An oversized cap and heat exchanging fins improve anti-freeze properties. The AL Legend can be tuned to breathe quite easily, even a little easier than the G250. 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. As youd expect, it has a fantastic all-round performance, and we liked the singular control knob for Atomics patented AFC, or Automatic Flow Control. The secondary regulator is sometimes built into the BCD. Higher-end models are environmentally sealed and balanced. It has two high-pressure ports and five low-pressure ports. If you dont have a huge budget, then these scuba regulators are some of the best low-cost options. The Aqua Lung Legend is an excellent regulator, no matter what climate youre diving in. Lastly, there is a cap that helps to protect the diaphragm from ice build-up. For the diver that wants a little more performance than the AC2, the MC9 is a great option. For those who are regularly diving, these scuba regulators will meet your needs and last a lifetime. The backup second-stage regulator is referred to as the octopus. Having a pressure gauge that also has a depth gauge is a good idea. The mouthpiece is comfortable, and the exhaust directs exhaled bubbles past your face. 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. A key feature of the regulator is the automatic flow control that regulates the Venturi effect when diving deeper. This regulators first-stage has the auto closer device and a pneumatically balanced diaphragm for consistent breathing at different depths and tank pressures. The Elite is the latest and highest-end model of the Aqua Lung Legend series of regulators. These days, you can find her living and work on Mexicos Pacific coast. The Zeagle Onyx II is a great-looking regulator, benefitting from a stylish metal insert into the front of the second stage around the large, soft purge, which belies its price point and youd be mistaken for thinking it was in the next test bracket. First, some DIN regulators are rated to hold about 1,000 more PSI than yoke regulators. 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. High-pressure ports locations allow the regulator to face up or down. The Aqualung Leg3nd Elite Regulator is one of the new generation Legend has recently been upgraded with many innovative features and new appealing aesthetics. Working at a dive shop I have seen several tanks that ended up with significant water in them because the tank pressure was emptied during a dive. Zeagle have long been producing top-quality BCDs and wings, and now they are well-established in the world of regulators after teaming up with the knowledgeable team at Atomic Aquatics. If you have short listed aqualung for yourself, I am sure you must have done a fair bit of research. The regulators average breathing effort is not published. It is made with marine-grade brass. CRACKING RESISTANCE:No |VENTURI:No|VERDICT:The Mares 52x is one of the most eye-catching first stages on the market. In the video below I am scuba diving a wreck in the Florida keys with some friends and encounter a large great white shark. 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. Many advanced divers want to use DIN scuba regulators and DIN valve scuba tanks when possible. My advice would be if you know you are only going to be doing basic warm water diving in the USA then buy a yoke regulator. CRACKING RESISTANCE:No |VENTURI:No|VERDICT:The MK21 is a robust air-balanced piston first stage, and paired up with the C370 makes for a great reg package. The oval face has a decent-sized purge, and a swivel aids comfort in use. For more of our top scuba gear recommendations, check out the Best Scuba Regulators. Captain Cody has worked on charter fishing boats in the Florida Keys, Virgin Islands, and Alaska. 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. 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. Everything about this regulator is built quality. The NX700 is the definite show-stopper when it comes to this reg. The first stage regulators contain either a piston or diaphragm regulating valve. The dive/pre-dive lever is mounted on the top, and is easy to find and operate even when wearing thick neoprene gloves. Having a wrist computer is great for non-technical diving. 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. The diaphragm is located in the lower section which makes breathing easier in the upright position. This is a unique swivel, mounted on the face of the first stage instead of the top. The Comfo-Bite mouthpiece is also very comfy. Scubapro has brought back the venerable D-series of regulators. This regulator is good for cold water or warm water diving. There are external fins on the brass regulator which help prevent it from freezing when diving in cold weather conditions. DIN regulators also have the 0-ring that makes the regulator tank seal within the regulator. The first stage is a solid piece of kit, with natural dynamic flow control on all low-pressure ports, which are mounted on a swivel turret, and tilted so you can find that perfect routing. Yoke valves are more common but only work with tanks filled to less than 3000 PSI. It may not display this or other websites correctly. ISO: Scubapro MK25/S600 Regulator, Deep Blue, Titanium Core - Wanted, Aqualung legend LX ACD yoke-to-din conversion from 2010, Apeks MTX-RC (0.9 J/l) vs Scubapro MK25 A700 (0.51 J/l). Just because your regulator is rated to a higher value does not mean that the entire system is rated for the high-pressure value. Keep reading to learn about the best cold water regulators on the market, and the top features and considerations to keep in mind while shopping. It is made with sound-absorbing plastics and corrosion-resistant titanium. The second stage stands out from the crowd thanks to its chrome surround on the front, and distinctive triangular-shaped purge valve. The Zeo second stage is also pneumatically balanced and features a large venturi lever and big cracking resistance control knob to finetune the breathe. Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions. The average breathing effort is 0.6 J/l. You must log in or register to reply here. This is a decent regulator for warm water diving in under 60 feet of water. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions. Turreted regulators are also compatible with technical and, difference between balanced and unbalanced regulators, How to Store and Maintain Your Scuba Gear, Adjustable Flow (allows you to control how much air you receive in each breath), Pre-Dive Switch (reduces flow to conserve air on the surface), Environmentally Sealed (so it has an insulating and protective exterior), Wireless Air Integration (an extra port for Bluetooth transmitters), Oversized Knobs (for use with thick gloves), Environmentally Sealed (an insulating and protective exterior), Can be Configured for Sidemount or Doubles (two back mounted tanks), Turreted First Stage (more versatile than a traditional valve), Extra Ports for Dry Suits and Accessories. Products are split into price categories and are then evaluated for performance, comfort, ease of use, build quality, looks and value for money. The adapter threads onto the regulator and have a yoke valve that can attach to the scuba tank. The Oceanic Zeo DIN regulator is an improvement to the EOS which is a popular regulator. Zeagle is a US brand that has built up a strong following for its robust, well-made BCDs, and it looks set to follow suit with its regulators. The secondary second stage is either a duplicate second stage that is yellow or a second stage regulator that is built into a BCD. Features of the first stage include a jet seat high flow piston, factory sealed, and nitrox ready. So, to utilize this new technology, youll need a regulator with 2 high-pressure ports. . A balanced first stage makes it easier to breathe when at deep depths and when the tank pressure is reduced. There are many good brands of scuba regulators such as Cressi, ScubaPro, Oceanic, Aqualung, and Atomic Aquatics. AQUA LUNG LEGE3ND ELITE This top-shelf reg offers precision performance and enhanced ergonomics to match its good looks. The octopus could be an identical secondary regulator that is yellow or a lower-cost regulator with fewer features. The second stage is pneumatically balanced which helps keep the breathing effort constant throughout the dive. ScubaPro R195 is a great secondary regulator that acts as the octopus. A DIN regulator is considered the better regulator in most cases. Who knows how old rented regulators are or when the last time they have been serviced. This can be done by spraying the regulator or dunking it into a tub of fresh water. Scubapro MK25 Evo A700 Carbon Black Tech. 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. The overall work of breathing past legend models was .74 J/l but is not listed for the third generation. The Atomic Aquatics M1 has all the features youd expect from a cold water regulator packed into a travel-sized package. The MK2 Evbo paired up with the R195 makes a decent budget-priced route into the brand. Personally, I think Cressi regulators are of good value and work great for most recreational diving. The rest of the world is dominated by DIN tanks and regulators. I prefer a sealed diaphragm or a sealed piston vs the unsealed Mk25evo. An auto closer device on the first stage keeps corrosive water from entering the regulator when it is removed from the tank. As a service tech I can attest to this. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. If you buy your own DIN tanks than this is not a problem. The second stage regulator is the part the diver breaths from. Each "breath" of the machine moves a specified amount of air, called the tidal volume, through the reg. The Aqualung Legend Supreme comes in at $1150, including the second stage and octopus. When it comes to cold water regulators, the ScubaPro MK25 EVO/A700 is the best of the best. I like the Legend. It can also be converted from right-hand to left-hand. The regulator has a patented comfort swivel which is shown in the video below. The first state is an overcompensation diaphragm design. Features of the first stage include a large piston, extended thermal insulation system, and a removable orifice. Aqualung Regs last a long time more than you indicate before you will think of tech diving (3-5yrs). When it comes to scuba diving the regulator is the essential piece of equipment that really needs to work to dive safely. I have a LX Supreme for my back mount rec diving and a pair or Apeks for . The reason the octopus is yellow is to ensure the primary regulator is being used most of the time. 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. So, it cant hurt to be over-prepared. It also comes in a subtle gun-metal grey colour rather than the bright white of the MTX-R. All of the Test Team were complimentary about the construction and looks of both the first and second stages of the MTX-RC. The dive setting is for when the regular is in the divers mouth and requires a lower breathing effort. Check with the shop to see what they would say if you try the LX and for whatever reason, you don't like if they'll take it back in exchange for the scubapro? Thumbs up for the comfort of the ComfoBite mouthpiece as well. It is lightweight, so ideal for travelling divers, but equally coped well with this cold-water test, making it a good all-rounder. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. When doing deep and technical diving it is also common to have a third regulator on a small backup scuba tank called a pony bottle. We have linked some of the products to an affiliate program and if you decided to purchase the product through them, based on our advice, we will receive a small commission. It is up to divers with DIN regulators to have this adapter. This third-generation model is no different. Oceanic are making inroads back into the reg market, and the Zeo is their range-topper. Some regulators need to be serviced every year and others need to be serviced every few years. The MK25 EVO D420 is one of the latest scuba regulator models by ScubaPro. The only reason it is number three is that it is more expensive than the regulators above. 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. 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. DIN valves screw directly into the dive tank, to form a highly stable seal. Good-looking, great-performing regulator. It breathes well in all positions. 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. Even if you think you will never need it it is good to have just in case. 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. 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. I have been told by many that the D420 doesn't breathe all that great on the surface. This is a plug adapter that threads into a DIN scuba tank. Partly cause i like the metal body and the perforated diaphragm cover but it def doesn't breathe as easy as the legend. The 15X first stage has pre-oriented ports two high-pressure and four low-pressure, including one DFC port (Dynamic Flow Control), which minimises intermediate pressure drop during inhalation, thus maximising gas delivery for optimum routing, yet retains a compact, travel-friendly size and weight. It breathes super easy at any depth. Yoke valves attach to the tank using an external rubber O-ring. DIN regulators that can hold more pressure will have more threads that screw into the scuba tank. There is a flow adjustment valve but it is not a balanced second stage. In the picture, I am diving with a Cressi XS compact regulator in the Florida Keys. It has a soft, comfortable mouthpiece, and utilises Mares Fluid Dynamic Deflector, which receives and properly directs the airflow from the Vortex Assisted Design bypass tube to the mouthpiece. My mentors' aqualung is almost 12 years old and still going strong. And, even lightweight options should feel strong and stable, with no flimsy plastic pieces. This regulator type is easy and affordable to service because it has few moving parts, but may require specialized tools to open. It is not balanced so the breathing effort may vary with water depth and scuba tank pressure. This is a great regulator for basic and advanced diving in warm and cold water environments. 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. It also typically has two Venturi settings for pro-dive and driving conditions. Features of the FDX-i first stage include chrome-plated marine brass construction, pneumatically balanced, and environmentally sealed. Its pretty hard to improve on the G250 and as James points out even older stuff performs great. It is also known as an A-clamp, as it puts an A-shaped frame over the tank valve, which is then tightened by a knob-handled screw which pushes the first stage against a sealing o-ring on the face of the tank valve itself. Log in or Register now! The mouthpiece is very comfortable, and the exhaust sends exhaled bubbles up the side of your head. Second, the o-ring seal on a DIN tank is within the regulator and typically has fewer issues than yoke tanks external o-rings. We accept advertising from many of the brands featured, but in no way does that have an effect on the overall review we give a product. What temperature? 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 durable lightweight polymer is used for the shell of the regulator and is good for warm water diving. DIN regulators can be rated to a higher pressure value than a yoke valve which is also called an A-clamp. A great little reg and dont forget that superb limited lifetime warranty. It is paired with the trusty 52X balanced diaphragm first stage. The colder the conditions, the more likely our second stage is to freeflow on the surface. The second stage is pneumatically balanced and maintains the same breathing effort even as depth and tank pressure changes. It has a large easy to use purge valve and exhaust tree to help disperse bubbles. Scuba regulators have a first stage and second stage. The pre-dive setting requires more force when breathing but the regulator is less likely to free-flow. The DIN valve is different in that the sealing o-ring is mounted into the first stage itself, not the tank valve. The Legend line of regulators is the best-performing regulator manufactured by Aqua Lung. It has been improved upon by Scubapros G260 via the micro-adjust and exhalation effort. 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. The aqualung legend regulators are known for being good cold water regulators. Turreted regulators are also compatible with technical and sidemount diving. This allows for 30 degrees of motion without the hose needing to rotate. When using this attachment the scuba tank should be filled to a max pressure of 3,000 psi. Typically you are going to read the depth from the dive computer. For this test it was paired with the proven MK25 EVO flow-through piston first stage, which is fully insulated from the environment by the XTIS (Extended Thermal Insulating System) and has numerous innovative design features to aid cold-water performance. Cressi air gauge with integrated Leonardo 2 dive computer. Also, more expensive modes have more high-pressure and low-pressure ports which are important when adding extra gauges and equipment like dry suits which require an additional low-pressure port. The MK25 offers plenty of ports for all your accessories on an ergonomic swiveling turret, compatible with traditional and sidemount configurations. CRACKING RESISTANCE:No |VENTURI:Yes|VERDICT:The apeks xl4+ is the ideal travel regulator - it is lightweight, but thanks to its robust construction and the durable first stage, it can handle cold-water conditions as well, so it is the perfect all-round reg for use in this country and beyond. It is common for the octopus to have a long 36-inch hose which is helpful when sharing air with a buddy. Its second stage features the comfo-bite mouthpiece and a Venturi knob to control the airflow and breathing effort. The first stage and second stage components are milled from a solid bar of Titanium. This type of seal is less stable than the DIN valve, so it is better for warm water diving and less challenging conditions. Unusual, but it works extremely well. Plus, its an easy-to-service reg that doesnt require special tools, and is easy to work on in the field. As you expect, all of the regulators in this price bracket performed well, but the MTX-RC was ultra-smooth in all orientations and however you are breathing through it, making it a clear favourite. Key features of the second stage include Venturi dive or pre-dive settings, and an orthodontic mouthpiece. Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions. 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. 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 looks good with the chrome second stage surround, is extremely well made, boasts a silky smooth breathe and has some neat features like the Automatic Flow Control (AFC), which does away with a manual venturi lever and offers full control through the single knob, and a black PVD-coated comfort swivel on the hose. First, it should be secured in a location where the diver can reach it all times even without wearing a mask. Great cold-water regulator. The octopus is included in the dive package. Average breathing effort is not published. A DIN valve can work with a yoke regulator if a plug adapter is placed into the scuba tank. The second stage is made with metal which transfers heat well and carbon fiber which makes the regulator durable and light. It comes with two high pressure and four low-pressure ports. The threaded insert and yoke adapter are shown toward the bottom of this article. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Diaphragm first stages offer air at a lower flow rate, so they are less likely to freeflow. 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. Piston first stages offer a higher flow rate and are easier breathing than their counterparts. They also likely will not have this adapter. Best of all, this regulator is so lightweight and compact that it will take up no room at all in your travel bag. Mine also suffered the same as his although I can't tell you the specifics like he can. The second stage is small and lightweight as well. Global Fishing Reports does not guarantee purchases made and these links should be viewed as recommendations only. The LS200 second stage is eye-catching but quite traditional, but the NX700 first stage is extremely innovative, with a rotating turret on the front for some of the low-pressure ports. The venturi is a bit dinky compared with some of the others, so a bit more awkward with gloves on, but still workable. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions. This has double DFC (Dynamic Flow Control) ports, which minimise intermediate pressure drop during inhalation, thus maximising gas delivery. The second stage is more-traditional, with a cracking resistance control and venturi lever. CRACKING RESISTANCE:Yes |VENTURI:Yes|VERDICT:The F8 features an environmentally sealed diaphragm first stage, so ideal for cold-water use, and it is paired up with a lightweight second stage, which is a solid performer but doesnt actually look as eye-catching as the Onyx II second stage. This is a durable regulator with good airflow performance. It has two high-pressure ports and four low-pressure ports. This was one of only two regs in this price bracket to feature both a venturi lever and a cracking resistance control. This extra layer insulates your regulators internal moving parts, preventing freezing. The regulator has two high-pressure and four medium-pressure ports. The male thread on the DIN valve screws into the tank valve, so that the o-ring is solidly in place. The first-stage regulator is the part that is screwed onto the scuba tank. The large venturi lever and cracking resistance control knob were easy to use with gloved hands, and the purge was effective. It comes with braided Aqua Flex hose. These programs pay this website advertising fees for products purchased through links going to other websites including Amazon. It has a hose with a large bore diameter which allows for a high airflow rate when inhaling. The first stage, with its black finish, neatly sets it off. Scuba diving at night is a very fun experience. Most divers that have an air integrated dive computer that is directly connected to the regulator do not additionally have a submersible pressure gauge (SPG). The body of the second stage is reminiscent of the lightweight Flight reg, except this has a large purge on the front, and an easy-to-operate venturi lever. In the picture, I am diving with an aqualung legend regulator. Balanced regulators deliver the same amount of air per breath until your tank is empty. Make sure to not fill the tank above 3000 psi as that is the pressure rating for most yoke regulators. The Scubapro MK2 EVO/R195 is ideal for newly certified divers exploring in cold climates. Technical divers, cave divers, and wreck enthusiasts prefer this style because it is so secure. If you want a wireless transmitter to send tank pressure to the dive computer the regulator will need to have two or more high-pressure ports. How often should I check my scuba cylinder. While it is expensive and made from a heavier material than the Atomic Aquatics T3, the SCUBAPRO M25 A700 is an excellent regulator system. Features of the first stage include the auto closure device, anti-freeze design, auto-balanced design, low breathing effort maintained at deep depths, and soft-grip material for easy regulator removal from the scuba tank. It also has an anti-pressure drop pneumatic spring and high capacity filter. It is an environmentally sealed overbalanced diaphragm design, with a heat exchanger wrapped around the HP valve, so perfect for cold-water diving. The breathe is smooth and dry in all orientations, and the big, chunky venturi lever, which has a rubber grip built in, is easy to use even wearing drygloves, as is the monster purge, which is effectively the entire front of the second stage. Still waiting to find a 1st that balances as good as any Legend I had on my Flow Benches. It may not display this or other websites correctly. The diver must breathe from the mouth and never hold their breath. The Alpha 10 SPX is a budget-priced regulator, but it doesnt skimp on performance, and it is actually quite pleasing to look at as well. It is slightly more difficult to inhale and exhale but when diving this is not even a conscious thought. The D420 is reminiscent of previous D-regs, with its unusual shape of second stage. This is colored yellow to signify that it is the secondary regulator. The overall work of breathing on past Legend models was .74 J/l but is not listed for the third generation. If youre diving in warm water, you wont notice much of a difference in performance between the two. Its first stage is robust and requires little maintenance. You are using an out of date browser. Mares were absent from this price bracket last year, and it is good to see them back in the mix with a new regulator. An adjustment Venturi switch allows the regulator to be set at pre-dive or dive settings. 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. Cold water regulators utilize special features to prevent freezing and freeflow and are often made from more robust materials than their warm water counterparts. Choose a regulator made from a sturdy, insulating metal like brass or nickel instead. Many divers use multiple gauges for redundancy in challenging environments. It is equipped with Scubapros X-TIS (Extended Thermal Insulating System), which fully insulates the international mechanism from the environment. If the LUX catches your eye, that 1st stage has a PVD coating. Higher-end regulators are sealed and balanced which becomes important when diving deep and when diving in cold water. For technical and deep diving having an air-integrated computer is best since it can more accurately calculate the remaining bottom-time based on tank pressure and safety stops.

Wilton Building Department, Ted Nugent Sunglasses, Articles A