Typically you are going to read the depth from the dive computer. 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. In fact, the Mk25 EVO has passed CE EN250 coldwater certification, so it has been successfully tested in fresh water of 4C at a depth of 50m, where it has been subjected to a moderately hard breathing-rate of 375 litres per minute for five minutes, during which it must not freeflow. You must log in or register to reply here. The DC7 is rated for cold climates and technical diving, and weighs far less than similarly designed models. If youre planning to dive in cold water (below 75 F), youll need a regulator built to take a beating. Its also easy breathing at every depth and temperature. The first stage of the F8 is a compact but well-made unit, but we have to say that the second stage doesnt actually look as eye-catching as its cheaper sibling, the Onyx II (which scored well last month). It also typically has two Venturi settings for pro-dive and driving conditions. As for the Octo - it's the base level leg3nd with just the venturi. Your choice largely boils down to where you'll be doing most of your diving and your access to competent and professional service/repair. The backup second-stage regulator is referred to as the octopus. Like most regulators, it is compatible with enriched air nitrox EAN up to 40 percent. The only reason it is number three is that it is more expensive than the regulators above. The balanced first stage allows for consistent breathing effort regardless of water depth or tank pressure. Next, the regulator should be rinsed with fresh water. It also has a low noise rigid case, with a cam-lock. To confuse you even more my wife has a Deep6 Signature series first and second and it is every bit as good as the Mk19/G260 set up for less money. 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. Plus, its an easy-to-service reg that doesnt require special tools, and is easy to work on in the field. 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. AQUA LUNG LEGE3ND ELITE This top-shelf reg offers precision performance and enhanced ergonomics to match its good looks. These days, there are plenty of options weighing in at less than 2.5 lbs. 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. 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. 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. Piston first stages offer a higher flow rate and are easier breathing than their counterparts. There is a conical filter on the first stage which helps prevent any large particles in the scuba tank from entering the first and second stages of the regulator. The reason the octopus is yellow is to ensure the primary regulator is being used most of the time. Despite the SPX first stage not being environmentally protected, it didnt falter in the cold even with robust testing. Plus, this regulator only needs to be serviced every 3 years or 300 dives. High-pressure steel tanks are rated to hold between 3,300 and 3,500 psi. The MK25 EVO and the D420 make a solid pairing. The redesigned front cover and cracking resistance control use co-molded components that provide high levels of grip. A great little reg and dont forget that superb limited lifetime warranty. The ScubaPro MK2 EVO is a scuba regulator with an unbalanced piston first stage. Good-looking, great-performing regulator. An efficient heat exchanger makes it so this octopus can be used in cold water without freezing up in most conditions. SCUBAPRO MK25 EVO D420 | SRP: 695.00 Scubapro has brought back the venerable D-series of regulators. 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. The exhaust is fairly compact, but the routing is sound and it disperses exhaled bubbles efficiently. The overall work of breathing on past Legend models was .74 J/l but is not listed for the third generation. The aqualung legend regulators are known for being good cold water regulators. There are best practices but there are no laws saying how often a regulator needs to be serviced or inspected. It breathes super easy at any depth. 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? Breathing through a scuba regulator is very simple and not much different from breathing above water. The system can be balanced or unbalanced. Scubapro has brought back the venerable D-series of regulators. The chromed overbalanced diaphragm first stage offers total environmental protection, giving it phenomenal cold-water performance, and the new heat exchanger, which has a bigger surface area and a co-moulded end cap, gives it excellent resistance to freezing. Hollis continues to forge a path into regulators, and the flagship 200LX DCX is well worth a look. It has five low-pressure ports and two high-pressure ports on its DCX first stage. The yoke valve, also known as an A-clamp, was at one point the industry norm, until the arrival of the DIN (Deutsche Industrie Norm) valve from Europe, which was embraced by technical divers thanks to its improved safety, and the option of increased tank pressure. The 200LX features a braided hose, large venturi lever, chunky cracking resistance control, and has a big purge. 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 is very common after a few dives to have a bad o-ring that leaks on a yoke valve scuba tank. Key features of the second stage include the patented automatic flow control, seat saving dynamic orifice, elliptical exhaust valve, and comfort fit mouthpiece. 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. An XS compact octopus also makes a great secondary regulator. Home Fishing Gear Scuba and Snorkeling 17 Best Scuba Diving Regulators 2023. Finally, there is a comfortable orthodontic mouthpiece with a good grip. If you dont have a huge budget, then these scuba regulators are some of the best low-cost options. CRACKING RESISTANCE:No |VENTURI:No|VERDICT:The Mares 52x is one of the most eye-catching first stages on the market. For the diver that wants a little more performance than the AC2, the MC9 is a great option. The diaphragm is located in the lower section which makes breathing easier in the upright position. Zeagle have worked with Atomic Aquatics to produce a solidly constructed regulator. It does come nitrox ready up to 40 percent. DIN regulators are the better regulators for two technical reasons. 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. It is extremely robust with its PVD finish, and the solid first stage is perfect for all conditions. The advantage of a simple unbalanced position design is there is typically less required maintenance. Unbalanced systems are simple and reliable. Plenty of regulators are suitable for diving in cold climates. Higher-end models are environmentally sealed and balanced. Features of the first stage include a jet seat high flow piston, factory sealed, and nitrox ready. I have a LX Supreme for my back mount rec diving and a pair or Apeks for . Well worth checking out as an entry-level reg. Outside of Atomic Aquatics products, the closest you get to a high-quality regulator is the SCUBAPRO M25 A700. Mares were absent from this price bracket last year, and it is good to see them back in the mix with a new regulator. Wireless air integrated dive computers use a transmitter attached to your first stage that relays tank pressure to a wrist-mounted screen. JavaScript is disabled. So, to utilize this new technology, youll need a regulator with 2 high-pressure ports. The second stage has a Venturi-initiated vacuum assist dive or pre-dive switch. Products are split into price categories and are then evaluated for performance, comfort, ease of use, build quality, looks and value for money. 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. CRACKING RESISTANCE:Yes |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 first stage is an over-balanced diaphragm design. The DIN valve is increasingly growing in popularity thanks to the fact that the first stages are smaller, more compact and lighter than the equivalent yoke valve, so a better option for travelling divers, plus they are more secure when diving in an overhead environment, such as a wreck or a cave, due to the long screw-in thread into the tank valve, and weve already mentioned the increased tank pressure making DIN valves the go-to reg style for techies. The ScubaPro MK25 A700 EVO carbon black tech is a top-quality durable scuba regulator. It provided a smooth breath in all positions, and the cracking resistance control gave a nice degree of control to the user. The reason some scuba shops only fill to 3,000 psi is that this is the most common pressure used. What is better a balanced or unbalanced regulator? . All products reviewed have been fully dived and tested. It is slightly more difficult to inhale and exhale but when diving this is not even a conscious thought. When looking at the second stage the first thing people notice is the unique shape. The forged body is protected by a shiny chrome finish. The regulator has a three year 300 dive service interval. Balanced regulators deliver the same amount of air per breath until your tank is empty. The MC9 first stage is a hyper balanced diaphragm system. While it is a very reliable second stage modern second stages have been improved on. Diaphragm first stages offer air at a lower flow rate, so they are less likely to freeflow. This regulators first-stage has the auto closer device and a pneumatically balanced diaphragm for consistent breathing at different depths and tank pressures. It is available both as a yoke and DIN configuration of the first stage. This is the number one rule of scuba diving to never hold your breath. The Vortex Assisted Design creates a swirling vortex with a low-pressure area in the centre that keeps the diaphragm down during inhalation, for easy breathing at all depths. 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. Global Fishing Reports does not guarantee purchases made and these links should be viewed as recommendations only. 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. If the LUX catches your eye, that 1st stage has a PVD coating. It looks as good as it performs too, with the subtle grey finish on the moulded parts. 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. An extended thermal insolating system delays ice build-up on internal components. The MK25 is a overbalanced piston first stage whereas the Aqualung is a overbalanced diaphragm first stage. 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. If youre diving in warm water, you wont notice much of a difference in performance between the two. This model comes standard with high-end features like a turreted first stage and swiveling joints for easy hose routing and comfort. As we noted with the 150LX last month, the super-comfy mouthpiece, which is soft but has harder inserts in the bite, is very reminiscent of Atomic Aquatics. It is up to divers with DIN regulators to have this adapter. This is colored yellow to signify that it is the secondary regulator. When using a wrist computer even if it transmits pressure should have an SPG that is directly connected to the regulator. This is because the computer can be worn like a watch and is easy to check the depth and remaining bottom time values. 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. In the video below my friends and I are scuba diving at Looe key in the Florida keys at night. It has been improved upon by Scubapros G260 via the micro-adjust and exhalation effort. The first choice needed to be made when purchasing a regulator is whether to get a DIN or a yoke regulator. The simulator pressurizes the chamber to simulate depths of 132 feet of seawater, 165 fsw and 198 fsw. DIN valves can have a working pressure up to 300 bar, hence why they are favoured by technical divers. CRACKING RESISTANCE:Yes |VENTURI:No|VERDICT:xDeep have carved a solid reputation with their wings, and it continues here. This is a sealed piston first stage with two high pressure and five low-pressure ports. The Z3 scored very highly with the Test Team and it is a keenly priced way to get on the Atomic ladder. It has a balanced valve which delivers abundant airflow regardless of depth, and the pivoting purge is highly efficient. 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. How to tell difference between Aqualung Legend vs Supreme. There are 2 other comparably priced regs you might look at: MK25/G250V, and the Apeks XTX100. You are using an out of date browser. This is a durable regulator with good airflow performance. Maxwelll: I demo'd the MBS in the pool - felt good, breathed very smoothly, and you could definitely feel the difference in air delivery when adjusting the MBS (master breathing system = combined venturi / cracking effort knob). The Zeo also benefits from Oceanics limited lifetime warranty and free servicing parts for life. There are many good brands of scuba regulators such as Cressi, ScubaPro, Oceanic, Aqualung, and Atomic Aquatics. 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. The regulator mouthpiece is placed in the mouth and the diver breathes in and out like normal. A pneumatically balanced second stage has adjustments for the Venturi effect. The second stage is made with metal which transfers heat well and carbon fiber which makes the regulator durable and light. It is also now smaller and lighter for a more comfortable dive. If you are planning to take on the planets coldest underwater environments, this regulator is your best bet. The Sherwood Blizzard is one of the best selling cold water regulators of all time, and a top pick for instructors and safety divers. 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. An oversized cap and heat exchanging fins improve anti-freeze properties. Copyright 2023 Rork Media Limited - ISSN 2514-2054 - The Speed Train. This Cressi AC2 with XS compact has a DIN first stage regulator rather than a yoke regulator. The C370 second stage body is made from fibreglass reinforced nylon and now features a balanced valve and new exhaust tee. 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. It is equipped with a factory sealed first stage, huge purge button, comfort swivel, and no less than seven low-pressure ports and two high-pressure ports. Its first stage is robust and requires little maintenance. While most travel regulators use titanium and carbon fiber to cut down on weight, these are not the best materials for cold climates. This is a great regulator for warm water diving. Key features of the second stage include Venturi dive or pre-dive settings, and an orthodontic mouthpiece. The regulators average breathing effort is not published. The regulator has two high-pressure and four medium-pressure ports. Cody also has a background in aerospace engineering and neuroscience but really only takes pride in being good at one thing and that is fishing! Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions. The most common scuba tank used in recreational diving in the USA is an aluminum cylinder that is rated at 3,000 psi. However, when diving on vacation traveling with scuba tanks is not very practical. I have a Mk19/D420 as well as a G260 and 620Ti second stage (I also have a Mk25 evo) Anyway I have yet to dive the D420 and rsingler tuned both the Mk19 and the D420 for me. It is easy to see the benefits of being part of the Huish Outdoors family. It has a chrome-coated brass balanced diaphragm first stage with two high-pressure ports and four low-pressure ports, which is paired with a balanced demand valve equipped with a Venturi control and a large purge button. This regulator is environmentally sealed against cold and contamination. Technical divers, cave divers, and wreck enthusiasts prefer this style because it is so secure. Yoke valves attach to the tank using an external rubber O-ring. This was one of only two regs in this price bracket to feature both a venturi lever and a cracking resistance control. The oval face has a decent-sized purge, and a swivel aids comfort in use. 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. This is a decent regulator for warm water diving in under 60 feet of water. When using a steel tank with a yoke regulator the diver should make sure the tank was not filled above 3,00 psi. This is a good octopus for most Scubapro regulators. A balanced first stage adjusted the low-pressure output to be consistent at deep depths and varying tank pressures. ScubaPro analog pressure and depth gauge. 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. The first stage is made with nickel-plated brass. A comfort-fit silicone mouthpiece is soft and has tear-resistant bite tabs. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The large purge is easy to locate and depress, and the Venturi, while fairly small, can be operated even with thick gloves. 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. Features of the FDX-i first stage include chrome-plated marine brass construction, pneumatically balanced, and environmentally sealed. This is one of the more-expensive regulators on test, but it has plenty of features of merit, and it has a fantastic performance to match its eye-catching good looks. Again, regardless of the thickness of exposure protection on the hands, the controls were easy to use, especially the cracking resistance control knob. Cressi XS compact octopus is used as the backup regulator for the AC2 first stage. Regulators that feature an adjustable flow rate allow you to increase and decrease how much air you get with each breath. This over-balanced diaphragm reg features an innovative over-moulded first-stage endcap, one high-pressure port, four low-pressure ports and comes with a braided hose. Before any tank is filled the VIP date, Hydro date, and tank pressure rating should be checked. An adjustment Venturi switch allows the regulator to be set at pre-dive or dive settings. 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. 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. Partly cause i like the metal body and the perforated diaphragm cover but it def doesn't breathe as easy as the legend. It can also be converted from right-hand to left-hand if you so wish. A DIN regulator is considered the better regulator in most cases. The diver must breathe from the mouth and never hold their breath. The Epic Adj 82X put in a strong showing in this Group Test, and if anything, the Test Team felt we had to dial down the air flow it was so powerful. It gave a silky smooth breathe in all orientations and is a good-looking unit to boot. I also have an Atomic ST1 with sealed first stage and that is excellent. Joining is quick and easy. The second stage is pneumatically balanced to maintain breathing effort at different depths and tank pressures. Aqualung Regs last a long time more than you indicate before you will think of tech diving (3-5yrs). The Apeks MTX was built based on a military design, featuring a nearly bulletproof sealed and balanced brass exterior. Steel tanks can be rated up to 3500 psi but are commonly filled to 3,300 psi. The first state is an overcompensation diaphragm design. 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. I have been told by many that the D420 doesn't breathe all that great on the surface. In the water, it breathed effortlessly in any orientation, and the venturi and cracking resistance control really made a difference to the air flow, allowing us to finetune it. High-pressure ports locations allow the regulator to face up or down. CRACKING RESISTANCE:Yes |VENTURI:No|VERDICT:The Epic Adj 82x is Mares top of the line regulator, and it is easy to see why. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. This third-generation model is no different. The tried-and-tested MK25, now in its improved EVO guise, is compact, durable and efficient, and its works well with the relatively compact and robust D420 second stage. The D420 is reminiscent of previous D-regs, with its unusual shape of second stage. Scuba diving at night is a very fun experience. Personally, I think Cressi regulators are of good value and work great for most recreational diving. The adapter above allows for a DIN scuba regulator to be used on a scuba tank that is set up for a yoke valve. Nice large purge, comfy mouthpiece, neat first stage and awesome price point. The Atomic Z2 Octopus is the same as the Z2 primary second stage which is a top-quality regulator. This is a plug adapter that threads into a DIN scuba tank. 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. The durability of this setup is why this regulator is often used as rental gear for dive operations. How often should I check my scuba cylinder. It has four low-pressure ports and two high-pressure ports on its DC7 first stage, which is pneumatically balanced and chrome-plated brass. 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. Growing up in Pennsylvania Cody has also done extensive freshwater fishing including bass fishing tournaments. 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. Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions. The MK2 Evo is an efficient piston first stage. The first and second stages can both be balanced or neither can be balanced. CRACKING RESISTANCE:Yes |VENTURI:No|VERDICT:The Zeo FDXi is great for travelling divers thanks to its compact first stage, but as it is also rated for cold-water use, it is the perfect all-round package for divers who dive in temperate and tropical waters. The cover of the regulator and the hose are typically yellow to let the diver and the diver buddy know that it is the backup regulator. It has dry chambers that reduce the potential for ice build-up. The compact second stage looks great, and is lightweight in your mouth, so no jaw fatigue. 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. This regulator is made in the USA. Its got all the perks you expect from a midrange regulator, but its outfitted for the cold. There is also a knob that allows the diver to change the breathing effort. DIN vales have fewer o-ring problems and can typically be used with steel tanks up to 3500 psi. The first stage regulators contain either a piston or diaphragm regulating valve. The 150LX features a braided hose and large venturi lever, and has a big purge. Its rated for extreme cold and can be used safely for demanding immersions like ice diving. 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. And, for this same reason, the DIN valve performs better in extreme cold. The NX700 is the definite show-stopper when it comes to this reg. This helps us to generate future content. It features a yellow cover, a long hose, and a reversible attachment. The male thread on the DIN valve screws into the tank valve, so that the o-ring is solidly in place. For high-end regulators, I like the Aqualung Legend which I own, and the Atomic Aquatics T3 Regulator which is probably the best regulator on the market today if the cost is not a factor. The Scubapro MK2 EVO/R195 is ideal for newly certified divers exploring in cold climates. It retains its good looks, though when SubGear was still in existence, the earlier incarnation of this was their regulator for the next price bracket up. 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. 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. 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. 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 depth gauge is available in imperial units which are feet and metric which are in meters. Its pretty hard to improve on the G250 and as James points out even older stuff performs great. The Aqualung Legend Supreme comes in at $1150, including the second stage and octopus. Having a compressor that fills a higher value requires a more complex system and the risks that lower pressure tanks will accidentally be filled to a higher value. both are great - go with the one you can get serviced locally at a dive shop you like. It has dry chambers that reduce the potential for ice build-up. Log in or Register now! 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. Both the first and second stages have an eye-catching PVD coating, which not only looks great but also adds another degree of protection. Mine also suffered the same as his although I can't tell you the specifics like he can. Cressi air gauge with integrated Leonardo 2 dive computer. This is one piece of gear that you want to own and not rent from a scuba shop, especially when diving internationally. Dive shops in the USA do not like dealing with DIN tanks and regulators. Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions.
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