Hey Vince! How are you liking your new Mk25/S600? I'm looking to buy a new reg this year and I'm trying to decide between that and the Atomic Z2 that Bruce carrys. Any input would be appreciated (on either brand)

I've had my MK25/S600 for about 70 dives now and I have enjoyed every breath.....!!!

(Message edited by bgw on March 21, 2011)

Judy..Absolutely loved it!!! Breaths as EZ at 100 feet as at 10. Plus any problems Bruce B @ Carib Inn can handle the repairs. I don't think you'll be disappointed in the ScubaPro.

I have over 200 dives with my MK25/S600 and I think it is the best.

I have a 1994-vintage US Divers reg.
I dove at All West next door on CUR earlier this month and most AL80s there had a valve head that was TOO LARGE to fit through the yoke on my reg.
I may get a new reg before long; hope the MK25 doesn't have same problem...

Thanks for the replies everyone. I'm FINALLY retiring my 1980 (yea, THAT'S vintage) US Divers Conshelf 14; Bruce didn't have the parts to fix it anymore RIP old friend we've seen many oceans and dives together ♥♥♥

Any comments on Atomic regs?

I like my Atomic reg quite a bit. Breathes well in all positions and depths and it needs service less often due to their "seat saver" design. All of their regs breathe the same...differences are in materials used and thus corrosion protection, whether sealed or not, etc., so you can can splurge on titanium or get a budget reg with no loss of performance.

I have other Atomic products and have always been happy with the products and service. I have called with questions a few times and I had a spring strap fail recently. One of two people (yes, actual humans) always answer the phone. It is usually Darcy, it seems. I was asked when and where I got the fins and I said I wasn't sure where, but probably within 2-3 years, and told her I had no receipt. I also said I wasn't sure how the strap was damaged...it may have gotten snagged on something. I was actually expecting to buy a replacement.

The Atomic response was "go into a shop near you and tell them we said to give you a new spring strap under warranty and we will replace theirs."

Good company. Bruce Bowker is an authorized dealer on Bonaire and there are also dealers on Curacao and Aruba.

One potential reg downside, depending on your use and feelings:

Their seat saver design means that if mishandled it would be easier than with other brands to get water into the first stage when rinsing the reg unpressurized, and you do not want to soak the entire reg in a bucket. I don't dump my reg in a rinse tank and don't let others rinse my regs, so it hasn't been a problem for me.

Thanks for the input JD. Didn't know about the seat saver rinse issues. I have prices from Bruce on both brands, just trying to decide which way to go. Like the octo/inflator feature on both brands too. I'm definitely looking forward to a lighter weight second stage!