My opinions for what they're worth:

G250 vs G500:  In terms of performance they are both unbeatable.  They are
both nearly identical internally and both have the same adjustments.  The G250
is the classic older design with a hard plastic case and traditional purge
button.  The G500 is a little smaller and has a soft rubber faceplate rather
than a traditional purge button.  You purge by just pushing anywhere on the
front.  Scubapro claims the G500 is smaller and more streamlined as if this
makes any difference.  I don't really notice.

I like the G250 because it feels more solid and I know they are very tough and
durable.  G250s are basically the standard issue reg up here used by Alaska
Dept. of Fish and Game research and survey divers who get in hundreds of dives
per season.  Their dive locker is full of 10 year old G250s that have been
battered and abused and still work great.  The G500 just *feels* lighter and
less durable although I have no evidence to suggest that it actually is.  But
it seems to me that the soft rubber faceplate provides less protection for the
diaphram than the hard plastic faceplate of the G250.  My gear tends to get
battered; tanks tip over on regulators, gear gets caught on stuff.  I like
gear that is tough and the G250 just feels tougher than the G500.

Frankly I don't think it really matters which you get.  The G500 gives you the
newer all-black "stealth" look.  The G250 gives you the more traditional look.
I don't know much about the 380 as I don't have one.  But I understand it is
evolved from the R190.  If you are looking for a reg to pair with the G500
then the 380 will look like a better match.  The R190 matches the G250 in
appearance.  Both of them make perfectly good backup regulators.  If you are
diving with your backup hanging around your neck on a bungie (DIR style) then
the 380 is a little smaller and may be a good choice because it's less bulky.
But the difference is pretty subtle. My R190 rides under my neck on a bungie
and fits there perfectly so it's not something that bothers me.

As for buying another first stage.  I would get two MK20s if you think you
ever want to dive doubles.  That way you'll have a matched set.  If you're
just looking for a spare regulator for travel etc. then the MK2 is fine.  They
are cheap and reliable.  I use mine for argon.

If you're getting into technical diving then keep the Sherwood.  You always
end up needing more regulators for deco bottles, safety bottles, argon, etc.
But if you are staying with recreational diving and don't ever anticipate
doing a dive that requires seven regulators then get rid of the sherwood while
it still has value.  Otherwise it will sit in your closet, gather dust, and
get out of service.  If you're not using it then keeping it serviced is a
waste of money and if you don't keep it serviced then five years from now when
you decide to use it you'll be rolling the dice or you'll need to go back for
a complete overhaul.  If your local shop has a rental dept. then they might
give you a trade on a new reg. Be worth asking.

PS, if you are buying new regulators right now then I would see if you can
find any of the old Zeagle/Apeks regs for sale.  Zeagle used to be the US
distributor for Apeks but I think that Air Liquide (parent company of both
U.S. Divers and Seaquest) recently bought Apeks and they now intend to
distribute Apeks under the Seaquest label.  The Apeks regs are British-made
and are superb regs.  The 2nd stages are basically copies of the G250 with a
different exaust and the first stages are diaphrams that are super tough.
Some Zeagle dealers are closing out their stock of Apeks regs for very good
prices.  I just bought two new Zeagle DS-4/Tech 50 regs in DIN for about $250
each from a Zeagle dealer and I am now using them on my doubles rig.  They are
great regs too and at $250 each they are close to half the retail price of a
MK20/G500.  It's worth calling around to some Zeagle dealers to see if they
still have some of these.  Once they start getting sold under the Seaquest
label the price will go way up.

-Kent-



> -----Original Message-----
> From: SouthEast US Scuba Diving Travel list
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Quinn H.
> Sent: Saturday, June 24, 2000 8:14 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: [SCUBA-SE] Impressions of my new g500/mark 20 regulator
>
>
> Kent Lind wrote:
>
> >First stages:  four MK20s and one MK2+
> >Second stages: 2 G250s, 1 D400, 1 G500, and 1 R190
> <snip> ...
> >I've used them all in every conceivable combination and condition and they
> all
> >work fine down past any conceivable depth you will want to go.
>
> Kent,
>
> I've been leaning toward Scubapro MK20 as I slowly begin to reconfigure to
> DIR.  Between what you and Bob wrote [see Bob, I do read your posts :-)], I
> am now convinced I should go with these regs. You both have provided valuble
> and mistake saving advice. Which would you recommend, the G250 or the new
> G500?  Thanks.
>
> >Therefore, a much better choice for a Scubapro backup regulator is one of
> the
> >non air-balanced scubapro 2nds such as the R190 or the new 380.  They are
> >cheaper anyway and are less finely balanced so that you are much less
> likely to
> >get a freeflow.  I currently use a G250 for my primary regulator and my
> R190 for
> >the backup regulator that hangs around my neck.  I frequently test the R190
> at
> >various times during dives and I really can't discern much difference in
> >performance from the G250 at any depth down to 200+ ft.
>
> Since I will be purchasing the backup as well, what would you recommend -
> the R190 or the 380?  Should I get two MK20's or one MK20 and the older MK2?
>
> Lastly, I could use some advice on my current regulator, for those who have
> experience the brand.  Should I hang on to my Sherwood Maximus for some
> future bottle or spare, or should I sell it to my dive shop to be used as
> rental equip.?
>
>
> Thnkas,
>
> Quinn
>