Quote: (Originally Posted by
NarkedAtZero)
I know everyone loves their DS4s, but does anyone rate the routing with FSR first stages on twins, and would I ever notice the difference? I've seen hose routings for
DS4s and
Scubapro MK25s online, but never an FSR. I like the look of the FSRs, but would I be better off spending the extra cash on a bottle of very fine wine?
With steel tanks (with neck) DS4s or MK20/25s will route very nicely. The new Scubapro MK19s (basically MK19s are MK17s with swivel turret - they route exactly like MK25s) should be good also. FSRs are nice too but pointlessly overpriced and does not leave a lot of room for your head (between the two first stages) compared to FSTs. I've attached a pic of FSR routing (early FSRs had a black glossy coating).
With AL80 doubles, there's less room so I've found that DS4s don't route as well, especially with the Evolve wing. FSRs don't leave a lot of room for your head and MK20/25s are a tight fit. Imho, it's best to use FSTs for AL80 doubles. I've examined a MK19 recently - since it's about an inch shorter than a MK20/25 (measuring from DIN connection point to end of turret) so it should work better on AL80 doubles.
Quote: (Originally Posted by
NarkedAtZero)
(I'm tossing up between Apeks XTXs with one of the these first stages or a Scubapro MK25 / S600 + s550 setup which I've already tried and liked. I know this comparison has cropped up before, but any new thoughts on this welcome too.)
I own one XTX second stage and am very happy with it although I'm not a big fan of the new hard plastic exhaust tee - I prefer the soft one on the TX50/100. MK25/S600/S550 is very nice - I've heard that some people have had problems with the MK25/S600 pairing in very cold water, so I would recommend MK25 or MK19 + G250HP (or new G250V) if you must have Scubapro.
Personally, for backgas, I would recommend Apeks FSTs + TX100s without any hesitation.