Scubapro MK2 Evo R195 Regulator

Scubapro MK2 Evo R195 [2025 Review]

Brian Young  ●   Min read
If you're a new diver looking for a simple yet reliable scuba regulator you should consider the Scubapro MK2 Evo R195 as your first choice. Its reputation for durability, reliability, and ease of maintenance make it a great choice for entry-level divers doing recreational diving.

In this review, you are going to find out what makes this regulator stand out from other entry-level regulators, and why you should buy or avoid this regulator.
Scubapro MK2 Evo R195 Regulator

Scubapro Mk2 Evo R195

Scubapro MK2 Evo R195 Regulator Review

Our Overall Score:

4.0

Manufacturer: Scubapro

Disclaimer: This review is based on personal experiences and opinions of the author and may differ from others.

Design

The Scubapro MK2 Evo R195 uses a classic unbalanced design with modern components to increase reliability and ease of maintenance. However, this simple design does sacrifice performance.

Functionality 

It does great breathing at recreational depth but may lose performance on deeper dives. It also has Scubapro’s VIVA system which is great for reducing free flows and increasing breathing comfort.

ease of use

Simple to use. There is no overwhelming number of bits and pieces to worry about. The venturi switch is also large, and easy to locate when making adjustments on your dive.

Cost

The Scubapro MK2 Evo R195 is reasonably priced and offers great value for the money. Making great as a first regulator or a backup reg for a pony bottle.

Summary:
The Scubapro MK2 Evo R195 is a great choice for beginner divers. It has a reliable unbalanced design, Scubapro’s VIVA system to reduce free flows and increase breathing comfort, and Scubapro's XTIS system for increased freezing resistance. All of these features combined make this a great value for the money making it a great choice for new divers. It is no wonder it is the preferred training scuba regulator at many dive centers and resorts around the world.

Where to buy:

Scubapro MK2 Evo R195 Regulator

Scubapro Mk2 Evo R195

Find the best deal for the Scubapro Mk2 Evo R195  at these recommend retailers:

Everything To Know About The Scubapro Mk2 Evo R195 Regulator?
Key Features and Benefits

The Scubapro MK2 Evo R195 is a simple and reliable scuba regulator that is perfect for beginner divers. Below are a few of the regulator’s key features and benefits that make it stand out from the competition. 

Scubparo MK2 Evo first Stage

Tough and Reliable MK2 First Stage

The MK2 is Scubapro’s entry-level first-stage regulator and has been around for decades. It is time-tested to be reliable and tough. It features an unbalanced piston design which should mean increased breathing resistance at depth and low tank pressures. However, advancements over the years have made this hardly noticeable to divers at recreational diving depths.

Scubapro R195 Second Stage

Newly Redesigned R195 Second Stage

The Mk2 Evo is now paired with the new R195 Second Stage. The second stage is an updated version of the popular R190, but with modern features and materials. The R195 is also unbalanced and utilizes a standard downstream valve, and a much larger diaphragm, similar to that of the R-190, which was popular for its reduced inhalation efforts

Scubapro MK2 Evo System

Increased Freezing Resistance

The new upgrade in Scubapro’s XTIS system, which insolated the mechanical elements from cold water, this gives the new first stage an increase in freezing resistance by 50% over its predecessor.

Scubapro R195 VIVA System

Increased Freezing Resistance

The new upgrade in Scubapro’s XTIS system, which insolated the mechanical elements from cold water, this gives the new first stage an increase in freezing resistance by 50% over its predecessor.

Scubapro Mk2 Evo R195: Manufacturers Specification

1st Stage Type

Balanced Piston

High Pressure Ports

5

Low Pressure Ports

4

Environmentally Sealed

2nd Stage Type

Balanced

Adjustable Inhalation

   

Adjustable Venturi

Nitrox Compatible

Cold Water Rated


Our Rating: Scubapro Mk2 Evo R195 Regulator

Overall Score

4.0/5

Check price and get the best deal at these recommended retailers Site:

Design

 The Scubapro MK2 Evo R195 uses a classic unbalanced design with modern components to increase reliability and ease of maintenance. However, this simple design does sacrifice performance.

Funtionality

It does great breathing at recreational depth but may lose performance on deeper dives. It also has Scubapro’s VIVA system which is great for reducing free flows and increasing breathing comfort. 

Ease of use

Simple to use. There is no overwhelming number of bits and pieces to worry about. The venturi switch is also large, and easy to locate when making adjustments on your dive.

Cost

The Scubapro MK2 Evo R195 is reasonably priced and offers great value for the money. Making great as a first regulator or a backup reg for a pony bottle.

Reasons to Buy

There are a lot of reasons to consider Scubapro MK2 Evo R195 as your first regulator. Below are a few of the reasons we think it’s a great buy:

Simple and Reliability

An unbalanced piston first stage and a classic downstream second stage are the simplest regulator design and know for their legendary safety and reliability.

Ease of Maintenance

Because of its simple balance design and a minimal number of parts, the Scubapro MK2 Evo R195 is a breeze to maintain, and one of the main reasons they are a favorite among dive centers and resorts.

Increase Freezing resistance

Scubapro’s XTIS system increases freezing resistance by 50%, giving divers some extra assurance when diving in cold water.

VIVA system for reducing free flows

Scubapro’s VIVA system helps to reduce free flows and increases diving comfort. This is a great feature for beginner divers who may not yet be proficient in controlling their breathing while underwater.

Great value for Money

It is also great value for money as Scubapro has managed to pack all of these features into one regulator at an affordable price point.

Reasons to Avoid

Although we think the Scubapro MK2 Evo R195 is a great buy, it is not perfect. Here are a few reasons why you might want to pass on this scuba regulator:

Performance loss at deeper depths

The Scubapro MK2 Evo R195 is a great choice for recreational diving but does have some performance issues when diving at depths of 40 meters or more. If you’re looking for a regulator for deep dives we recommend considering one with a balanced piston first stage.

Not the Most Moder Desing

A Simple design sacrifices performance in favor of reliability and ease of maintenance.

Related Scuba Regulator Reviews

Check out these other great Scuba Regulator we reviewed.

Review of:

Sherwood SR2 

Our rating: 4.6/5

Review of:

Aqualung Helix Pro 

Our rating: 4.5/5

Review of:

Scubapro MK17 Evo A700 

Our rating: 4.8/5

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you dive Nitrox with this Reg?

Is it available in DIN?

Does this come with an alternate air source?

The Bottom Line

The Scubapro MK2 Evo R195 is a great regulator for beginner divers. It features Scubapro’s VIVA system and XTIS insulation to reduce free flows and increase freezing resistance. It’s reliable, easy to maintain, and provides great value for the money. We would highly recommend this regulator to any new diver looking for an affordable, reliable scuba regulator.

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. 

About the author

Brian has been a divemaster for the past 5 years. He is enthusiastic about sharing his love for scuba diving with others and does this by writing destination and product reviews, as well as tips and tricks he has learned throughout the year.

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