Zeagle F8 vs Scubapro MK17 EVO 2

[MonkeyBubbles]

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]

The essential internals of the sealed diaphragm SP and the same, MK 11 has a thicker diaphragm but all the rest of the service parts are the same.

The F8 second is one of the best out there, very tunable and great performance, the G 260 is simply one of the best barrel type regulators ever made, it and the 600’s use the same poppet, seat etc.

Overall I trust SP more than Huish to maintain parts compatibility over the long run but either choice is good.

 

[MonkeyBubbles]

Does anyone have service manuals for the F8 1st/2nd; and/or the MK17E2/G260?

 

[RobPNW]

Looks and compactness but mostly I do stupid things just to see how they work.View attachment 915198

If compactness is a priority, what are your thoughts on the Scubapro MK11 EVO? Compared to the MK17 EVO2?

I suffer from no neck bang the back of the head syndrome. When it's time for a new set, I may look at one of the more compact models.

 

[Mobulai]

If compactness is a priority, what are your thoughts on the Scubapro MK11 EVO? Compared to the MK17 EVO2?

I suffer from no neck bang the back of the head syndrome. When it's time for a new set, I may look at one of the more compact models.

The mk11Evo is crazy tiny, I saw it along the mk17E2 at boot and couldn’t believe it, it’s like a cartoonishly swollen thumb nothing more

I’m considering one (11) myself

This new generation (11E, 17E2, 19E) is such an improvement on their predecessors in the footprint dept.

And the more features you don’t need (turret, env seal for cold water), the more the mk11E makes more and more sense

I wouldn’t get a 17E2 as I have 19Es already; but the 11 for travel (esp as a backup) is calling me

If you need coldwater resistance w/o turret the 17E2 is such a sweet midpoint

 

[lexvil]

If compactness is a priority, what are your thoughts on the Scubapro MK11 EVO? Compared to the MK17 EVO2?

I suffer from no neck bang the back of the head syndrome. When it's time for a new set, I may look at one of the more compact models.

Probably all anyone needs

 

[OMyMyOHellYes]

Where's Simon @buddhasummer ?

 

[MonkeyBubbles]

If compactness is a priority, what are your thoughts on the Scubapro MK11 EVO? Compared to the MK17 EVO2?

I suffer from no neck bang the back of the head syndrome. When it's time for a new set, I may look at one of the more compact models.

Honestly, I don't want the enviro seal for cold water, I want it to keep out muck and sand, and to be a bit more forgiving if I don't rinse it out perfectly after a salty dive.

And I already picked up an MK11 from Mr. Lex to use as a backup (thank you, sir). Just want something sealed (but still compact and lightweight) for my daily driver.

I also looked pretty seriously into: Hollis DC7, Dive Rite FT1, Mares 62x, and HOG D2, however they all failed to meet at least one criteria out of: quality complaints, weight, hose routing, or unacceptable failure modes. I really like that Dive Rite and HOG sell parts direct to customers, but both of those regs are much heavier, and the FT1 port configuration requires adding a transmitter hose. Not sure I want to be FORCED into doing that. The Cressi MC9 is actually creeping in as a budget contender...but mostly just because part of me wants to rebel against SP's business practices. AL Helix Compact Pro was previously a top contender, but my local LDS says as much as they would like to sell me one, they have no idea if they would be able to service it when I brought it back in a year. I really wish Deep 6 would make a <600g Signature-quality reg, but I don't think that's in the cards.

The F8/F8 and MK17E2/G260 seem to be good candidates for best all-around AOW regs. Hoping someone can share some service manuals so I can take a peak inside them....