Scubapro MK 17/S555 Regulator Review

For the cold water diver, hassle-free regulators top the priority list for extreme dive environment. Icy cold waters demand thermal protection and the right equipment to easily maneuver your diving exploration. Scubapro MK 17/S555 also known as the “Icebreaker”, that’s according to the guys at Scubapro, is designed for tough cold waters and extreme dive environment.

Scubapro MK 17/S555 Product Features
Anti-freeze components
VIVA system
Air-balanced flow valve
Compact and lightweight materials
1st stage type: balanced diaphragm
LP ports: 4 ; HP ports: 2

The diaphragm’s design requires less maintenance than do other competitors. Also, ScubaPro developed VIVA (Venturi-Initiated Vacuum Assist) for ease of breathing. So as the air is pulled into the second stage casing, a vacuum is created behind the diaphragm. In turn, the diaphragm depresses the lever that maintains the poppet open for a “power assist” breath. In addition to the VIVA, the air-balanced power inflator valve means you’ll have a steady stream of air, regardless of the pressure in your tank.

According to scubadiving.com, “This reg earned the highest possible scores on the ANSTI breathing simulator and praise from our test divers en route to earning a 2006 Testers’ Choice rating.”

The Scubapro MK 17/S555 is available at Leisurepro.com at a sale price of $374.95.

List Price: $554.00
Our Price: $414.95
Sale: $374.95
You Save: $179.05 (32%)

Now, let’s hear some great reviews from our seasoned divers:

“I just got this product, and used it on my two week dive trip. It held up for all the dives – never had a single problem. It never free-flowed and it was easy to breath, even when I was below 500 PSI. Couldn’t see anything really wrong with it. A great choice!” – Zach of Silver Springs, MD

“Definitely recommended. I bought two. They have held up very well for over 100 dives so far without any drop in performance. They have not given me any problems diving in cold Great Lakes waters. The best thing I can say is that I don’t have to think about these regs. They have not given me any problems yet. Hose routing is not ideal, especially the way the HP ports angle in towards the diver. This puts a sharp bend in the HP hose as it comes out of the first stage. This happens on Doubles and Singles. Note this is the same first stage as the S600 without the adjustment knob, so breathing performance will be equal.” – bigCountry of St Louis, MO

Do you have a Scubapro MK 17/S555 story to tell? We certainly love to hear more about it.

Click here for more information about Scubapro MK17/S555.

Cressi-Sub Ellipse Black/MC5 Regulator review

Scubadiving.com road-tested the latest models from leading manufacturers that offer progressive new materials and high performance regulators. The new regulators are getting lighter and lighter as compared with the previous releases. Manufacturers can be creative in the design and other features but the primary purpose and the single most important thing to consider in regs is its reliability in air delivery.
One of the key features in today’s regs focus on lightweight material. The Cressi-Sub Ellipse Black MC5 is one of those regs touting itself as extremely lightweight, weighing only 1 lb and 15 oz. It’s made of ultra-durable, high impact thermo polymer cover combined with the brand new MC5 balanced diaphragm first stage.

Cressi-Sub Ellipse Black MC5 Regulator Features

• Hyper-balanced diaphragm first stage
• Three pre-oriented low pressure outlets
• One high pressure outlet
• Sintered filter with larger surface area
• First stage completely protected by an Elastomer shell

The Cressi—Sub Ellipse Black MC5 is now available for only $279.95. That’s a 9% reduction from its original price of $309.00.

So how does the Cressi –Sub Ellipse stack against its competitors? According to scubadiving.com, “Exhaust bubbles were a little more noticeable than other regs in this review, but that’s to be expected with such a compact exhaust tee. The top-mounted venturi adjustment lever was easy to find and effective in preventing surface free-flows. During in-water dives, we rated it highly for comfort thanks to a light feel and a soft mouthpiece. On the ANSTI breathing machine, it earned Very Good scores within recreational diving range and Good scores under extreme conditions”.
Having said all that, if you’re looking for a lightweight reg under $500 that’s big on the performance department as well, you may want to consider Cressi-Sub Ellipse Black MC5.

Click here for more information about Cressi-Sub Ellipse regulator.

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