Which First Stage is Right for Me? Mk17 or Mk25

[FrankPro1]

So I've narrowed down my choice to either a Mk17/G250V v.s. Mk25/G250V. I have read a huge amount of support on this forum for the diaphragm first stage Mk17. Mainly due to its dependability in cold waters. But at my local LDS it would cost less for me to get the Mk25/G250V combo because the Mk17 combo is a special order. So do I go with the so called flagship Mk25 for a cheaper price? Or do I stick with the tried and true Mk17? I dive only in my local waters of southern california and always within rec limits. But in the future I might be interested for some colder, possibly frigged waters. Will the Mk25 handle the winter waters of So Cal at depth? I like the idea of the swivel ports on the Mk25 and the fact that piston regulators are a simpler design. But the Mk17 seems to be the first stage of choice for serious divers. Any help or insight on the differences between the two, would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[halocline]

You could go back to the regulator forum page and look one thread up for a discussion of this very topic. Maybe you already have! Even though the MK17 is a very hot reg these days on this board, don't forget that there are thousands of MK25s out there performing great, not to mention the thousands of MK20s that are almost the same reg.

Reg freezing becomes an issue mostly at sub 40F temps. Ever see those in socal? I doubt it. Plus, the G250V is a good cold water reg and probably extends the useful cold water range of the MK25 over using it with the S600. I wouldn't worry about it a bit.

I have a friend who bought a MK25 from a very experienced tech on this board, and has used it now for almost 3 years (I think) without rebuilding, just proper rinsing and storage. It still works perfectly. They're very good regs with a long standing reputation, very high performance and rugged.

 

[Ben_ca]

Go with the MK25/250 it will carry you thru where ever you may want to go with your diving Tec/cave/wreck or just plain diving.

They also hold their resale value pretty well for when you decide that you want to hang up your fins; you'll get a good price for them.

 

[FrankPro1]

1. Go with the MK25/250 it will carry you thru where ever you may want to go with your diving Tec/cave/wreck or just plain diving.

2. They also hold their resale value pretty well for when you decide that you want to hang up your fins; you'll get a good price for them.

1. Is there anything specific that the Mk17 lacks or differs from the Mk25 to warrant its use for Tec/cave/wreck/rec?

2. I'm pretty stuck with the ocean at this point. Years of free-diving and snorkeling brought me over to scuba. And scuba now has just sealed the deal. No way I'm going back to the Land Lover I once was.

 

[PerroneFord]

Personally, I'd go with Mk17, just because you have SO much great diving to your north. You might decide that you want to do some of that cold PNW diving and you'd already have the regs for it. The Mk25 is very highly regarded... but not in very cold water.

 

[FrankPro1]

Personally, I'd go with Mk17, just because you have SO much great diving to your north. You might decide that you want to do some of that cold PNW diving and you'd already have the regs for it. The Mk25 is very highly regarded... but not in very cold water.

The Pacific North West is one of those spots I'm planning on diving in the future. Will a Mk25 not be able to combat those temps if used properly? Ie: not inflating and deep breathing at the same time @ depth. I am inclined to go towards the Mk17, just so I'm not limited on what and where I can dive, but a reg w/ swivel port for cheaper is tempting.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

1. Is there anything specific that the Mk17 lacks or differs from the Mk25 to warrant its use for Tec/cave/wreck/rec?

No, I traded my Mk 25's for Mk 17's for technical diving.

Some divers really like the LP port on the end of the Mk 25 for hose routing. It makes clean hose routing with a Mk 25 possible, but frankly I just don't see any advantage over the Mk 17's layout for doubles and I see no reason to wax poetic about the Mk 25.

The Mk 17 has more than enough flow rate for any deep air or trimix techncial diving and the full y sealed design is much better in cold water.

 

[FrankPro1]

I've seen some of your other posts on the subject AquaMaster and I am gonna go with your advice. The swivel port and routing for the Mk25 is a plus, but I can't ignore the proven dependability and performance of the Mk17 in ALL environments. Thanks for your help. Mk17/G250V it is

 

[beester]

Good luck with your choice!

Glad to live on this side of the pond... here the MK17/G25V combo cost 280US$ less than a MK25/G250V

And you can find a MK17/G250 for about 360$

 

[gorock]

i agree with the choice of reg, i am actually planning on purchasing two mk17 g250v's in the near future for my doubles and move the mk 10's to my back ups. my question for you is on the cost. one, the mk 17 g250v is a standard set up so it would just have to go on the next order from scubapro, it shouldnt be a problem, the only thing that should drive up the price is making it a DIN reg (which im doing) and it should still be cheaper than mk 25 g250v. just my 2 cents, im a very loyal LDS person too, but if they are going to charge you to "special order" a stock item thats a little suspect to me.