Which First Stage is Right for Me? Mk17 or Mk25

[FrankPro1]

My local LDS says that the Mk17/G250V combo is gonna be 600 bucks to special order it. Also they said that they don't carry the service kits for the Mk17 and it would be hard for me to get it serviced locally.

They suggested a Apeks XtX50 for 500 and said its very comparable to the Mk17/G250V. I researched it some bit and it seems to get very good reviews. Its also has all the features of the Mk17/G250v and some other little improvements. What do you think I should do?

 

[gorock]

shop around a little if you want the mk 17, i hear the apeks is a good reg too; i just have always only used scubapro regs - one of those things picked up from my first mentor in things. not sure exaclty what i will be paying, we've just tossed it around so far and i also usually get a discount at my lds, but a mk17 g250v w/ a DIN (ordered) is going to definitely be less than 600 bucks...it also is not difficult for the lds to get rebuild kits. i would definitely look around at some of the other LDS's near you...again just my opinion.

 

[John_B]

My local LDS says that the Mk17/G250V combo is gonna be 600 bucks to special order it. Also they said that they don't carry the service kits for the Mk17 and it would be hard for me to get it serviced locally.

They suggested a Apeks XtX50 for 500 and said its very comparable to the Mk17/G250V. I researched it some bit and it seems to get very good reviews. Its also has all the features of the Mk17/G250v and some other little improvements. What do you think I should do?

I'm a really big fan of the Apeks (specifically the XTX100, I hate the swivel turret on the XTX50). That would be a really good way to go, IMO.

If you really want the Scubapro, I'd look around for another LDS. Your current shop sounds like one of those that only believe in piston first stages or has a huge stock of MK25s. If I were you I'd quietly start getting my Scubapro gear elsewhere. BTW, that $600 price is MSRP, what they aren't telling you is that they could sell it for 10% less than that but simply choose not to because its a "special order".

 

[FrankPro1]

I've already bought tons of other gear at this specific store and I really trust there service staff. There also the ones which certified me and I belong to their dive club as well. So I kind of feel a sort of allegiance towards the store. I really like the retro style of the G250V and it would be great to take my R190 and use it as an octo "to complete the look". But after the high praise of the Apeks XtX50 from the staff, I'm kind of torn. They went over all the features of the Mk17 and the Apek's first stage has everything and some. Are there any reasons to side with one over the other? I have alot of Scubapro gear already, but can't help but feel spending more for less could be the wrong decision.

This also brings me back to square one with the Mk25 v.s Mk17 "and now xTx"

For diving in Southern Calfornia waters and maybe as north as Monterey Bay, is the Mk25 safe @ all times and conditions of the year? By the time I do ice diving or near freezing temps I can easily have a Mk17 to switch out. I currently use a Mk2+ and I heard that is pretty good for cold water. Why does the Mk25 have such a bad rep "in regards to cold water"? When the Mk2 also a piston Scubapro does not?