When divers talk about the SCUBAPRO MK25 EVO / S620Ti regulator system, the conversation quickly shifts from specifications to experience. It’s one of those pieces of equipment that inspires loyalty and occasionally frustration, because it promises exceptional performance across every dive environment.
First Impressions Beneath the Surface
From the moment you handle the MK25 EVO / S620Ti, it feels like premium kit. The MK25 EVO first stage has a reassuring weight that hints at solid engineering, while the S620Ti second stage feels refined and light. Many divers say that once you’re underwater, it simply disappears in use, breathing smoothly at any depth or tank pressure.
As one reviewer on Scuba Diver HQ put it, “The MK25 EVO/S620Ti delivers one of the smoothest breathing experiences you’ll find – steady airflow at any tank pressure.”
Cold-water divers are particularly impressed. Thanks to the XTIS insulation system, the reg resists freezing even in near-zero conditions, a fact backed up by tests from DiverNet. Add a titanium barrel to reduce corrosion and weight, and it’s easy to see why so many divers call it “bulletproof.”
What Divers Love About It
The praise for the MK25 EVO / S620Ti isn’t just about breathing ease, it’s also about feel and flexibility. The inhalation control knob and VIVA Venturi switch let divers fine-tune performance, and the swivel turret on the first stage allows for custom hose routing.
Travel divers often mention that it’s a “buy once, dive for years” kind of setup. One long-time user wrote on ScubaBoard, “It’s a great package that you’ll be able to get fixed anywhere in the world on the off chance it ever has an issue.” That serviceability, combined with the global availability of Scubapro parts, gives peace of mind to those who dive remote destinations or liveaboards.
Others appreciate the comfort. Several divers describe the second stage as light in the mouth and well balanced, with exhaust bubbles routed neatly away from the face. For underwater photographers, that’s a subtle but meaningful detail.
What Draws Criticism
Even top-tier gear isn’t immune to criticism, and the MK25 EVO / S620Ti has its detractors. The most frequent complaint is cost. Its premium build and materials come at a high price point, and some warm-water divers feel they’re paying for features they’ll never need.
A few users on Reddit’s scuba forum mentioned minor free-flow issues when pressing the purge button for the first time, though most agreed this was more a setup or familiarity quirk than a design flaw. Another diver on the same forum commented, “It breathes great, but it’s loud—almost scratchy compared to my older A700.”
There’s also the matter of gas compatibility. Because the second stage uses titanium, Scubapro rates it only for mixes up to 40 % oxygen. For recreational diving that’s fine, but technical divers working with higher O₂ blends will need an alternative configuration.
Long-Term Reliability
In independent testing, Scuba Diving Magazine’s ScubaLab awarded it a Tester’s Choice, confirming what many divers already feel – that it performs consistently across a wide range of conditions. In cold-water environments such as northern Europe and the Pacific Northwest, reports of freeze-ups are virtually nonexistent, even on deep dives.
As one experienced user summarised, “I’ve been diving the MK25 EVO / S620Ti for years. It’s the reg I trust when I’m 40 metres down in near-freezing water. It just doesn’t let you down.”
Verdict: Who It’s For
The MK25 EVO / S620Ti is built for divers who demand smooth breathing, reliability, and adjustability wherever they dive, from tropical reefs to cold-water wrecks. It’s over-engineered for occasional holiday divers, but for those who dive year-round or across diverse environments, it’s a worthy long-term investment.
If you value refinement, performance, and peace of mind, this is a regulator that truly lives up to its reputation. One that seasoned divers describe as “the kind of gear you grow old with.”
