ScubaPro MK19 EVO / G260 Regulator Review
Cold-water capable, turret-flexible, and highly respected among serious divers. A rock-solid choice for divers who want one reg to trust across all environments.
Price Tier: $$$
Ownership: Personally owned/used in cold and warm water dives, including Lake Michigan, quarries, pools, cenotes, and Fiji
Overall Score: 9.1 / 10
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fully sealed diaphragm first stage for cold water | Heavier and bulkier than travel-oriented options |
| Rotating turret offers excellent hose routing | Premium price point with no bundled extras |
| G260 is easy to service and breathes cleanly at all angles | Purge cover can be accidentally depressed during donning |
| Proven track record among Lake Michigan cold water divers |
Why I Chose the MK19 EVO / G260
I specifically chose ScubaPro because my local dive shop services their gear and stocks parts. The MK19 EVO / G260 combination is what most of the cold water Lake Michigan divers I know and trust are using, so I felt confident it was a reliable and proven setup. I also wanted a first stage with a turret that could support a future doubles configuration if I decided to go that route. The G260’s reputation for performance and serviceability sealed the deal.
Performance in the Water
- Breathing Effort: Extremely smooth and predictable in all conditions. I've had no issues with freeflow, wet breathing, or fluttering.
- Cold Water: Used in low 50s°F in Lake Michigan and quarries without a hitch. Not tested in ice or near-freezing water.
- Hose Routing: The rotating turret makes hose setup clean and flexible on both backplate and jacket-style BCDs.
- Adjustments: The breathing resistance knob is responsive and usable with gloves, though I rarely need to touch it.
Verdict
This is the most confidence-inspiring regulator I’ve owned. It performs reliably in both warm and cold water, feels rugged, and adapts to changing configurations. The only real downside is its travel bulk and price, but if you want one reg to grow with, this is it.
Would I buy it again? Yes
Deep Dive into the Score
Scoring System: Each category is scored out of 10 and weighted by importance. This model is used consistently across all gear reviews for transparency.
| Category | Score (0–10) | Weight | Weighted Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Function & Performance | 10.0 | 30% | 3.00 |
| Ease of Use | 9.0 | 20% | 1.80 |
| Versatility | 8.0 | 15% | 1.20 |
| Durability & Build Quality | 10.0 | 15% | 1.50 |
| Value | 7.0 | 10% | 0.70 |
| Brand Trust | 9.0 | 10% | 0.90 |
| Total | 9.1 | ||
Rounded Display Score: 9.1 / 10
Deep Dive Score Explanations
- Function & Performance – 10.0: Consistent, clean breathing across depths and positions. No performance issues even in cold water.
- Ease of Use – 9.0: Easy to operate and adjust, but the G260 purge cover is easy to accidentally activate while gearing up.
- Versatility – 8.0: Great for both rec and future tech setups, but travel divers may find it bulkier than ideal.
- Durability & Build – 10.0: Feels nearly indestructible. No corrosion or issues after dozens of dives in mixed conditions.
- Value – 7.0: Expensive, and doesn’t include extras like hoses or case. You’re paying a premium for brand and performance.
- Brand Trust – 9.0: ScubaPro is widely trusted and backed by local service support. Parts are always available through my shop.