Which ScubaPro reg for a cold-water doubles rig?

[AbyssalPlains]

Which combo would you choose and why?

(Primary is Mk17 and G250V)

On second post:

1) Mk17 and a second G250V

2) Mk17 and R395

3) Mk17 and R295

I already have an S600 second stage (currently on pony) that I could use on the second post, but I've heard mixed things about it's mechanical and cold-water reliability.

Thanks for your input.

 

[JBRES1]

I have a MK17/G250V and an MK17 / R190 on the back up.
So if I had to take an R295 or R395 or S660, I would go with the S600. The S600 would breath better at depth , and I like being able to adjust the breathing effort.

Jim Breslin

 

[eliminator]

I'd go 2xMK17s with a G250V primary and a R395 back up. G250v is a big reg IMO to have as a back up under you chin. R395 is a good, simple reg with not many adjustment features to mess around with (or go wrong).

Keep it simple.....and cheaper

 

[tflaris]

Mk25 s600 x 2. If you care about your buddy during an OOA situation do you want him/her breathing anything else? It's what I use cave diving.

 

[elan]

Which combo would you choose and why?

(Primary is Mk17 and G250V)

On second post:

1) Mk17 and a second G250V

2) Mk17 and R395

3) Mk17 and R295

I already have an S600 second stage (currently on pony) that I could use on the second post, but I've heard mixed things about it's mechanical and cold-water reliability.

Thanks for your input.

S600 free-flow often in water colder than 40F
I have the same second stages , the backup is always in pre-dive and in max cranking effort , every now and then I switch them so they are used more or less equally.

 

[tight rope walker]

sb mk5, balanced adjustable.
sb mk 5, pilot second stage

 

[halocline]

Usually when I hear about cold water problems with the S600, it's with the MK25. The MK17 will not freeze period, so maybe the S600 is fine. There are plenty of divers that have used them in cold water for years. On my doubles set up I use a metal case 109 converted to balanced/adjustable on the left post; not that I ever dive in cold water, but it would be ideal for that. You can find them on ebay for under $50 frequently, then get it rebuilt (it has the same internals as the G250) and you'll have a great secondary. If you want to get a new reg, the G250V is probably the most logical choice, but you could also try the new metal case A700. They look pretty cool, that's for sure, and I suspect that the heat transfer properties are fantastic.

 

[CaboJim]

"but I've heard mixed things about it's mechanical and cold-water reliability."

I'm not familiar with the G250 or the R295. I dive with the S600. Been in lots of different environment & never had 1 problem with it.
BTW, Below is a statement you can find on Scuba Pro's website concerning cold water.
Hopefully it will dispel any cold water concerns.....

Cold Water Diving With SCUBAPRO-Diving conditions can be drastically different, including extreme cold water and outside temperatures, posing the possibility of a regulator "freezing". Therefore, resistance to freezing is imperative for the diver. All SCUBAPRO regulator systems are CE approved for 4300psi cold water diving. Some models go even beyond this super stringent qualification and have successfully been tested in extreme cold diving conditions at less than 36°F. As a specific anti-freezing measure, SCUBAPRO engineers have designed a patented finned cap for both the MK17 and the MK25 first stages for optimal cold water diving. The ribs act as a radiator to increase the surface area of heat transfer from the water to warm up the internal parts that have been drastically cooled down by the gas pressure drop. On the MK17, a dry ambient pressure chamber enhances the resistance to real ice cold water at any depth compared to other dry chamber diaphragm first stages. For cold water diving, SCUBAPRO’s second stages feature precision molded carbon fiber and technopolymer valve housing and components. They even exceed the CE cold water norm. In addition, these components contribute to their lightweight features and corrosion resistance.

 

[Kunundrum]

I would go for 2xMK25 1xG250V and a R395 or your current S600

The swivel on the MK25 will make hose routing a little easier Vs. Mk17

my second choice would be Mk17's Not because of performance but easier hose routing is all.

 

[elan]

Usually when I hear about cold water problems with the S600, it's with the MK25. The MK17 will not freeze period, so maybe the S600 is fine. There are plenty of divers that have used them in cold water for years.

Those S600 regs I saw free-flowing were running on MK17