Review: Scubapro MK25 A700


diver reviewing the scubapro mk25 a700

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If you’re a scuba diver, your regulator is your lifeline—literally. The Scubapro MK25 A700 has been a favorite among divers since it was released in 2011, and it’s just as popular now as ever, especially with divers that routinely dive in cold waters. Diving in cold water requires special equipment, and the regulator is probably the most important piece of what you’ll need. Our goal is to review the MK25 A700 regulator and compare it to some of its top competitors. 

The Scubapro MK25 A700 is designed to provide a reliable, low-effort delivery of air, no matter how hard you’re breathing, how deep you’re diving, or what your temperature gauge reads. This Scubapro regulator is designed with cold water diving in mind and is sure to perform extremely well in very cold temperatures

What Is the Scubapro MK25 A700?

The Scubapro MK25 A700 is an industry leading first stage and second stage regulator designed for scuba diving. Scubapro has been an industry leader in balanced piston controlled first stages since the company’s inception, and the MK25 is no exception to this legacy. The A700 is the newest addition second stage to the Scubapro lineup. The A700 allows the user to breathe effortlessly and naturally regardless of pressure or water temperature.

Product Specs  

The Scubapro MK25 A700 features the MK25, which is a balanced piston first stage. The MK25 delivers more air to the second stage than any other type of first stage, regardless of changes in tank pressure or depth. The MK25 also features intermediate pressure (IP), which allows for instant airflow at any tank pressure or water temperature with higher air flow. This benefits tired divers, as they get to experience an ultra-fast breathing response and smoother regulator during ascent and/or during a decompression stop.

scuba diving with a turtle

Image via: Pixabay

The Scubapro MK25 A700 has two opposite high pressure ports that allow for individual positioning of the first stage, which is crucial to diving comfort by allowing the diver to position gauges on the right or left side and subsequently increasing freedom of movement. The MK25 also features multiple low pressure ports and can accommodate a total of five high flow ports on a swiveling turret, which allows for a full 360-degree swivel of the hoses.  

The Scubapro MK25 A700 is also designed to withstand freezing temperatures. Diving conditions can be drastically different in cold water. Therefore, performance and resistance to freezing are very important for divers. The Scubapro MK25 A700 regulator systems are CE Approved for 3360psi (230 bars) cold water diving. The Scubapro MK25 A700 also features a regulator that has a patented finned cap for the MK25 first stages specifically for cold water diving. This finned cap functions as a Thermal Insulating System (TIS), which helps warm up internal parts that can be cooled down due to pressure dropping.

The A700 second stage is very well designed with features such as air-balanced valve technology, oversized exhaust valve, sectional exhaust tee, a top-notch rate purge, and responsive user controls to help the diver inhale and exhale with ease.

the three person scuba diving in the deep of the ocean

Image via: Pixabay

The Scubapro MK25 A700 features a diver-adjustable inhalation knob for fine tuning of breathing assistance and diver-adjustable VENTURI-Initiated Vacuum Assist (VIVA) for additional inhalation assistance and free-flow prevention. The A700 second stage also comes with an orthodontic mouthpiece for added comfort. The Scubapro MK25 A700 regulator comes equipped with a 3/8-inch threaded super-flow hose and Kevlar lining. The Scubapro MK25 A700 weighs 38.4 oz and is covered by a limited lifetime warranty.

How It Compares

We picked a few similar products available on the market to see how they compare.     

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Scubapro MK25 A700

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Ease of Use

The Scubapro MK25 A700 is easy to use with its compact design and comfortable mouthpiece. Breathing is easy and natural no matter what position you find yourself in during a dive. Airflow and breathing are effortless regardless of pressure changes and even in cold water.

Assembly Time

The Scubapro MK25 A700 is easy to assemble, and Scubapro’s customer service gets high marks from customers.

Design Quality

The MK25 A700 is extremely well designed, especially for dives in cold water. The MK25 A700’s VIVA system and resistance vane are incorporated into one control knob for convenience, and users report that it has a superb breathing resistance, flow rate and truly impressive ability to assist with each breath. These and many other features make the MK25 A700 a top-notch regulator.

Warranty

The Scubapro MK25 A700 comes with a limited lifetime warranty, making it likely that this will be the last regulator you ever purchase.

PROS

  • Full metal body for increased thermal exchange
  • Air-balanced valve technology makes breathing effortless
  • Designed for cold water diving

​CONS

  • Somewhat heavier than most other regulators

Sherwood SR2

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The SR2 is a top-of-the-line regulator produced by Sherwood Scuba, which is an industry leading manufacturer of scuba equipment. The SR2 is a well-designed regulator that offers many features that recreational divers would want. Many users report that the SR2 features exceptional breathing performance and many high-tech features neatly packed in a compact package. One of the main improvements over the SR1 is a less rigid purge cover, which gives the diver a more comfortable fit and enjoyable experience.

Ease of Use

The Sherwood SR2 is very easy to use as most users comment that this regulator makes breathing easy. Also, the SR2 features a super flex hose and single adjustment point, making the diving experience easier.  

Assembly Time

Assembling this regulator, including the first and second stages, is very easy.

Design Quality

The SR2 is a well-designed regulator that offers easy breathing and several high-end features in a compact design. There is not much to dislike about this regulator.

Warranty

Sherwood offers a lifetime warranty on the SR2 as it does on its other regulators.

PROS

  • Compact design
  • Designed for extreme depth and cold water
  • 360-degree first stage swivel

​CONS

  • Standard mouthpiece may be too small for some users
  • Second stage is heavy

Atomic T3 Titanium

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The T3 is Atomic Aquatics’ new regulator and is an upgrade of their outstanding T2 model. Many consider the T3 to be the highest quality regulator on the market right now. The Atomic Titanium T3 features an all titanium body and components, high quality construction, and an innovative design that help deliver a smooth breathing and high performing regulator in a compact and lightweight package any diver would love to own.

The first stage also uses the patented “Jet Seat” high flow balanced piston to produce the highest performance at the quickest response times, resulting in smooth, natural breathing. The T3 is also environmentally sealed with O2 compatible grease to keep contaminants out of the first stage, which sets the T3 apart from its competitors. The first stage is also equipped with two high-pressure ports on both sides, as well as five low-pressure ports on a swivel cap. The T3’s second stage has also been designed to save weight while delivering the best performance possible by using titanium components.

Ease of Use

The Atomic T3 Titanium is a snap to use with its high quality construction and compact design, which makes the breathing natural and the diving experience comfortable.

Assembly Time

The T3 is easy to assemble and does not need service until three years or 300 dives, making it an industry leader in that regard.

Design Quality

The T3 features the highest quality components that are designed for superior performance with minimum weight. The T3 is widely regarded as the most well-designed and constructed regulator on the market.

Warranty

The T3 comes with a limited lifetime warranty. This regulator is designed to last for many years with regularly scheduled service.

PROS

  • Lightweight corrosion resistant construction
  • Automatic flow control eliminates the Venturi switch
  • Balanced valve system

​CONS

  • No major cons identified

Mares Abyss 22 Navy

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The Mares Abyss 22 Navy is a well-designed and constructed regulator that is sold at a great price. In designing the first stage, Mares has stripped it of all unnecessary metal without compromising the structural integrity of the regulator. This improvement has given the MR22 better thermal characteristics on cold water dives.

The Abyss 22 also features Mares’ patented “Dynamic Flow Control” (DFC) system, which minimizes the drop in intermediate pressure on inhalation. It is also equipped with two high-pressure ports at fixed angles and four low-pressure ports. The regulator is also Nitrox compatible to 40 percent oxygen right out of the box. The Mares Abyss 22 Navy’s second stage features an all-metal construction. This provides great thermal properties, preventing the formation of ice that can cause unwanted free flows when diving in colder temperatures.

Ease of Use

The Abyss 22 Navy is very easy to use and is designed to perform well in the most extreme conditions.

Assembly Time

The Abyss 22 Navy is very easy to assemble, and users report that Mares’ customer service is outstanding.

Design Quality

The Mares Abyss 22 Navy has several high-end features that make breathing effortless and natural, and the new super flex hose grants the diver an increased degree of freedom of movement and safety.

Warranty

Mares offers a limited 24-month warranty on the Abyss 22 Navy.

PROS

  • Lightweight first and second stage
  • Superior breathability, even in harsh environments
  • Dynamic flow control system stabilizes pressure

​CONS

  • Some users report that the Vortex system causes jaw fatigue
  • Warranty is only 24 months

Conclusion

The Scubapro MK25 A700 is one of the most well-designed diving regulators on the market. The first stage and second stage are designed with those that do lots of cold water diving in mind. The design and construction of the MK25 and A700 are intended to help the regulator perform in harsh cold water environments. Most users report that breathability with this regulator is outstanding no matter the position you end up in or the changes in pressure during your dive.

Most users that have purchased the Scubapro MK25 A700 have remarked that while it is a little heavy when compared to other regulators on the market, the steel construction looks good and is much better at dissipating heat than plastic. The MK25 A700 is designed to be the last regulator that you will ever have to purchase. There is not much negative to note about this regulator outside of its high price tag. However, the Scubapro MK25 A700 is a top-end regulator, and those that are willing to spend a little more on such a high-quality piece of equipment will certainly get what they pay for.

Jack Thompson

Jack Thompson, a scuba diving enthusiast from San Diego, has spent over a decade exploring the underwater world across the globe. Sharing his passion through captivating stories and informative articles, Jack aims to inspire others to embark on their own scuba diving adventures and uncover the ocean's hidden treasures. Follow Jack on Twitter, Pinterest, Reddit, and Facebook or email him at Jack@diving-info.com

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