Help me choose - Regs for Ice Dives

[rhwestfall]

I'm pondering an Ice Diving Class/Cert through my LDS in the upcoming months. Looking at my regulator collection, and trying to decide what might be a good choice. Give me your thoughts based on these options:

SP MK-17 paired with either G250, G250V, or and all metal 156 (liking the all metal)
Poseidon Xtreme
HOG D1-Cold/Classisc
Argonaut Kraken Double Hose

All of these would be on a set of doubles or y-valved single to add redundancy, and a slung pony is an option too....

Yes, my class should address it, but I want some outside perspective to balance what they "sell"....

Thanks!

 

[AJ]

I have had no problems with my MK17+G250/260 during ice dives. Can't say anything on the others you mention.

 

[tbone1004]

kraken would be interesting on a doubles set up and I don't think it will go on a y-valve. Just due to spacing and it being offset. The other issue is I'm not sure if they have DIN figured out for it yet.

Of the list, I would go with Poseidon personally, but I realistically I would probably go with Dive Rite XT's. Same some money, and the hose routing is much better imho on the turrets, especially in doubles.

 

[rhwestfall]

please comment on the selection presented. They are in my ownership... I have no intention of buying more regs (at least for now - lol)

BTW - DIN for the Kraken is possible (I have the conversion). It would likely be in conjunction with a slung pony though. Also, as all of my tanks have convertible valves, a plug solves the yoke issue. I also have a vintage center post manifold with a side post doubles set (Sherwood) that i dive frequently with the DH...

Oh, guess I could add HOG D1-Cold/Classisc too

 

[tbone1004]

right, sorry. Didn't see the "in my collection bit". Good call on 200bar, all of my din valves are 300bar since most of them are PST HP tanks, so I forget those exist...

Anyway, of those, I am somewhat torn.

I LOVE my poseidons, absolutely love them and truly believe they are the best on the market. BUT the hose routing is far from ideal without a swivel turret. If you had MK25 first stages I would probably lean to those with the Xstreams.

Of what you have, I would put the Scubapro seconds on the Hog firsts and go that route.

 

[rhwestfall]

If you had MK25 first stages I would probably lean to those with the Xstreams.

Aside from my MK-2 (Deco), I don't use pistons in the cold up here.....

 

[tbone1004]

I figured as much. The Poseidons just can't be put on a sealed diaphragm first stage, it's the only way to get a swivel turret to work with them for cold water....

 

[USdiver1]

Tough call, but as you already own the Kraken, you've made the wisest choice before even asking for advice.

I'd go for the SP MK17/156 as backup, and of course either a neoprene drysuit or Poseidon Viking Unisuit with Jet Fins to complete the look as: ICEMAN '77

My last sub-freezing temperature dive was with my Phoenix equipped DA AM, although my next will be with my Kraken, as there is something about those red hoses.

 

[decompression]

I'll go with the HOG's, used them lots and no issues. In fact issues can arise with almost any reg if procedures aren't followed for ice diving. I'd love to try a Kraken.......

 

[lowviz]

I'm pondering an Ice Diving Class/Cert through my LDS in the upcoming months. ...

Stop pondering and book.

I use 17's and 250's without a single issue. No experience with the others you listed.

... In fact issues can arise with almost any reg if procedures aren't followed for ice diving. ......

Yes, here is me being yelled at for not keeping the secondary COMPLETELY underwater.

PS, make sure it is tethered diving and only ONE person is on the tether at any given time. Have Fun!