Need a regulator? Here is my solution.
My Scubapro set: Regulator MK17, second stage C370, octopus R095.
Dear readers,
Happy weekend to you (well, for those who are off)!
So, a post which is long due (my apologies for that, its been a busy start of the year): my new regulator, the Scubapro MK17. More precisely, I went for the MK17 C370 Regulator Set. A combination of SCUBAPRO´s premium diaphragm first stage with a balanced second stage.
So what is this all about? For those who don't know yet, the regulator is what keeps you alive under the water since it delivers your air. In other words, a key piece of your equipement on which you should invest a bit. I know, spending usually hurts but hey, it is about your life. For those who now what a regulator is, no need to explain. So let's jump to the technical aspects.
First stage
The MK17 is sealed off from the elements, so in principle diving in cold or murkz waters shouldn't be an issue. Kindly not that I have not tried it in cold water yet.
The Air-balanced diaphragm delivers constant airflow. Depth, tank pressure, or breathing rate won't affect your breath.
Environmentally sealed system prevents water and pollutants from fouling the inner mechanism.
Dry ambient pressure chamber increases freezing resistance (so you should get a consistent airflow in cold waters).
Airflow -- 6900 l/min.
Two high pressure and four high-flow low pressure ports.
Weigh : INT 232: 860g; DIN 300: 640g.
Airflow at 200bar: (l/min): 242.
Intermediate pressure: 9.0-9.8 bar.
Second stage
The air balanced C370 delivers consistent airflow which makes your dive very comfortable. Also, it is light, not only in your luggage but also in your mouth.
Air-balanced valve for smooth inhalation effort at varying depths and supply pressures.
Compact rugged fiberglass reinforced nylon casing.
Stainless steel frame on the front cover adds the SCUBAPRO C-Series signature.
Diver-adjustable inhalation effort knob and Venturi-Initiated Vacuum Assist (VIVA).
Large purge button is easy to activate, even wearing thick gloves.
Super-flow hose features an oversized bore that allows more air to flow on each inhalation.
Compact Hi-Flow mouthpiece improves airflow as well as mouth comfort, fitting all mouth sizes, from smaller to largest.
Weight: 171g.
Airflow at 200bar: (l/min): 1600 bar.
Pressure gauge
A simple Deep Blue pressure gauge will be good enough. All you need there is something reliable, nothing fancy.
Price
As always it depends where you buy it from. Not only from which supplier but also in which country. I bought my set in Thailand for a total of THB 23'500 (or about USD 700). So that includes the regulator, first and second stage, alternate air source and the pressure gauge. I think it is a good deal but let me know if you think otherwise. Needless to say thsi was brand new...For those who are on budget you can consider buying a second hand. Dive shop sometime have some for sale or can sell it on an ad-hoc basis. Nowadays, you can find one online for sure. I have nothing in favour or against that personnally. I like to buy brand new stuff cause I know I will keep if for long so it is an investment. A regulator is something serious so if you buy a second hand get it checked (ideally before you buy it). You dont want to run a forced-check in the middle of a dive dont you?
The bear's conclusion
Very happy with that set. A special thank you to Nick who advised me and arranged the purchase and set-up.
The set is reasonably light set and rather compact. Ideal to travel.
The first stage has a rather small size and is not bulky on your tank.
The second stage is light and comfortable to hold in your mouth.
The knob controlling your air-flow is very cool and really helps. Say you are tired half-way of your dive and become a bit lazy, just play with it to breath more easily. Recommendation: turn the airflow to the minimum/ have it off when you jump in the water or it will go free-flow. Just dont forget to re-open it before descending or you may feel it is hard to breath...
The alternate air source does it's job, nothing major there.
The overall look is cool. So you can look cooler than folks around you wearing the usual basic dive centers kit (ok I overplay it a bit here but hey, I am sure you like to look different).
I recommend it.
Sincerely your's.
The Diving Bear
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