A Free photo gallery to share your dive photos with the world. It has dry chambers that reduce the potential for ice build-up. It is common for the octopus to have a long 36-inch hose which is helpful when sharing air with a buddy. The regulator had two high-pressure ports and four low-pressure ports. Top 9 Best Scuba Regulators of 2022 The Adventure Junkies The second stage is made with metal which transfers heat well and carbon fiber which makes the regulator durable and light. Average breathing effort is not published. The Elite is the latest and highest-end model of the Aqua Lung Legend series of regulators. Scubapro has been churning out high-quality dive gear for over 50 years, and the MK21/C370 certainly slots into the roll-call well. Always check the owners manual for the maintenance schedule of the regulator. A pre-dive switch allows you to reduce your regulators flow to prevent this issue while entering the water or waiting to begin your descent. The reason some scuba shops only fill to 3,000 psi is that this is the most common pressure used. It gave a silky smooth breathe in all orientations and is a good-looking unit to boot. Balanced regulators deliver the same amount of air per breath until your tank is empty. A lot of scubaboarders will argue it is the "best" breathing reg to there. The Core Supreme is a decent-looking regulator that delivers a smooth breathe, doesnt break the scales when it comes to weight, and at this price point, represents excellent value for money. Features of the FDX-i first stage include chrome-plated marine brass construction, pneumatically balanced, and environmentally sealed. An XS compact octopus also makes a great secondary regulator. Personally, I find the 2nd stage ugly as hell so I use my Mares proton metal. It balances air pressure for consistent breathing regardless of depth or tank pressure. The breath on the 200LX is smooth and dry in all orientations, and the big, chunky venturi lever and cracking resistance control are both easy to use even wearing dry gloves, as is the huge purge, which is effectively the entire front of the second stage. This is a plug adapter that threads into a DIN scuba tank. CRACKING RESISTANCE:Yes |VENTURI:No|VERDICT:The Z3 may be the affordable entry-level model into the world of Atomic Aquatics, but it has a lot in common with its more-expensive siblings. The mouthpiece is comfortable, and the exhaust directs exhaled bubbles past your face. The balanced first stage allows for consistent breathing effort regardless of water depth or tank pressure. In this case, the only difference between the octopus and the primary second stage is the hose and case are yellow to make it clear that it is the back-up. If you buy your own DIN tanks than this is not a problem. This is a durable regulator with good airflow performance. Hollis continues to forge a path into regulators, and the flagship 200LX DCX is well worth a look. This helps fight fatigue while diving under challenging conditions and prevents you from feeling air starved when diving in cold climates. Unusual, but it works extremely well. It has an average breathing effort is .6 J/l. Key features of the second stage include Venturi dive or pre-dive settings, and an orthodontic mouthpiece. The first-stage regulator is the part that is screwed onto the scuba tank. Yoke scuba tanks can dive with a DIN regulator with a yoke adapter for the DIN tank. In addition to these checks, the tank condition and valve conditions should be checked before each use. The Atomic Z2 Octopus is the same as the Z2 primary second stage which is a top-quality regulator. If cost is not a factor the T3 is the best regulator on the market. The Sherwood Blizzard is one of the best selling cold water regulators of all time, and a top pick for instructors and safety divers. The second stage stands out from the crowd thanks to its chrome surround on the front, and distinctive triangular-shaped purge valve. When it comes to regulators there are two main connection types a DIN or a yoke. The adapter threads onto the regulator and have a yoke valve that can attach to the scuba tank. JavaScript is disabled. The Cressi T10 SC Cromo Compact Pro is a higher-end version of this regulator that is good to use when diving in cold water. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Outside of Atomic Aquatics products, the closest you get to a high-quality regulator is the SCUBAPRO M25 A700. VERDICT: Lightweight regulator with very subtle styling, but the superior performance that belies its price point. As many of our readers dive in all year round in a range of temperatures, we generally test regulators in February and March, when water temperatures are at their lowest in the inland sites much to the chagrin of the Test Team members. It was nice and dry in all positions, coped admirably with whatever we threw at it, and the venturi and in particular, the cracking resistance control really did make a difference to the breathe. A large array of manufacturers produce scuba regulators, and our aim here at Scuba Diver magazine is to give you the widest selection in each review. Despite the SPX first stage not being environmentally protected, it didnt falter in the cold even with robust testing. Both reg sets have excellent breathing performance and both perform well in any water conditions. It is equipped with Aqua Lungs ACD (Auto Closure Device), which keeps corrosive water out of the first stage inlet by automatically closing as the reg is removed from the cylinder valve. The XL4+ is a nice-looking regulator, especially with that white finish, and its subtle styling is matched by a stunning performance. If you find the advice usual, please consider using the buy now button, we'll earn a small commission which helps us write more content. The Test Team comprises Editor in Chief Mark Evans and a squad of volunteers, whose dive experience ranges from a couple of hundred dives to well over 8,000 in all conceivable diving conditions and temperatures. There are several types of scuba tanks that have different pressure ratings. It breathes well in all positions. Its got all the perks you expect from a midrange regulator, but its outfitted for the cold. It looks good too, in an understated way with the PVD finish inserts, and I like the red-and-black colour scheme. The first and second stages can both be balanced or neither can be balanced. Practically these days any regulator is good. This model comes standard with high-end features like a turreted first stage and swiveling joints for easy hose routing and comfort. This allows for 30 degrees of motion without the hose needing to rotate. As with all Hollis regulators, it comes with a lifetime warranty, only requires a service every two years and you get service kits free of charge for the life of the regulator. It has two high-pressure ports and five low-pressure ports. VERDICT: The Oceanic Alpha 10 SPX is a straightforward, no-frills regulator, and it does exactly what you need it to, at a very affordable price. If you have a DIN regulator and plan to dive on vacation it is important to have an adapter as many scuba shops only provide scuba tanks setup for yoke valve scuba regulators. The Aqua Lung Legend is an excellent regulator, no matter what climate you're diving in. There are also low-pressure steel tanks that are rated between 2,400 and 2,640 psi. This regulators first stage is a balanced piston design. Hi DebraSue: I have been diving with an Aqualung reg for nine years now and its performance and realibility is excellent.I am not using that model, however Aqualung products are by and large very good and this model is a balanced regulator with the 1st stage overbalance and the second state is adjusatable for balance.I don't think you will be sorry if you go with the Aqualung. The mouthpiece is also very comfortable. My mentors' aqualung is almost 12 years old and still going strong. While it performed well straight out of the box, we liked the ability to tweak the breathe to our liking the venturi and the cracking resistance control were both large and easy to locate and operate while wearing gloves. ScubaPro MK17 EVO - Review 2023 - DIVEIN The secondary regulator is sometimes built into the BCD. The super-comfy mouthpiece, which is soft but has harder inserts in the bite, is very reminiscent of Atomic Aquatics. When shopping for a cold water regulator, there is a big difference between a DIN or Yoke valve first stage. It is known for easy breathing regardless of depth. The MK25 EVO D420 is one of the latest scuba regulator models by ScubaPro. It is equipped with Aqua Lungs patented Auto Closure Device, or ACD, which prevents any accidental water ingress if you accidentally submerged it without putting the cover back on the DIN or Yoke fitting. DIN valves can have a working pressure up to 300 bar, hence why they are favoured by technical divers. DIN regulators that can hold more pressure will have more threads that screw into the scuba tank. The durability of this setup is why this regulator is often used as rental gear for dive operations. It can also be converted from right-hand to left-hand if you so wish. The second stage is pneumatically balanced resulting in a low and consistent breathing effort. Most tank valves these days have removable inserts, making them suitable for both DIN valves and yoke valves, but if you did happen to find yourself somewhere with your DIN valve and the tanks only have valves that could accommodate yoke valves, you can get screw-on adaptors which temporarily change a DIN valve to a yoke valve. Turreted regulators are also compatible with technical and sidemount diving. The XL4+ is one of their newest regulator effectively an XL4 but with an added high-pressure port and a nifty white colour scheme and as with its predecessor, was designed from the outset to be a very lightweight, travel-friendly unit, but crucially, also cold-water rated. Typically you are going to read the depth from the dive computer. CRACKING RESISTANCE:Yes |VENTURI:No|VERDICT:The MTX-R set the bar high for a cold-water reg, and the MTX-RC builds on this platform, adding a highly efficient venturi lever and cracking resistance control into the mix. I don't think there are any bad choices. It has a balanced valve which delivers abundant airflow regardless of depth, and the pivoting purge is highly efficient. There are 2 other comparably priced regs you might look at: MK25/G250V, and the Apeks XTX100. Best Cold Water Regulators of 2022 - The Adventure Junkies This Cressi AC2 with XS compact has a DIN first stage regulator rather than a yoke regulator. It also has a low noise rigid case, with a cam-lock. When it comes to cold water regulators, the ScubaPro MK25 EVO/A700 is the best of the best. BEST FOR: BEST OF THE BEST. The Legend line of regulators is the best-performing regulator manufactured by Aqua Lung. When it comes to scuba diving the regulator is the essential piece of equipment that really needs to work to dive safely. Features of the second stage and octopus include a mesh grid to reduce the impact of water on the diaphragm, vortex assisted design for easy consistent breathing, and dynamic flow control to help maintain pressure during inhalation. Plenty of regulators are suitable for diving in cold climates. The Scubapro MK17 EVO C370 is a high-performance regulator with an environmental seal that prevents impurities from entering the first stage and makes it more suitable for cold water diving. Examples of high-end regulators are the Scubapro MK25 Evo A700, the Mares Fusion 52x and the Aqualung Leg3nd. The first stage is pretty small, which helps keep the weight down, and with its shiny chrome and polyurethane protector, it certainly looks eye-catching. This third-generation model is no different. It can be locked in place, or allowed to move freely, depending on whether you are diving a single cyliner, a twinset or sidemount. This extra layer insulates your regulators internal moving parts, preventing freezing. The dive/pre-dive lever is mounted on the top, and is easy to find and operate even when wearing thick neoprene gloves. This is a top-quality regular that is made with brass and titanium components. Hollis popped back into the market with a bang last year, and the 150LX follows on nicely from where the 100LX left off in this price bracket in 2019. As a service tech I can attest to this. The regulators average breathing effort is not published. The Best Scuba Regulators of 2022 Reviewed | Scuba Diving Most DIN regulators can hold pressures up to 4300 PSI. The first stage of a regulator set-up comes in two guises DIN valve, and yoke valve. Copyright 2023 Rork Media Limited - ISSN 2514-2054 - The Speed Train. The pivoting purge and motorcycle throttle venturi control was again well received, and the Team also liked the cracking resistance control, which although quite small compared with others here was still operable with thick gloves on. For this price point, this is exceptional value for money. The Zeagle F8 does it all. There are many good brands of scuba regulators such as Cressi, ScubaPro, Oceanic, Aqualung, and Atomic Aquatics. This is because the connection of the yoke regulator is the weak point. When diving the pressure gauge and dive computer should also be secured and not dangling. Most regulators built for warm water include 4 low pressure ports (for second stages, BCD inflator hoses, and dry suits) and 1 high pressure port (for pressure gauges and computers with wireless transmitters). Overall, both the MK17 and Legend Supreme offer high-quality technology at half the cost of the T3. For the diver that wants a little more performance than the AC2, the MC9 is a great option. In the secondary regulator, there are large ribs that act as a heat exchanger to protect internal mechanisms. This regulator is rated number one because it is a low cost, durable regulator that requires little maintenance. Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions. Good entry-level regulator. It has to be said, that odd-looking second stage takes some getting used to, but there is no doubt that it provides a very smooth, easy breathe in all orientations. Dive shops at the destination may not have DIN valve scuba tanks available for rental. Best of all, this regulator is so lightweight and compact that it will take up no room at all in your travel bag. On current generation Legend 1st stage, the only difference between LX and LX Supreme is chrome finish on the LX and satin finish on the LX Supreme. It is well priced, and a decent performer all-round. It also has an attractive sandblasted finish. What piece of equipment should never be allowed to dangle freely? Some diaphragm first stages are environmentally sealed (in an airtight, insulated exterior) which makes them less likely to freeze over and protects them from contaminants and corrosion. Yoke valves have a working pressure up to 232 bar. Most regulators only come with the primary second stage, not the octopus. If you have short listed aqualung for yourself, I am sure you must have done a fair bit of research. Each "breath" of the machine moves a specified amount of air, called the tidal volume, through the reg. And, for some climates a dry suit is mandatory. DIVER TEST: Scubapro Mk25 EVO S620Ti Review The octopus is included in the dive package. First, some DIN regulators are rated to hold about 1,000 more PSI than yoke regulators. It comes with braided Aqua Flex hose. Now that you are a Scubaboard junkie, you too can collect regulators and then wonder where all your money went. This is colored yellow to signify that it is the secondary regulator. This is especially important if youll be diving in extreme cold and using thick gloves. The Legend also features Aqua Lungs unique first stage auto-closure designed to close your dust cap in case you forget to do it manually, so youll never flood your filter while washing gear. It has four low-pressure ports and one high-pressure. Features of the first stage include a large piston, extended thermal insulation system, and a removable orifice. You are using an out of date browser. A lot of scubaboarders will argue it is the best breathing reg to there. The XS compact second stage has an adjustment for the Venturi effect and a low noise semi-rigid case. The all-metal second stage has a unique pivoting purge valve, lightweight braided Superflex hose, and a neat twist control to boost the flow rate from natural breathing to power breathing, all of which was seen on the Fusion reg. The large circular purge button is also simple to find and operate. While it is a very reliable second stage modern second stages have been improved on. It does not transfer heat well for cold water diving. Captain Cody has worked on charter fishing boats in the Florida Keys, Virgin Islands, and Alaska. The Aqualung Leg3nd Elite Regulator is one of the new generation Legend has recently been upgraded with many innovative features and new appealing aesthetics. While this valve type might require more frequent service and thorough cleaning, its worth it if youre planning to dive in icy conditions. It has a sealed first stage that protects the diaphragm from freezing and can be used in cold water environments. Top 10 Best Scuba Diving Regulators 2020 | Mike's Dive Store The F8 has an environmentally sealed balanced diaphragm first stage made from durable brass, and featuring a precision-machined neoflon seat. They're both outstanding regs, and they'll both give you a long useful lifespan. Plus, its an easy-to-service reg that doesnt require special tools, and is easy to work on in the field. The aqualung legend regulators are known for being good cold water regulators. The Apeks MTX was built based on a military design, featuring a nearly bulletproof sealed and balanced brass exterior. Like most regulators, it is compatible with enriched air nitrox EAN up to 40 percent. I just replaced my glacier with an LX and love it! While it is a very reliable second stage modern second stages have been improved on. Log in or Register now! As for the Octo - it's the base level leg3nd with just the venturi. AquaLung Legend vs. ScubaPro MK25 | ScubaBoard The 150LX features a braided hose and large venturi lever, and has a big purge. Having a pressure gauge is a must-have when using a wrist dive computer even if it transmits tank pressure. This regulator type is easy and affordable to service because it has few moving parts, but may require specialized tools to open. The colder the conditions, the more likely our second stage is to freeflow on the surface. The second stage has pneumatic compensation to regulate airflow rates. It features an oversized purge button, Superflex braided hose, and a chunky knob on the side for adjusting the cracking resistance of the inhalation effort. Underwater photography is challenging in perfect dive conditions, so why buy a regulator that will make taking perfect pictures more difficult? An elliptical exhaust valve allows for easy exhales. Other features of the second stage include an air balanced progressive flow control valve, dive or pre-dive switch, inner winglets to reduce exhalation effort, and a compact high-flow mouthpiece that is comfortable to wear. Personally, I think Cressi regulators are of good value and work great for most recreational diving. Scubapro MK25 Evo A700 Carbon Black Tech. The innovative second stage has a cracking resistance control as per the norm, but the venturi control is located around the braided hose, and resembles a motorcycle throttle. DIN regulators also have the 0-ring that makes the regulator tank seal within the regulator. The wide exhaust tee disperses exhaled bubbles well clear of your face. Because youll likely be using thick gloves, its essential to choose a regulator with a knob large enough to grasp and adjust easily. Lastly, there is a cap that helps to protect the diaphragm from ice build-up. Most regulators can be converted from a DIN to a Yoke or vise versa but converting the regulator from one to the other cost about $100. An environmental seal is a protective outer casing around your regulators first stage. This is a great regulator for basic and advanced diving in warm and cold water environments. The second stage is pneumatically balanced and maintains the same breathing effort even as depth and tank pressure changes. The MK2 Evbo paired up with the R195 makes a decent budget-priced route into the brand. The R195 second stage is a classic downstream design, with a Venturi lever that is easy to locate even wearing thick gloves. Features of the first stage include an extended thermal insulating system, two high-pressure ports for flexible positioning, five high flow low-pressure ports, and external adjustment of intermediate pressures. CRACKING RESISTANCE:Yes |VENTURI:No|VERDICT:The renowned MK25 in its latest EVO guise is a fine first stage, and with the XTIS thermal insulating system, it is great in cold water. It may not display this or other websites correctly. The AL Legend can be tuned to breathe quite easily, even a little easier than the G250. Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions. The Cressi AC2 is also available with the XS compact second stage and is rated number one on this list. VERDICT: The MK2 Evo / R195 regulator is a great way for a new diver to get on board with the Scubapro brand. This regulator is preferred by wreck, cave, and cavern divers . Icy waters are among the most challenging conditions you can take on as a SCUBA diver, and not just any gear will do. It has at least one high-pressure output port to measure the pressure in the tank with a manual gauge or a dive computer. For non-technical diving, many people use a wrist computer with the standard analog air gauge. The Zeo second stage is also pneumatically balanced and features a large venturi lever and big cracking resistance control knob to finetune the breathe. Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. As with all Hollis regulators, it comes with a lifetime warranty, only requires a service every two years and you get service kits free-of-charge for the life of the regulator. As with all Oceanic products, it comes with a lifetime warranty and free parts for life, making that price even more attractive. It also has pre-orientated low-pressure and high-pressure ports and a neat pearl-chrome finish. Home Fishing Gear Scuba and Snorkeling 17 Best Scuba Diving Regulators 2023. A comfort-fit silicone mouthpiece is soft and has tear-resistant bite tabs. SCUBAPRO M25 A700 Regulator. The xDeep regs provided a smooth breathe, and the controls were simple to find and use. The first stage is an over-balanced diaphragm design. It is easy to see the benefits of being part of the Huish Outdoors family. Regulators that feature an adjustable flow rate allow you to increase and decrease how much air you get with each breath. If you want to get a high-performance DIN regulator the T10 SC is a great option. I have been told by many that the D420 doesn't breathe all that great on the surface. Cressi XS compact octopus is used as the backup regulator for the AC2 first stage. An efficient heat exchanger makes it so this octopus can be used in cold water without freezing up in most conditions. The first state is an overcompensation diaphragm design. Log in or Register now! This equipment is being shown to help decide how many ports are needed on the regulator. JavaScript is disabled. This is the third generation of the top quality Aqua Lung Legend Regulator. Products are split into price categories and are then evaluated for performance, comfort, ease of use, build quality, looks and value for money. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
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