The first stage regulators contain either a piston or diaphragm regulating valve. It is known for easy breathing regardless of depth. The large venturi lever and cracking resistance control knob were easy to use with gloved hands, and the purge was effective. Keep in mind that a regulator rated for extreme cold will perform just as well in tropical climates. When using a DIN regulator you need to also have a DIN valve on the scuba tank. The second stage is made of a durable polymer that is lightweight. The second stage is made with metal which transfers heat well and carbon fiber which makes the regulator durable and light. Gauges do not have to be from the same company as the regulator but it is common to have matching gear. 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 has been improved upon by Scubapros G260 via the micro-adjust and exhalation effort. 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. Even if you do not like to fish getting rid of the lionfish on the reefs is beneficial to the ecosystem. Scubapro has brought back the venerable D-series of regulators. 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 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. This regulator type is easy and affordable to service because it has few moving parts, but may require specialized tools to open. Now that you are a Scubaboard junkie, you too can collect regulators and then wonder where all your money went. Plus, this regulator only needs to be serviced every 3 years or 300 dives. This regulator has an unbalanced piston first stage design which is known to be simple and reliable. The MK2 Evbo paired up with the R195 makes a decent budget-priced route into the brand. It is required to have a secondary regulator when scuba diving. VERDICT: Lightweight regulator with very subtle styling, but the superior performance that belies its price point. They're both outstanding regs, and they'll both give you a long useful lifespan. Yoke valves attach to the tank using an external rubber O-ring. The D420 is suppose to excel once underwater so as soon as the ice melts I will give it a whirl. 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. If cost is not a factor the T3 is the best regulator on the market. The reason some scuba shops only fill to 3,000 psi is that this is the most common pressure used. Having said all this a new Mk25/G260 would probably be your upgrade although I don't think there is anything wrong with what you have. 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. This is the number one rule of scuba diving to never hold your breath. Examples of high-end regulators are the Scubapro MK25 Evo A700, the Mares Fusion 52x and the Aqualung Leg3nd. 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. In the picture, I am diving with a Cressi XS compact regulator in the Florida Keys. A flow deviator on the second stage acts to control the Venturi effect with a dive or pre-dive setting. 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. A pneumatically balanced second stage has adjustments for the Venturi effect. The octopus could be an identical secondary regulator that is yellow or a lower-cost regulator with fewer features. It is paired with the trusty 52X balanced diaphragm first stage. An extended thermal insolating system delays ice build-up on internal components. Average breathing effort is not published. This model is robust enough for daily use in extreme climates, but compact and lightweight enough for travel, too. If youre hoping to buy a cold water regulator thats light enough for dive travel, youre in luck! Underwater photography is challenging in perfect dive conditions, so why buy a regulator that will make taking perfect pictures more difficult? This is a unique swivel, mounted on the face of the first stage instead of the top. If youre planning to dive in cold water (below 75 F), youll need a regulator built to take a beating. 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. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. First, some DIN regulators are rated to hold about 1,000 more PSI than yoke regulators. It has a hose with a large bore diameter which allows for a high airflow rate when inhaling. What piece of equipment should never be allowed to dangle freely? The AL Legend can be tuned to breathe quite easily, even a little easier than the G250. This Cressi AC2 with XS compact has a DIN first stage regulator rather than a yoke regulator. The tank also needs to have a proper hydrostatic test date which is typically every two to five years depending on the type of tank. When it comes to scuba diving the regulator is the essential piece of equipment that really needs to work to dive safely. Always check the owners manual for the maintenance schedule of the regulator. The regulator has a patented comfort swivel which is shown in the video below. Personally, I think Cressi regulators are of good value and work great for most recreational diving. 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. And, for some climates a dry suit is mandatory. AQUA LUNG LEGE3ND ELITE This top-shelf reg offers precision performance and enhanced ergonomics to match its good looks. 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. All of these brands have high-end and low-end models. First, it should be secured in a location where the diver can reach it all times even without wearing a mask. This can waste a lot of air and cause stress on the surface. 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. This equipment is being shown to help decide how many ports are needed on the regulator. There is a location on the regulator for RFID chips to help keep an inventory of rental gear at dive shops. 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. The cracking resistance control and venturi lever make a real difference to the breathe, which is smooth in all orientations. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. Scubapro MK25 Evo A700 Carbon Black Tech. This regulator is rated number one because it is a low cost, durable regulator that requires little maintenance. The regulator also needs a pressure gauge or have an integrated dive computer. It breathes well in all positions. Having it in a secure location is also helpful if a buddy needs to use the regulator. Once installed the DIN tank will fit a yoke scuba regulator. 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. If the LUX catches your eye, that 1st stage has a PVD coating. 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. This regulator is preferred by wreck, cave, and cavern divers . Overall, both the MK17 and Legend Supreme offer high-quality technology at half the cost of the T3. It does come nitrox ready up to 40 percent. Previous generation required setting a lower IP for the Supreme, but that is no longer the case. Oceanic are making inroads back into the reg market, and the Zeo is their range-topper. The large purge is easy to locate and depress, and the Venturi, while fairly small, can be operated even with thick gloves. This third-generation model is no different. This model comes standard with high-end features like a turreted first stage and swiveling joints for easy hose routing and comfort. The secondary second stage is either a duplicate second stage that is yellow or a second stage regulator that is built into a BCD. Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions. As a service tech I can attest to this. Icy waters are among the most challenging conditions you can take on as a SCUBA diver, and not just any gear will do. 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. There are several types of scuba tanks that have different pressure ratings. It may not display this or other websites correctly. This is a top-quality regular that is made with brass and titanium components. The Zirconium thats what the Z stands for delivers corrosion-resistance apparently three to four times that of conventional chrome plating, and the second stage lever, orifice and spring are titanium, as with the higher-spec (and price) models. 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. It is well priced, and a decent performer all-round. The regulator mouthpiece is placed in the mouth and the diver breathes in and out like normal. The first stage, with its black finish, neatly sets it off. It provided a smooth breath in all positions, and the cracking resistance control gave a nice degree of control to the user. Outside of Atomic Aquatics products, the closest you get to a high-quality regulator is the SCUBAPRO M25 A700. Well worth checking out as an entry-level reg. It looks as good as it performs too, with the subtle grey finish on the moulded parts. The G250 was one of the most copied and reliable second stages built. There are best practices but there are no laws saying how often a regulator needs to be serviced or inspected. If you do purchase a DIN regulator I would get the yoke adapter and use this when diving with dive shops in the USA. In the video below my friends and I are scuba diving at Looe key in the Florida keys at night. Cody strives to provide detailed information about the best fishing gear and tactics to help both novice and experienced anglers have a more productive and enjoyable time on the water. The only difference between this regulator and the yoke regulator above is how it is connected to the scuba tank. Balanced regulators deliver the same amount of air per breath until your tank is empty. You must log in or register to reply here. 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. Paired up with the D420, it offers a high-performance package, though the bizarre shape of that second stage does take some getting used to. It has an average breathing effort is .6 J/l. This causes fewer air leaks than having the o-ring on the scuba tank valve and is considered a better design by most people. 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. Cressi air gauge with integrated Leonardo 2 dive computer. However aluminum scuba tanks are only rated to 3,000 psi. The most common scuba tank used in recreational diving in the USA is an aluminum cylinder that is rated at 3,000 psi. The low-pressure value can be adjusted with an exterior Allen key screw. When cleaning a scuba regulator the first thing to do is to place the dust cap on the regulator. But, a dramatic change in flow is impractical for cold climates. She has been living on the road full-time since 2014 and has taught scuba diving in a variety of environments worldwide. Most DIN regulators can hold pressures up to 4300 PSI. 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. You are using an out of date browser. The Oceanic Zeo DIN regulator is an improvement to the EOS which is a popular regulator. 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. There are 2 other comparably priced regs you might look at: MK25/G250V, and the Apeks XTX100. The ScubaPro MK25 A700 EVO carbon black tech is a top-quality durable scuba regulator. The wide exhaust tee disperses exhaled bubbles well clear of your face. A balanced first stage makes it easier to breathe when at deep depths and when the tank pressure is reduced. The Evo boasts 15 per cent better airflow than the previous model, thanks to a larger piston, yet an improved design has managed to reduce the body size by 3.5mm. There is a flow adjustment valve but it is not a balanced second stage. For this price point, this is exceptional value for money. The overall work of breathing on past Legend models was .74 J/l but is not listed for the third generation. You are using an out of date browser. And, its large easy-to-grip knobs (to customize airflow) were designed for divers wearing thick gloves. both are great - go with the one you can get serviced locally at a dive shop you like. The DC7 is rated for cold climates and technical diving, and weighs far less than similarly designed models. It is made with marine-grade brass. Its rated for extreme cold and can be used safely for demanding immersions like ice diving. Finally, there is a comfortable orthodontic mouthpiece with a good grip. I have the MK25/S600 and really enjoy it. A DIN regulator is considered the better regulator in most cases. Piston first stages offer a higher flow rate and are easier breathing than their counterparts. The F8 has an environmentally sealed balanced diaphragm first stage made from durable brass, and featuring a precision-machined neoflon seat. Its first stage is a balanced piston design. DIN valves can have a working pressure up to 300 bar, hence why they are favoured by technical divers. 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. I also have an Atomic ST1 with sealed first stage and that is excellent. Turreted regulators are also compatible with technical and sidemount diving. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Our team of experienced scuba divers and volunteers have tested the latest scuba regulators from the leading manufacturers for comfort, functionality, ease of use, and price! Key features of the second stage include the patented automatic flow control, seat saving dynamic orifice, elliptical exhaust valve, and comfort fit mouthpiece. Do not submerge the first stage of the regulator into the water for a long period because water could get past the dust cover. This type of seal is less stable than the DIN valve, so it is better for warm water diving and less challenging conditions. The compact second stage looks great, and is lightweight in your mouth, so no jaw fatigue. It is slightly more difficult to inhale and exhale but when diving this is not even a conscious thought. It comes with two high pressure and four low-pressure ports. The Sherwood Blizzard is one of the best selling cold water regulators of all time, and a top pick for instructors and safety divers. This boils down to the fact that the environmentally sealed first stage will keep out contaminants and perform superbly in cold water. 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. A balanced first stage adjusted the low-pressure output to be consistent at deep depths and varying tank pressures. 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 is because the connection of the yoke regulator is the weak point. It has two high-pressure ports and four 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. Log in or Register now! There are many good brands of scuba regulators such as Cressi, ScubaPro, Oceanic, Aqualung, and Atomic Aquatics. The Zeagle F8 does it all. A lot of scubaboarders will argue it is the "best" breathing reg to there. The Atomic Z2 Octopus is the same as the Z2 primary second stage which is a top-quality regulator. 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.