Scubapro MK20 UL traveling divers regulator

MK20 UL, developed by the Scubapro, was designed as traveling divers regulator, employing the "ultra light" material technology resulting in this first stage becoming traveling diver's choice, capable of reducing the tourists backpack load. The idea was to have no adapters on the first stages, running intead the hoses straight from the first stage ports down, and then off to their routing. MK20 UL weights less than half compared to the standard MK20. So, obvious advantages of MK20 UL are that it retains performance and flow rate the same as any other MK20/25 first stage, while weighting only 13 OZ. The working pressure for this device constitutes 3000 PSI. The integrated thermal insulating system ensures the prevention of the freezing up while in cold water environment. The regulator can be used for Nixtrox diving. Low pressure output is designed around a 360 degree swivel cap, containing 5 ports, one of them on top. Each side of the regulators body is equipped with a high pressure port allowing left or right installation of submersible gauges. Obvious setback of MK20 UL is that it is fragile compared to the standard chrome plated brass first stage. Another problem is due to galvanic action: MK20 UL's aluminum alloy interacts with brass hose fittings causing hoses' freezing onto the first stage. This, however, can be fixed by occsionally loosenning and tightenning back the hoses, which should be put on the checklist of routine maintenance operations. If diver fails to do that regularly, the hoses may fail with no chance to have them restored.

Meanwhile, Scubapro has since developed a Titanium first stage, which boasts being more durable, because thus galvanic action problem was removed. Many expert tecgnicians recommend it vs alluminium alloy main body MK20 UL.

DIR Kit questions * stainless steel * one owner lifetime warranty * review * rinsing in fresh water * preventative maintenance schedule * pressurized * dry storage * direct sunlight * warranty * price * hazards * aluminum alloy * cons * pros * technology * ultralight * The fundamentals * diver breathes * Oceanic Delta 4 diving regulators * cylinder * Mk25AF * adjustable IP seat retainer * pistons * light canister * when diving * bungeed hose * OOA diver * check regulator regularly * backup regulator * buddy runs out of gas * 26" * pressure hose * dry suit inflate * argon * HP hose * contents gauge * assembly * alternative method * corrugated * APEX * DIR system * increase breathing resistance * properly adjusted * gas supply * plan a dive * nitrox systems * MK25 1st stage + G250HP regulators from Ebay * Scubapro G500 and MK 20 Ultralight *

SCUBAPRO MK20 Recalls

July 2005. "Recently, we were notified that a diver had reported a crack in and around the body of a MK20 first stage regulator where the yoke retainer seats against the internal body of the regulator. We immediately conducted an internal review utilizing our SCUBAPRO Engineering Team. Simultaneously, we asked the independent experts at Exponent Failure Analysis Associates to determine the root cause... They determined the crack occurred due to a combination over torque and exposure to an underwater environment. The crack may be initiated if exposed to over torquing and over time, a larger crack may develop when exposed to harsh environmental conditions and, in a small number of cases cause a failure. As a result of these findings, SCUBAPRO's engineering staff and Exponent both recommend that all MK20s be updated with Universal Yoke Retainer (PN 10.103.115)". Source: www.divester.com/2005/07/27/scubapro-mk20-recall/

Recall Alert

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission