The first stage is the metal device that attaches directly to the scuba tank via a DIN or yoke connection. Lastly, there is a cap that helps to protect the diaphragm from ice build-up. Scuba diving at night is a very fun experience. Like most regulators, it is compatible with enriched air nitrox EAN up to 40 percent. Even if you do not like to fish getting rid of the lionfish on the reefs is beneficial to the ecosystem. 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. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. 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. It is known for easy breathing regardless of depth. It has dry chambers that reduce the potential for ice build-up. Engineered to provide a comfortable, low-effort work of breathing in warm and cold water, the Leg3nd is ready for any environment. 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 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. However, when diving on vacation traveling with scuba tanks is not very practical. 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). The FDXi first stage is small and compact, yet is still a pneumatically balanced and environmentally sealed diaphragm design, with four low-pressure ports and two high-pressure ports. But, a dramatic change in flow is impractical for cold climates. It is paired with the trusty 52X balanced diaphragm first stage. Outside of Atomic Aquatics products, the closest you get to a high-quality regulator is the SCUBAPRO M25 A700. Icy waters are among the most challenging conditions you can take on as a SCUBA diver, and not just any gear will do. When looking at the second stage the first thing people notice is the unique shape. This regulator features a robust design packed with diver-friendly features, and it still weighs less than most models in its class. All of these brands have high-end and low-end models. These days, there are plenty of options weighing in at less than 2.5 lbs. It is pneumatically balanced and is designed to work with the Legends first stage. Some regulators need to be serviced every year and others need to be serviced every few years. But, this sturdy and reliable option isnt only for taking pretty pictures. This boils down to the fact that the environmentally sealed first stage will keep out contaminants and perform superbly in cold water. The Dual Adj is made from an ultralight technopolymer, which is abrasion resistant but extremely lightweight, making it ideal for cold-water use, but also for travel. Joining is quick and easy. The Oceanic Zeo DIN regulator is an improvement to the EOS which is a popular regulator. The Cressi AC2 is also available with the XS compact second stage and is rated number one on this list. CRACKING RESISTANCE:Yes |VENTURI:No|VERDICT:The second stage of this set-up is very reminiscent of the 150LX, which is no bad thing, as it is a good-looking unit, but the DCX first stage resplendent in its PVD plated finish is a top-performer, especially in cold water. The diaphragm is located in the lower section which makes breathing easier in the upright position. These are important factors when diving deep and in cold water areas. The 52X also has an NCC (Natural Convection Channel), which increases cold-water performance by creating a flow of water across the regulator. The Atomic Z2 Octopus is the same as the Z2 primary second stage which is a top-quality regulator. It is advisable to dive using a backup pressure gauge for redundancy, especially if you are diving in a cold climate. The threaded insert and yoke adapter are shown toward the bottom of this article. As a service tech I can attest to this. It is extremely robust with its PVD finish, and the solid first stage is perfect for all conditions. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. This is the number one rule of scuba diving to never hold your breath. This regulator is preferred by wreck, cave, and cavern divers, thanks to its sturdy construction. The adapter above allows for a DIN scuba regulator to be used on a scuba tank that is set up for a yoke valve. If the LUX catches your eye, that 1st stage has a PVD coating. Key features of the second stage include an adjustable Venturi vacuum assist, a super flow hose, a comfortable mouthpiece, and metal valve housing. Each month, the Scuba Diver test team assembles to rate and review a selection of dive equipment from a range of manufacturers. This regulator is preferred by wreck, cave, and cavern divers . This helps us to generate future content. There are external fins on the brass regulator which help prevent it from freezing when diving in cold weather conditions. The C370 second stage body is made from fibreglass reinforced nylon and now features a balanced valve and new exhaust tee. Do not submerge the first stage of the regulator into the water for a long period because water could get past the dust cover. Aqua Lung Leg3nd is the third generation Legend octopus and is a top-quality secondary regulator. The mouthpiece is also very comfortable. Scubapro has brought back the venerable D-series of regulators. It is well priced, and a decent performer all-round. Lets talk about that first stage. The backup second-stage regulator is referred to as the octopus. It is made with nickel-plated brass. Features of the first stage include a jet seat high flow piston, factory sealed, and nitrox ready. Good entry-level regulator. Sometimes the second stage is a lower-cost version of the primary second stage. The Z3 scored very highly with the Test Team and it is a keenly priced way to get on the Atomic ladder. What temperature? 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. Aqualung Regs last a long time more than you indicate before you will think of tech diving (3-5yrs). 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. No doubting the performance of the F8, though the breathe was nice and smooth in all positions, the cracking resistance control is large and easy to use, as is the venturi lever, and the mouthpiece is comfortable. A Free photo gallery to share your dive photos with the world. 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. A DIN valve can work with a yoke regulator if a plug adapter is placed into the scuba tank. An environmental seal is a protective outer casing around your regulators first stage. This is a plug adapter that threads into a DIN scuba tank. It is up to divers with DIN regulators to have this adapter. The depth gauge is available in imperial units which are feet and metric which are in meters. This Cressie regulator has the position driven AC2 first stage and the XS2 second stage. It balances air pressure for consistent breathing regardless of depth or tank pressure. 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. 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. Aqua Lung has been making diving equipment for more than 75 years, and their regulators have always been solid units, but they have really come on in recent years the Core Supreme is a belting little unit for this price point. It has four low-pressure ports and one high-pressure. The most common scuba tank used in recreational diving in the USA is an aluminum cylinder that is rated at 3,000 psi. Next, the regulator should be rinsed with fresh water. Scubapro MK25 Evo A700 Carbon Black Tech. If you find the advice usual, please consider using the buy now button, we'll earn a small commission which helps us write more content. As with all Oceanic products, it comes with a lifetime warranty and free parts for life, making that price even more attractive. In the picture, I am diving with an aqualung legend regulator. But, some divers feel that they are harder to breathe from. It gave a silky smooth breathe in all orientations and is a good-looking unit to boot. This third-generation model is no different. Typically you are going to read the depth from the dive computer. It has two high-pressure ports and four low-pressure ports. 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. And, for some climates a dry suit is mandatory. A turreted (vertical tower shaped) first stage offers many advantages over a traditional horizontal valve, especially when diving in cold water. This causes fewer air leaks than having the o-ring on the scuba tank valve and is considered a better design by most people. Key features of the second stage include Venturi dive or pre-dive settings, and an orthodontic mouthpiece. Polish company xDeep has really earned itself a solid reputation for its robust, well-made and stylish backplate-and-wings, and it has now released its NX700/LS200 regulator. 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. 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. We do this at 2 liters/20 breaths per minute, 2.5 L/25 bpm and 3 L/25 bpm. Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions. The second stage is small and lightweight as well. The regulator mouthpiece is placed in the mouth and the diver breathes in and out like normal. 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 octopus is included in the dive package. This is a top-quality regular that is made with brass and titanium components. Cressi air gauge with integrated Leonardo 2 dive computer. The first stage and second stage components are milled from a solid bar of Titanium. Decided on Apeks XL4+. The DC7 is rated for cold climates and technical diving, and weighs far less than similarly designed models. The Atomic Aquatics M1 has all the features youd expect from a cold water regulator packed into a travel-sized package. In the secondary regulator, there are large ribs that act as a heat exchanger to protect internal mechanisms. The overall work of breathing past legend models was .74 J/l but is not listed for the third generation. The D420 is suppose to excel once underwater so as soon as the ice melts I will give it a whirl. 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. Balanced regulators also perform better during deep dives. The colder the conditions, the more likely our second stage is to freeflow on the surface. The secondary regulator is sometimes built into the BCD. The F8 has an environmentally sealed balanced diaphragm first stage made from durable brass, and featuring a precision-machined neoflon seat. Can you use a DIN regulator on a yoke valve? Before any tank is filled the VIP date, Hydro date, and tank pressure rating should be checked. 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? 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. However, the Epic also has a cracking resistance control knob for further fine-tuning of the breathe. The venturi is a bit dinky compared with some of the others, so a bit more awkward with gloves on, but still workable. So far, so normal. The Onyx II blends an environmentally sealed balanced diaphragm brass first stage equipped with two high-pressure ports and five low-pressure ports with a thermoplastic second stage via a flexible braided hose. The low-pressure value can be adjusted with an exterior Allen key screw. 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. These days, you can find her living and work on Mexicos Pacific coast. When using a wrist computer even if it transmits pressure should have an SPG that is directly connected to the regulator. The adapter threads onto the regulator and have a yoke valve that can attach to the scuba tank. Yoke valves are more common but only work with tanks filled to less than 3000 PSI. For non-technical diving, many people use a wrist computer with the standard analog air gauge. I have the MK25/S600 and really enjoy it. This is an imperial gauge with depth in feet and pressure in psi. It is important to breathe out of the nose when descending to equalize the pressure in the mask. If cost is not a factor the T3 is the best regulator on the market. Examples of high-end regulators are the Scubapro MK25 Evo A700, the Mares Fusion 52x and the Aqualung Leg3nd. What is better a balanced or unbalanced regulator? Cold water regulators utilize special features to prevent freezing and freeflow and are often made from more robust materials than their warm water counterparts. The first stage is an over-balanced diaphragm design. 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. Growing up in Pennsylvania Cody has also done extensive freshwater fishing including bass fishing tournaments. It has an average breathing effort is .6 J/l. 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. It is made with marine-grade brass. 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. Did early Aqualung Legends have fixed (built-in) crowns in the first stage? Best of all, this regulator is so lightweight and compact that it will take up no room at all in your travel bag. Scubapro is a well-established brand that has always produced solid regulators. High-pressure ports locations allow the regulator to face up or down. Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions. This model comes standard with high-end features like a turreted first stage and swiveling joints for easy hose routing and comfort. 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. Zeagle have worked with Atomic Aquatics to produce a solidly constructed regulator. The yoke valve is easily recognisable as it utilises a clamp set-up to hold the first stage onto the pillar valve. It has five low-pressure ports and two high-pressure ports on its DCX first stage. 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. When shopping for a cold water regulator, there is a big difference between a DIN or Yoke valve first stage. The second stage stands out from the crowd thanks to its chrome surround on the front, and distinctive triangular-shaped purge valve. 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. The regulator also needs a pressure gauge or have an integrated dive computer. 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! There is a flow adjustment valve but it is not a balanced second stage. This massively improves the cold water/freezing resistance without compromising its breathing performance. Overall, both the MK17 and Legend Supreme offer high-quality technology at half the cost of the T3. Many divers use multiple gauges for redundancy in challenging environments. While it is a very reliable second stage modern second stages have been improved on. 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. It is one of only two regs in this price segment to feature both a venturi lever and a cracking resistance control. 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). 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. A lot of scubaboarders will argue it is the "best" breathing reg to there. As with all Hollis regulators, it comes with a lifetime warranty, only requires a service every two years and you get service kits free-of-charge for the life of the regulator. It may not display this or other websites correctly. This is especially important if youll be diving in extreme cold and using thick gloves. The average breathing effort is 1.35 J/l. Once you get good at scuba diving, spearfishing can make diving more interesting. The large purge is easy to locate and operate even with thick gloves, and the same goes for the venturi lever. Features include zirconium-plated brass and titanium components as well as the patented automatic flow system. All products reviewed have been fully dived and tested. Where it all goes xDeep is the design of the body. An efficient heat exchanger makes it so this octopus can be used in cold water without freezing up in most conditions. The F8s first stage is sealed and insulated, with a watertight exterior to prevent corrosion. 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. Hollis continues to forge a path into regulators, and the flagship 200LX DCX is well worth a look. If youre diving in warm water, you wont notice much of a difference in performance between the two. ScubaPro MK21 regulator has a piston balanced first stage. The Aqualung Leg3nd Elite Regulator is one of the new generation Legend has recently been upgraded with many innovative features and new appealing aesthetics. 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. Just because your regulator is rated to a higher value does not mean that the entire system is rated for the high-pressure value. Having a pressure gauge that also has a depth gauge is a good idea. Want to learn more about a technical term? When diving the pressure gauge and dive computer should also be secured and not dangling. Underwater photography is challenging in perfect dive conditions, so why buy a regulator that will make taking perfect pictures more difficult? A DIN regulator is considered the better regulator in most cases. 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. There are over 12 different models of ScubaPro regulators. 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. VERDICT: Lightweight regulator with very subtle styling, but the superior performance that belies its price point. DIN regulators that can hold more pressure will have more threads that screw into the scuba tank. This regulator has absolutely everything you need and nothing you dont, with very few moving parts and pieces. The exhaust is fairly compact, but the routing is sound and it disperses exhaled bubbles efficiently. It also has an anti-pressure drop pneumatic spring and high capacity filter. BEST FOR: BEST OF THE BEST. It has a hose with a large bore diameter which allows for a high airflow rate when inhaling. A pneumatically balanced second stage has adjustments for the Venturi effect. It has four low-pressure ports and two high-pressure ports on its DC7 first stage, which is pneumatically balanced and chrome-plated brass. It also comes with a long 36-inch hose. The most noticeable difference between balanced and unbalanced regulators is how they breathe when you are low on air. The compact second stage looks great, and is lightweight in your mouth, so no jaw fatigue. 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. Key features of the second stage include the patented automatic flow control, seat saving dynamic orifice, elliptical exhaust valve, and comfort fit mouthpiece. In the USA and in North America most divers have yoke regulators and yoke valve scuba tanks. Your choice largely boils down to where you'll be doing most of your diving and your access to competent and professional service/repair. 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. There is a location on the regulator for RFID chips to help keep an inventory of rental gear at dive shops. The Oceanic reg benefits from being in the Huish Outdoors family with Atomic Aquatics, and features the same soft-with-harder-insert mouthpiece. This is a durable regulator with good airflow performance. The purge is effective, buy it feels a bit odd being a hard plastic button. It's rated for extreme dive environments like freezing water, caves and caverns, and shipwrecks. Rsingler noticed a diaphragm issue with his new Mk19's and me being the OCD person wanted him to look at mine. 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. It is also now smaller and lighter for a more comfortable dive. The Apeks MTX-R was the civilian version of the military-spec MTX (it was developed in accordance with the United States Navy Experimental Dive Units extreme cold-water test), and this regulator featured a first-of-its-kind over-moulded first stage end cap and environmental diaphragm to prevent ice build-up, a forged body with five low-pressure ports and two high-pressure ports, and was equipped with a double-swivel braided hose. The inline ball swivel and orthodontic mouthpiece help fit the regulator in a comfortable way. 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. If youre hoping to buy a cold water regulator thats light enough for dive travel, youre in luck! It is an environmentally sealed overbalanced diaphragm design, with a heat exchanger wrapped around the HP valve, so perfect for cold-water diving. It's got all the perks you expect from a midrange regulator, but it's outfitted for the cold. Both the first and second stages have an eye-catching PVD coating, which not only looks great but also adds another degree of protection. 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. Home Fishing Gear Scuba and Snorkeling 17 Best Scuba Diving Regulators 2023. The reason yoke regulators are mostly used is that most scuba tanks in the USA are made for yoke regulators. Having a good mask is very important when scuba diving. This is colored yellow to signify that it is the secondary regulator. 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. DIN regulators can be rated to a higher pressure value than a yoke valve which is also called an A-clamp. While it is a very reliable second stage modern second stages have been improved on. It can be a bit overwhelming trying to figure out which brand and model regulator is the best to purchase. The average breathing effort is 0.6 J/l. If you want to get a high-performance DIN regulator the T10 SC is a great option. But, in cold climates that might not be the case. The D420 is reminiscent of previous D-regs, with its unusual shape of second stage. The cracking resistance control and venturi lever make a real difference to the breathe, which is smooth in all orientations. Global Fishing Reports participants in affiliate marketing programs. The first and second stage weighs under 1.8 pounds which makes it the lightest regulator in the world. Well worth checking out as an entry-level reg. Plus, this regulator only needs to be serviced every 3 years or 300 dives. Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. 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. I have been told by many that the D420 doesn't breathe all that great on the surface.
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