Diving in cold water requires special equipment, and none more important than your Scuba Regulator.
It is literally your lifeline underwater and as such should be able to withstand the effects of diving in such a harsh environment.
So, today we are going to look at a regulator specifically designed to cope with these extreme conditions, the Scubapro MK17 Evo A700.
Scubapro paired their all-metal A700 second stage with their high performing, environmentally sealed, balanced diaphragm MK17 first stage.
The result is a scuba regulator that can breathe effortlessly and perform flawlessly in the demanding environment of cold water.
Manufacturer: Scubapro.com
Our Score:
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Summary:
Scubapro paired their environmentally sealed MK17 Evo first stage, with the all-metal A700 Second stage. The result is a top of the line high-performance regulator specially designed for diving in cold, murky, or silty environments. It’s also surprisingly compact and makes an excellent travel regulator.
Scubapro MK17 EVO A700 Review: Video
Below is a quick video review of the regulator done by the guys over at Simplyscuba.com. In the video, you can get a closer look at the regulator and what makes it unique for diving in cold water.
Scubapro Mk17 Evo A700: Key Features and Benefits
Air balanced diaphragm
The MK17 first stage features a compact body and is constructed from brass coated with marine grade chrome for a truly handsome look. It uses a balanced diaphragm to deliver consistent performance to the second stage at any tank pressure or depth, resulting in smooth breathing even while a depth.
Enviromentally Sealed
By default, all balanced diaphragm internal components are environmentally sealed, which makes them perform great as a cold-water regulator. The MK17 takes this one step further by also incorporating a dry ambient pressure chamber. This allows the regulator to deliver greater protection and performance in cold water, as well as providing care-free operation between servicing by not allowing slit, sand, and other contaminants from entering the first stage.
All Metal Second Stage
The all-metal construction of the A700 makes it ideally suited for cold water diving. While plastic is the preferred material because of its lightweight and durable properties, it is not very good at dissipating heat. Therefore, Scubapro chose metal because of its thermal conductivity, this helps prevent the internal component of the second stage from freezing up and possibly cause unwanted free flows.
User Adjustable Second Stage
It is also fitted with Venturi Control switch, this alters how air moves inside the regulator, and helps prevent free flow on the surface. In addition to this, it is also fitted with a diver inhalation resistance knob to greater fine-tune your breathing. Turning the knob in the “MIN” position provides additional resistance against free flows, whereas in the “MAX” position it gives you optimum performance and the most air on inhalation.
Compact Design
The Scubparo Mk17 A700 features a suprisingly compact desing. Although it has an all mental construction, it is also surpisingly lightweight making great for traveling.
Scubapro MK17 Evo A700: Specifications
1st Stage Type | Balanced Piston |
High Pressure Ports | 4 |
Low Pressure Ports | 2 |
Environmentally Sealed | |
Second Stage Type | Balanced |
Adjustable Inhalation |
|
Adjustable Venturi | |
Nitrox Compatible | |
Cold Water Rated |
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Our Rating: Scubapro MK17 A700 Regulator
Design
A Full decked out regulator with all the feature and benefits you can expect from a top of the line regulator system in a surprising compact system.
Functionality
The regulator delivers effortless breathing regardless of depth, tank pressure or work rate and performs flawless in any dive condition.
Durability
Its high polished chrome first stage and rugged full metal second stage case and valve housing (barrel) are able to withstand years of aggressive diving
Price
Priced at the high-end. For your investment you get an all-around Scuba Regulator than can accompany you no mater where your diving adventure take you.
What We Like
The feedback on the MK17 A700 is really great, it got a rating of 5 out of 5 stars on Leisurepro.com as well as on Amazon.com.
Many divers commented on how awesome the regulator looked and how effortlessly the regulator breathes no matter what position you’re in.
They also like the fact you could adjust the second stage, to help prevent on wanted free flows.
What We Don’t Like
There were hardly any bad to report about this regulator. A few divers found that the second stage hose was a little short and changed them out with breaded ones, but that’s about it.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this regulator system comes with an octopus?
Is this regulator only for Tech Diving?
If I never dive in cold water, only in the tropic at recreational depth, is this regulator worth it?
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is the Scubapro MK17 A700 delivers effortless breathing in a compact and lightweight package.
It’s durable all-metal construction, environmentally sealed first stage, and the ability manually adjust the second-stage makes this regulator the perfect companion in extreme dive conditions and cold water diving adventures.
Still Looking For The Right Scuba Regulator?
Find the best scuba regulator for your next dive trip by checking out our list of the top 10 Scuba Regulators available on the market today.
