good reg + BP/wing deal?

[raposarose]

Hello all,

I recently saw a deal for a BC and a regulator set for $849 and I want to know if this is a good deal.

That is the asking price for a full Halcyon BP setup with a 36 lb wing, a Scubapro MK18/G250HP regulator set-up with an R390 octo. I have tried the backplate before and liked it but I do not know much about the regulator. I understand from reading on this board that the MK18 is discontinued?

I will be diving in California and am a new diver. I am looking for advice about if this is a good price on a system I can grow with.

Thanks,
Raposa

[jonnythan]

It's not exactly earth-shattering. It's about what you'll pay retail. Retail for the Halcyon 36 lb setup is $555 and a reg setup, and a similar reg setup from LeisurePro (with a new non-discontinued regulator - Mk16 + R380 + R380) will run you just over $300.

So, you could do better.

[raposarose]

Thank you for your input. It is not an online deal it is from an LDS, but still a sale price should be a real sale. I couldn't find a price on the discontinued regulator so it was hard for me to judge if it was a bargain. I'll hold off.

--Raposa

[OneBrightGator]

I think it's a good deal, like jonnythan said the Halcyon system retails for $555 and will certainly grow with you to any type of diving you want to do. Also, if you take the difference, approx $300, that is a great deal for a complete ScubaPro reg setup, especially since it will come with a warranty. I wouldn't worry too much about the discontinued fact, the tech at my shop was telling me a guy brought in a 30 yr old SP Mark5 for a rebuild, and either he couldn't get the proper piston or it wouldn't seat, either way, the tech sent it off to SP and they sent back a brand new Mk25.

Get it and go dive.

Ben

[jonnythan]

I agree. I'd buy it if I were you. Make sure you're getting the free parts or free service or whatever it is you get by buying the reg at the LDS, and go diving.

[raposarose]

Got it. I dove it for the first time today. I really like this system, it is very comfortable. I was worried about getting the back plate/wings system since I am new to diving but I am really happy with my decision.

Thanks again!

[raposarose]

Almost two years later and the set-up is still going strong. I did have a puncture in the Halcyon Pioneer but they were good about replacing it at a low cost. I like the mk18 a great deal. Somehow it makes me feel more unique than the mk25 would. Seriously though, I like that it has a swivel (I know, point of failure) and is a diaphragm reg. I guess the r390 is discontinued now too. I am not sure what the difference is between that and the r290 though.

I would make this purchase again in a heartbeat.

[Tom Winters]

Glad it's working well for you. Don't sweat the swivel but do check it for looseness every now and then.