ScubaPro MK19 EVO / G260 Regulator Review

Cold-water ready and turret-equipped, it delivers proven reliability and performance. I chose it for its serviceability, local support, and trusted track record among Lake Michigan divers and it hasn’t disappointed.

By Tyler Allison · Updated July 2025

Use: Dozens of dives in mixed conditions
Current role: Cold- and warm-water regulator
Still in my kit: Yes

The Short Version

This is the most confidence-inspiring regulator I have owned. It has performed reliably in warm and cold water, feels rugged, and gives me flexible hose routing as my configuration changes. Its travel bulk and premium price are real compromises, but local service support and consistent breathing are the reasons I chose it.

Would I buy it again? Yes.

What Works

Fully sealed diaphragm first stage suited to cold-water use
Rotating turret keeps hose routing clean and flexible
Consistent, smooth breathing across depths and positions
Responsive breathing-resistance adjustment that I can use with gloves
Local servicing and parts availability through my dive shop

What Doesn't

Heavier and bulkier than travel-oriented options
Premium price without extras such as hoses or a case
The G260 purge cover can be accidentally pressed while gearing up

Why I Chose the ScubaPro 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.

What It Is Like to Dive

Breathing Performance: Breathing has been smooth and predictable across depths and positions. I have had no issues with freeflow, wet breathing, or fluttering in my use.
Cold-Water Use: I have used it in water in the low 50s°F in Lake Michigan and quarries without a hitch. I have not tested it in ice or near-freezing water.
Hose Routing: The rotating turret makes hose setup clean and flexible on both backplate and jacket-style BCDs. That flexibility was also part of my decision to choose a first stage that could support a future doubles setup.
Controls While Diving and Gearing Up: The breathing-resistance knob is responsive and usable with gloves, although I rarely need to touch it. The purge cover is easy to activate accidentally while gearing up, which is the control issue I notice rather than a breathing problem underwater.

Ownership, Service, and Value

The regulator feels rugged, and I have seen no corrosion or other issues after dozens of dives in mixed conditions. The G260 is easy to service, and parts have been available through my local shop. Having that support nearby matters to me as much as the regulator’s performance in the water.

It is expensive and does not include extras such as hoses or a case. I am paying a premium for the brand and performance, and its weight and bulk are less convenient for travel than a compact, travel-oriented regulator. Those compromises have not outweighed the reliability and configuration flexibility in my own use.

Who It Makes Sense For

This setup makes sense for cold-water divers who want a sealed first stage, divers planning configurations that benefit from turret hose routing, and people who want one regulator for local Great Lakes diving and warm-water travel. My experience in both warm and cold water is why I see it as a regulator that can grow with a changing setup.

When I Would Buy Something Else

If compact size and low travel weight were my main priorities, I would look for a more travel-oriented setup. The premium price also makes this a poor fit for someone seeking entry-level pricing on a tight budget.