Zeagle F8 vs Scubapro MK17 EVO 2

[bdives85]

Can anybody who has experience with both the Zeagle F8 and MK17 EVO 2 share some thoughts on the pros and cons of each?

Any notable differences in performance? Durability? Parts availability? Serviceability? Thoughts on hose routing for single tank? Why would a person choose one versus the other?

 

[lexvil]

Performance, hose routing, durability, serviceability all a wash, I no longer have any F8’s but they are very good.

Why choose one over the other, the evo2 is very nice looking, compact and better resale due to being much better know and brand recognition.

 

[bdives85]

What about parts availability? Any issues getting parts for the F8's? Thoughts on Zeagle maintaining availability long term?

I know Scubapro has a history of maintaining parts for legacy products, but one thing I've noticed is it seems like a lot of shops don't carry the MK17/MK17E2. The typical Scubapro Platinum shop inventory line-up seems to be: MK2, MK11, MK19, MK25. I have had several shop staff tell me the reason they don't stock the MK17 is they think it is unnecessary. I disagree, but lower exposure to customers means lower sales. Lower sales means lower business justification to maintain.

 

[lexvil]

Since zeagle uses the same service kit for all first stages since they stopped having them made by APEKS (2000 ish) it’s not hard finding a service kit, Huish has the same screw the buyer philosophy as SP they don’t have as much control over the supply chain, you can get around it with work but it’s easier with Zeagle, slightly.

The 17 is not pushed in the U.S. but is still very popular and if your LDS can get kits for a MK 19 you’re good to go. The MK 25 is their most popular first, not because it’s better (IMHO but arguably) but it’s more recognizable and the 19 looks the same. Shops will try hard to sell what they have on the shelf, you can tell them what you want rather than the other around.

 

[bdives85]

The MK17E2 uses the same kits as the MK19?

If the F8 and MK17E2 are a wash on most points, why did you switch?

 

[Mobulai]

The MK17E2 uses the same kits as the MK19?

the mk17 kit is a subset of the mk19 kit; but not the same -- so worst case scenario if they are not stocking mk17 kits, at a "minor" price hike, they/you can use the mk19 ones

PS. if anybody ends up doing that I'd like to buy the remainder of these partially used mk19 kits as the turret orings are hard to source from standad sizes, thank you
(for context in-topic: I use the mk19 not the 17s as I need swivel turrets for diving in sidemount, besides that they are more or less the same regulator, so if you don't need a turret skip the extra weight and price and go with the 17s)

 

[lexvil]

The MK17E2 uses the same kits as the MK19?

If the F8 and MK17E2 are a wash on most points, why did you switch?

Looks and compactness but mostly I do stupid things just to see how they work.

 

[bdives85]

@Mobulai does any of that change with the EVOs (MK19 EVO kits work for MK17EVO2)?

And I agree- if I ever get into sidemounts, doubles, etc, I will buy gear appropriate for that.

 

[bdives85]

@lexvil Any thoughts on the companion second stages? F8 second vs G260/S600?

 

[Mobulai]

@Mobulai does any of that change with the EVOs (MK19 EVO kits work for MK17EVO2)?

And I agree- if I ever get into sidemounts, doubles, etc, I will buy gear appropriate for that.

this was a mind boggle for me initially, the mk17 kit is compatible with the mk17Evo
then the mk19 came out, and their kits were labelled mk17/19; but not the mk17 ones (there is alos a chart in the kit that says what parts it has and what reg it serves)
then the mk19Evo came out, and the old 19 kits got labelled mk19/Evo

then finally the changes from mk19 to 19Evo were replicated in the mk17E to Evo2 (double spring, new main body..); so I am assuming that the mk17 kit will still serve all 3 generations of it just like the 19 one services both gens

I don't have one so probaly @lexvil can confirm since he got Evo2s

As a rule of thumb, all kits fit old and evo models (25, 17, 19, 11), except the mk2 as the diameter of the piston changed (and it only has like 3 orings anyway, and that was a 40 year plus generational difference) as SP likes to save on logistics with unified parts
so diaghram, seats, oring sizes remain the same for most part
2nds also cluster onto like 3 or 4 service kits that they all share; speaking of I highly recooemnd the g260 -- the s600 are quite good as well, but I personally prefer the full sizdness of the 260 and its seatsaver feature

EDIT: reading what I wrote in retro, actually the thing with continuty of life and backward/forward compatability of parts is why I accumlated a mountain of used SP regs, and probaly why people (like Lex) shift also towards them, once other factors become all the same (performance, features, price..)
I have new service kits for mk10s that once reach operational EOL, I will upgrade with mk10+ kits and be able to use mk20/25 seats in there, and keep the reg running forever
mk20 can be upgraded to mk25, and use mk25Evo kit/parts

Eventually every couple decades they will make a new baseline shift that might leave you out from being able to upgrade to flagship status (yes you can buy the parts needed for upgrade like 109>BA>g250 stopped now at g260, g500>s600 stopped now at s620), but probably youll still get the service parts and support