And, even lightweight options should feel strong and stable, with no flimsy plastic pieces. The second stage has a Venturi-initiated vacuum assist dive or pre-dive switch. For more of our top scuba diving gear recommendations, check out these popular buyer's guides: Jessica is a PADI dive instructor, travel blogger, and underwater photographer. Scubapro MK25 Evo A700 Carbon Black Tech. This boils down to the fact that the environmentally sealed first stage will keep out contaminants and perform superbly in cold water. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions. Its first stage is a balanced piston design. When diving the pressure gauge and dive computer should also be secured and not dangling. Finally, there is a comfortable orthodontic mouthpiece with a good grip. The yoke connection is often the limiting factor that determines the max pressure that can be safely used while scuba diving. Everything about this regulator is built quality. The AL Legend can be tuned to breathe quite easily, even a little easier than the G250. Well worth checking out as an entry-level reg. Blackburn-based Apeks Marine Equipment has been around for over 40 years, and since that time the companys regulators have found a special place in the hearts and kit bags of many divers. It has an average breathing effort is .6 J/l. If you learned to dive in warm water, you might be wondering why its important to have so many ports on your regulators first stage. The Zeagle F8 does it all. When using a steel tank with a yoke regulator the diver should make sure the tank was not filled above 3,00 psi. It looks good too, in an understated way with the PVD finish inserts, and I like the red-and-black colour scheme. The Rover has subtle styling, but its performance is outstanding at this price point. If you think you will be diving outside the USA or doing technical diving purchase a DIN regulator. What temperature? It incorporates Mares VAD (Vortex Assisted Design), an air bypass tube that delivers air to the mouthpiece, creating a swirling vortex with a low-pressure area in the centre that keeps the diaphragm down during inhalation, for easy breathing at all depths. This has double DFC (Dynamic Flow Control) ports, which minimise intermediate pressure drop during inhalation, thus maximising gas delivery. It gave a silky smooth breathe in all orientations and is a good-looking unit to boot. Nice large purge, comfy mouthpiece, neat first stage and awesome price point. The reason yoke regulators are mostly used is that most scuba tanks in the USA are made for yoke regulators. It is also now smaller and lighter for a more comfortable dive. 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. The first stage, with its black finish, neatly sets it off. 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). This is a unique swivel, mounted on the face of the first stage instead of the top. As with all Atomic products, the reg benefits from a limited lifetime warranty not contingent on proof of service and boasts a two-year/300 dive service interval. When shopping for a cold water regulator, there is a big difference between a DIN or Yoke valve first stage. There is always a primary second stage and a secondary second-stage or octopus. Maybe look toward the MK 25/19/17 and a G260 for the future, Im not much of an Aqua lung fan but they are good regulators. It is installed with an 8mm hex Allen key tool that is not included. This is one piece of gear that you want to own and not rent from a scuba shop, especially when diving internationally. Key features of the second stage include an over-molded purge cover, comfobite mouthpiece, large heat exchanger, air channel deflector, and flexible light braided hose. If you have short listed aqualung for yourself, I am sure you must have done a fair bit of research. The depth gauge is available in imperial units which are feet and metric which are in meters. The forged body is protected by a shiny chrome finish. ScubaPro MK21 regulator has a piston balanced first stage. Other pro-friendly features include a self-warming second stage (to prevent freezing and keep your lips comfortable) and oversized knobs that are easy to operate while wearing gloves. This valve type is easier to set up and break down and requires less maintenance, but is best left for immersions in temperatures over 75 F. Simply put, if youre diving in cold water you should use a balanced regulator. Top 9 Best Scuba Regulators of 2022 The Adventure Junkies Before any tank is filled the VIP date, Hydro date, and tank pressure rating should be checked. I have the MK25/S600 and really enjoy it. The Zeo second stage is also pneumatically balanced and features a large venturi lever and big cracking resistance control knob to finetune the breathe. As with all Oceanic products, it comes with a lifetime warranty and free parts for life, making that price even more attractive. My mentors' aqualung is almost 12 years old and still going strong. Gas from your SCUBA tank passes into the regulators first stage, where it forces either a piston or diaphragm open and closed with each breath. This is a great regulator for basic and advanced diving in warm and cold water environments. This is the third generation of the top quality Aqua Lung Legend Regulator. The exhaust is fairly compact, but the routing is sound and it disperses exhaled bubbles efficiently. The compact second stage looks great, and is lightweight in your mouth, so no jaw fatigue. If you stick with diving, this regulator will make an excellent backup and is a top pick for deco tanks, too. Each "breath" of the machine moves a specified amount of air, called the tidal volume, through the reg. It has two high-pressure ports and five low-pressure ports. Cressi air gauge with integrated Leonardo 2 dive computer. This allows for 30 degrees of motion without the hose needing to rotate. BEST FOR: BEST OF THE BEST. This regulator has an unbalanced piston first stage design which is known to be simple and reliable. The Z3 scored very highly with the Test Team and it is a keenly priced way to get on the Atomic ladder. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions. It also has a low noise rigid case, with a cam-lock. Once attached it changes the pressure from high pressure to low pressure that can then be used for breathing from the second stage and inflate the BCD. Second stages today offer something the G250 doesnt have, a micro adjust that allows the service tech to fine tune it. The second stage is made with metal which transfers heat well and carbon fiber which makes the regulator durable and light. Scuba diving at night is a very fun experience. Her goal is to share her passion for the ocean and inspire people to explore the undersea world. The ScubaPro MK25 A700 EVO carbon black tech is a top-quality durable scuba regulator. This is because the computer can be worn like a watch and is easy to check the depth and remaining bottom time values. There are many good brands of scuba regulators such as Cressi, ScubaPro, Oceanic, Aqualung, and Atomic Aquatics. Products are split into price categories and are then evaluated for performance, comfort, ease of use, build quality, looks and value for money. The two high-pressure ports and two of the low-pressure ports come straight out of the main body, as per the norm, but on the front of the first stage is a large circular addition, which has another three low-pressure ports. While this valve type might require more frequent service and thorough cleaning, its worth it if youre planning to dive in icy conditions. The adapter threads onto the regulator and have a yoke valve that can attach to the scuba tank. The second stage is more-traditional, with a cracking resistance control and venturi lever. Regulators that feature an adjustable flow rate allow you to increase and decrease how much air you get with each breath. Who knows how old rented regulators are or when the last time they have been serviced. . When cleaning a scuba regulator the first thing to do is to place the dust cap on the regulator. This model is robust enough for daily use in extreme climates, but compact and lightweight enough for travel, too. It also has an attractive sandblasted finish. A balanced first stage adjusted the low-pressure output to be consistent at deep depths and varying tank pressures. You may prefer this setup, as it is more comfortable and ergonomic for routing your hoses, especially if you are diving with a dry suit. 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. Great all-round regulator. Features include zirconium-plated brass and titanium components as well as the patented automatic flow system. While it is a very reliable second stage modern second stages have been improved on. The system can be balanced or unbalanced. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. The ScubaPro MK2 EVO is a scuba regulator with an unbalanced piston first stage. That first stage is certainly an eye-catcher. It breathes well in all positions. There are several types of scuba tanks that have different pressure ratings. It has dry chambers that reduce the potential for ice build-up. Despite the SPX first stage not being environmentally protected, it didnt falter in the cold even with robust testing. The second stage has a tough nylon case and has a seat-saving orifice, zirconium-plated inlet tube and heat sink for superior corrosion resistance, and a new inhalation diaphragm. The yellow color also helps the dive buddy know which regulator they should use in the event of an air issue or low air situation. aqualung legend vs LX vs legend supreme. | ScubaBoard It has two high-pressure ports and four low-pressure ports. When it comes to cold water regulators, the ScubaPro MK25 EVO/A700 is the best of the best. Key features of the second stage include the patented automatic flow control, seat saving dynamic orifice, elliptical exhaust valve, and comfort fit mouthpiece. The D420 is reminiscent of previous D-regs, with its unusual shape of second stage. The first state is an overcompensation diaphragm design. This is a common R-series model and the T-195 second stage is commonly used as the octopus on higher-end models as well. The most noticeable difference between balanced and unbalanced regulators is how they breathe when you are low on air. It is common for the octopus to have a long 36-inch hose which is helpful when sharing air with a buddy. This test model came with an SPX piston first stage, with two high-pressure ports and four low-pressure ports, which are angled for optimum hose routing. The regulator has a three year 300 dive service interval. As for the Octo - it's the base level leg3nd with just the venturi. Always check the owners manual for the maintenance schedule of the regulator. The octopus is included in the dive package. The XL4+ is a nice-looking regulator, especially with that white finish, and its subtle styling is matched by a stunning performance. 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. High-pressure steel tanks are rated to hold between 3,300 and 3,500 psi. This regulator is good for cold water or warm water diving. When looking at the second stage the first thing people notice is the unique shape. This is a low-cost reliable regular that is popular for a primary regulator and the XS2 in yellow is common as an octopus in warm water scuba locations. 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. It can also be converted from right-hand to left-hand. The venturi is a bit dinky compared with some of the others, so a bit more awkward with gloves on, but still workable. For the diver that wants a little more performance than the AC2, the MC9 is a great option. 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. 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. A DIN valve can work with a yoke regulator if a plug adapter is placed into the scuba tank. The first choice needed to be made when purchasing a regulator is whether to get a DIN or a yoke regulator. So, it cant hurt to be over-prepared. Good-looking, great-performing regulator. The second stage has pneumatic compensation to regulate airflow rates. The purge is effective, buy it feels a bit odd being a hard plastic button. It is important to breathe out of the nose when descending to equalize the pressure in the mask. CRACKING RESISTANCE:No |VENTURI:Yes |VERDICT:The Hollis DC7 / 150LX is a great package - the compact first stage has excellent cold-water performance but is still quite lightweight, and the second stage has a large purge and venturi lever, and a comfortable mouthpiece. If you want to get a high-performance DIN regulator the T10 SC is a great option. The first stage of a regulator set-up comes in two guises DIN valve, and yoke valve. JavaScript is disabled. CRACKING RESISTANCE:Yes |VENTURI:No|VERDICT:The venerable Leg3nd is looking good in its latest guise, and the Elite is the top of the tree. Since there will not be air in the lungs to clear the regulator of water their is a purge valve that blows air into the divers mouth to clear the regulator and mouth of water. All of these brands have high-end and low-end models. If the regulator falls out of the divers mouth the diver should exhale to not hold their breath. Atomic Aquatics are renowned for producing high-end, high-performance regs, but with the Z3, they have managed to bring all this workmanship and technology into a well-priced package. This can be done by spraying the regulator or dunking it into a tub of fresh water. Even if you think you will never need it it is good to have just in case. The Zeo also benefits from Oceanics limited lifetime warranty and free servicing parts for life. The AL Legend can be tuned to breathe quite easily, even a little easier than the G250. Keep in mind that a regulator rated for extreme cold will perform just as well in tropical climates. ScubaPro analog pressure and depth gauge. The reason many people do not use DIN regulators and steel tanks is that some scuba shops will only fill the tanks to 3,000 psi anyway defeating the purpose of having a setup that can hold higher pressure. The only difference between this regulator and the yoke regulator above is how it is connected to the scuba tank. The reason some scuba shops only fill to 3,000 psi is that this is the most common pressure used. You may be wearing thick gloves during your dives, so youll want to choose a regulator with easy-to-use switches and levers made from thick durable plastic. A lot of scubaboarders will argue it is the best breathing reg to there. The overall work of breathing past legend models was .74 J/l but is not listed for the third generation. It has four low-pressure ports and one high-pressure. The venerable Legend now Leg3nd is back in an all-new guise, and the Elite is the pick of the pack. The MK2 Evbo paired up with the R195 makes a decent budget-priced route into the brand. First, it should be secured in a location where the diver can reach it all times even without wearing a mask. It is available both as a yoke and DIN configuration of the first stage. This type of seal is less stable than the DIN valve, so it is better for warm water diving and less challenging conditions. Best Cold Water Regulators of 2022 - The Adventure Junkies A balanced second stage makes it easier to breathe at deep depths. The secondary regulator is sometimes built into the BCD. 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. The second stage is very lightweight, and it has a purge that lurks behind a flexible mesh grid on the unit, which helps eliminate freeflow in currents. The Apeks MTX was built based on a military design, featuring a nearly bulletproof sealed and balanced brass exterior. VERDICT: Lightweight regulator with very subtle styling, but the superior performance that belies its price point. It is about the same price to get the dive computer integrated with the air or as a separate wrist computer. Dive shops in the USA do not like dealing with DIN tanks and regulators. A turreted (vertical tower shaped) first stage offers many advantages over a traditional horizontal valve, especially when diving in cold water. Features of the first stage include a large piston, extended thermal insulation system, and a removable orifice. AQUA LUNG LEGE3ND ELITE This top-shelf reg offers precision performance and enhanced ergonomics to match its good looks. And, it prevents outside contaminants like silt and sand from working their way inside. If you are planning to take on the planets coldest underwater environments, this regulator is your best bet. Mares were absent from this price bracket last year, and it is good to see them back in the mix with a new regulator. Joining is quick and easy. Diaphragm first stages offer air at a lower flow rate, so they are less likely to freeflow. 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. I like the Legend. If the LUX catches your eye, that 1st stage has a PVD coating. I just replaced my glacier with an LX and love it! DIN vales have fewer o-ring problems and can typically be used with steel tanks up to 3500 psi. Dive shops at the destination may not have DIN valve scuba tanks available for rental. The MK21 is Scubapro's most-compact air-balanced piston first stage has a compact chrome-plated brass body and boasts four low-pressure ports and two high-pressure ports. And, for this same reason, the DIN valve performs better in extreme cold. The first stage will also reduce the tanks pressure to around 140 psi for low-pressure ports that can be used at the second stage regulator, octopus, BCD inflator, and drysuit. The D420 is reminiscent of previous D-regs, with its unusual shape of second stage. 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. How often should I check my scuba cylinder. Cressi XS compact octopus is used as the backup regulator for the AC2 first stage. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The mouthpiece is comfortable, and the exhaust directs exhaled bubbles past your face. 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. The most common scuba tank used in recreational diving in the USA is an aluminum cylinder that is rated at 3,000 psi. The Scubapro MK2 EVO/R195 is ideal for newly certified divers exploring in cold climates. I also have an Atomic ST1 with sealed first stage and that is excellent. This regulator has absolutely everything you need and nothing you dont, with very few moving parts and pieces. I think you'd be happy either way. Higher-end models are environmentally sealed and balanced. I have a LX Supreme for my back mount rec diving and a pair or Apeks for . Balanced regulators deliver the same amount of air per breath until your tank is empty. The only reason it is number three is that it is more expensive than the regulators above. The MK25 is a overbalanced piston first stage whereas the Aqualung is a overbalanced diaphragm first stage. It is made with marine brass and has an exterior chrome coating. This regulator is made in the USA. Check out our, For more of our top scuba gear recommendations, check out the, For the best experience turn your device horizontally, THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A COLD WATER REGULATOR. The secondary second stage is either a duplicate second stage that is yellow or a second stage regulator that is built into a BCD. The yoke valve is easily recognisable as it utilises a clamp set-up to hold the first stage onto the pillar valve. 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. An environmental seal is a protective outer casing around your regulators first stage. The diaphragm is located in the lower section which makes breathing easier in the upright position. Outside of Atomic Aquatics products, the closest you get to a high-quality regulator is the SCUBAPRO M25 A700. I have 1992 US Divers Conshelf 21, still works, required minimal service over years, but also decided it was time to get a new regulator. The second stage controls when the low-pressure air is released via a diaphragm opening which allows the diver to breathe. Technical divers, cave divers, and wreck enthusiasts prefer this style because it is so secure. These programs pay this website advertising fees for products purchased through links going to other websites including Amazon. This is a durable regulator with good airflow performance. Unlike most regulators, the Hollis DC7 500SE utilizes a side exhaust for exhaled gas, so your bubbles will stay well out of frame. All the features and breathing performance of the MK25 EVO/A700 with the addition of a Black Tech coating that protects both stages against the ravages of salt water and corrosion.
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