ScubaPro MK17 Review by Jenia Cherkassky

The ScubaPro MK17 is designed to be a scuba regulator that is meant to work in an extreme environment (including cold water). In order to protect the ambient chamber from ice, ScubaPro use 2 technologies: TIS (Thermal Insulating System) and AD (Anti Freeze). The regulator has 4 low pressure ports and 2 high pressure ports. 2 of the 4 low pressure ports are described as HFP (High flow ports). These ports are supposed to have better performance and they are especially designed for second stages.

The MK17 can be doubled with a few different second stages. Usually it’s MK17/S555, MK17/X650 or MK17/R295. The S555 is the newest - it’s a pneumatically balanced second stage. The housing of the S555 is made of metal and techno-polymer with carbon fiber to insulate and protect the valve-lever assembly. This second stage doesn’t have a breathing resistance knob. However, the Venturi Initiated Vacuum Assist (VIVA) is efficient in controlling surface free-flows. Unfortunately, the switch is extremely small and it makes it hard to grasp when wearing gloves.

The MK17/S555 and the MK17/X650 configurations are supposed to work great. People who use these configurations are really happy with the regulator. I’ve personally tried the MK17/R295 configuration and quite frankly - I wasn’t really happy with the second stage. I guess that it’s designed to be used as an octopus or in dive shops (as a rental regulator). Breathing wasn’t really smooth with the R295 and it took some effort (compared to high-end regulators).

This is the link to the Manufacturer’s website.