemrod]

AL Titan LX Supreme which I believe now is the Core Supreme.

N

 

[BoltSnap]

40 degrees is right where I would be

I dove with my various versions of SP regulators in the frigid cold waters of New England, NY and NJ for over 25 years even during the winter time without ANY problem at all, not even due to cold water (I think that the coldest water temperature I remember was in Cape Ann, 37° Fahrenheit). The newer MK25 FS is even better for colder water diving.

The only other regulators that is at the same level or exceed SP regulators are the Atomic regulators. Atomic first stages are very similar in design to the SP first stages and have some models that are sealed first stages.

 

[peege]

ok, so I feel the need to buy another reg.
scubapro MK25 evo.
scubapro MK17.
what do you think?
I dive in NY/NJ. cold water.
thanks

I wont comment on other brands, but based on your query, I would be fine with both first stages, after choosing either, you really want to focus on the 2nd stage. From experience, avoid the G200/G500/S550/S555/S560/S360/S600 for usage in your described environment. Without discussing less available older regulators, in purely the SP camp I would look at the G250V/G260/A700.
Happy Diving

 

[Tbar]

From experience, avoid the G200/G500/S550/S555/S560/S360/S600 for usage in your described environment. Without discussing ...I would look at the G250V/G260/A700.

Interested to understand your reasons?

 

[tbone1004]

those regulators don't have the heat sinks on either end of the barrel to help with cold water. In the 40's it doesn't matter, in the 30's it starts to. The G250v/G260 is probably the best overall second stage on the market today imho, and the A700 is basically the same thing but in a metal case, and looks super badass.

You're not ice diving, so I would still just get another MK25 to match the one you have, it makes everything easier.

Which second stages do you have now?