The new Mares Epic ADJ 82X PVD is the top-of-the-line in Mares regulators. The purge cover, which takes up the whole front of the reg, is soft and rubbery, the breathing adjustment knob is a full inch in diameter and ringed with soft rubber, and the Venturi lever is one of the easiest to reach and operate weve used (and is clearly marked). The pneumatically balanced second stage comes with Aqua Lungs Master Breathing System (MBS) which has a single knob to control Venturi assist and cracking pressure. In ANSTI tests it was rated excellent at recreational depth, and very good throughout the range of depths and breathing rates. The first stage is based around the expedition tested DS4, and like its entry-level ATX cousin, features an overbalanced, environmentally sealed design with over-moulded first stage endcap and large surface area heat exchanger, designed with cold-water exploration in mind. Scuba Diving may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. They had second stages that were compact and didn't create bubble interference. The graphs below show results of ANSTI testing on the same reg at different depths and breathing rates. Higher spec regulators may have an additional HP port and extra LP/MP ports, allowing for more flexibility in configuration. The environmentally sealed piston rst stage has a balanced design for consistent performance as tank pressure drops. Despite the metalwork and large diaphragm housing, the second stage is lighter than it looks, making it surprisingly comfortable. All that metalwork gives it a somewhat beefy look, but test divers found that the second stage is actually quite lightweight and easy on the jaw. Spending a bit extra in the first place, however, may save you money in the long-run as your dive horizons broaden, Filed Under: Equipment, Kit Reviews Tagged With: Apeks, Aqua Lung, Atomic Aquatics, Mares, Regulators, Scubapro, Seac, TUSA, Zeagle, Want to access DIVE on your tablet or smartphone? Live a life others only dream about. The Rover 15X is more expensive, but with a balanced diaphragm first stage making it suitable for a wider range of diving conditions. Adventure travel blog. It tied the high ergonomic scores in every category except head-down position, where divers rated it just good for ease of breathing and dry air. 37.5 RMV @ 132 fsw: The pneumatically balanced XT2 second stage is adjustable to allow the diver to fine tune their preferred cracking pressure, with associated dive/predive Venturi assist lever, Fittings: Yoke or DINFirst Stage: Balanced pistonCold water: YesPorts: 2 HP, 5 LPSecond Stage: Balanced, airflow control with Venturi assistWeight (first and second): 1250g (DIN). This regs second-stage features a laser-etched titanium front thats a thing of beauty. Likewise the purge: It feels odd at first, but with a little use, youre able to use it very precisely. Divers also found the breathing-resistance adjustment effective, earning it a very good rating. Slip into gin-clear waters where tugs, anchors and fishing boats burst with life, from macro goodies to pelagic wonders. The simulator monitors how much effort is required to breathe, measuring the work of breathing in joules per liter (j/l). Two HP and seven LP ports is more than most regulators, with the LP ports located on a fixed cap instead of a swivelling body, allowing for hose routing choice. The simulator pressurizes the test chamber to simulate depths of 132 fsw, 165 fsw and 198 fsw. A DIN regulator is screwed directly to the tank with a DIN system. The cool finish and metal diaphragm cover give it a tough, all-business look. Share your love of diving, experience new adventures, expand your dive skills, and help save the ocean. It prompted test-diver comments such as all around comfortable to use and everything you would want in a reg. Our ANSTI testing showed the F8 was giving up nothing in performance for the comfort, and doing it for the lowest price here, making the Zeagle F8 our Best Buy. Budget Friendly. 2 of the 4 LP ports are Dynamic Flow Control (DFC) ports, which reduce intermediate pressure drop during the breathing cycle. All regulators must go through strict controls to ensure that they meet quality and safety standards. Technical info:DFC port, Balanced diaphragm, warm water. Having a basic understanding of the components prior to making a purchase is essential, especially if its your first, so take a deep breath heres the basics. Ergonomically designed Venturi switch overmolded with "soft touch" elastomer. Atomics patented valve seat saving orifice extends the service interval to 2 years or 300 dives, with a limited lifetime warranty. Basic, but robust. The compact second stage is made of a lightweight elastomer that is easy on the jaw for all-day diving comfort. Divers noticed this attention to ergonomics, and that earned the F8 top ergonomic scores in our test. The jargon can be off-putting, is not always adequately covered during training, and is sometimes used by salespeople to direct you to equipment you dont really need. The Cressi AC2 XS Compact Regulator Set is an exceptionally dependable non-balanced flow-by-piston designed Cressi AC2 1st stage regulator combined Category Path: SCUBA / WATERSPORTS>Regulators>Sidemount Regulators. The balanced piston-based first stage features Atomics Jet Seat, and a factory fitted environmental seal is an optional extra. Second stage: This is the nozzle we breathe through. Some manufacturers are now fitting braided hoses and swivel joints as standard, but they are always available as optional extras. The Xstream has no adjustments, but test divers reported no issues with free-flows. Roger Roy, ScubaLab Director. tel. tj@E This makes it easy and fast to mount and dismount. While our test-team divers were impressed with the performance of the $500-and-under regulators, they found that some of the extras that come with these pricier models really are well worth it. If you are looking for a scuba diving regulator, you mustfind the one that best fits your needs. This disclosure pertains to all product links. Known as the divers reserve parachute, the Spare Air is must-have equipment for the safety-conscious diver. While the heritage of its predecessor THE GS2000 is apparent, the new Prana aims to build on that reputation. Made of nickel-plated brass, the simple piston first stage features a single HP port and four LP ports. Dont completely submerge the first stage. Piston first stages are built with fewer moving parts, having a high-performance and simple design, while the diaphragm first stages use a rubber diaphragm with a heavy spring to operate the valve between the two chambers. Overbalanced regulators slightly increase the pressure of air delivered to the diver at depth. The chrome-plated brass first stage utilises ultra-light technopolymers, and unlike some other rental sets, is of a balanced piston design. The AC25 balanced piston rst stage delivers constant intermediate pressure, with ve LP ports on a rotating turret with two HP ports. The XS Compact was one of our divers favorites in last years ergo test, thanks to its really tiny, lightweight second stage, which was easy on the jaw. High performance porting and precision engineering combined with the balanced second stage have gained the Envoy II a reputation for excellent, easy breathing characteristics. On the ANSTI machine, the XS Compacts performance was rated very good at max recreational depth and good down to our test limits. Some divers found the wide, narrow purge cover somewhat stiff and thought it required a little getting used to, but they also noted it didnt free-flow even in strong current. Fittings: Yoke or DINFirst Stage: Balanced diaphragmCold water: YesPorts: 2 HP, 4 LP (2 high flow)Second Stage: Venturi controlWeight (first and second): 950g (DIN). But they liked the swiveling first-stage barrel and five low-pressure ports, which give a wide choice of hose-routing options. The Horizon offers the benets of a rebreatherextended bottom time, almost no bubbles, and warm, moist breathing gasin a streamlined package that operates with a single Nitrox cylinder and a head-up display. Divers found the Venturi control well marked, easy to operate and effective at blocking free-flows. But testers found that some features on these regs added comfort and convenience. The accompanying S-90 second stage is pneumatically balanced to reduce cracking pressure, and is also equipped with a dive/predive Venturi lever, Fittings: Yoke or DINFirst Stage: Balanced diaphragmCold water: YesPorts: 2 HP, 4 LP (2 high flow)Second Stage: balanced, Venturi leverWeight (first and second): 1000g (DIN). What makes a regulator more expensive isnt safety. The Aqua Lung Core/Core Supreme regs are our Testers Choice. +61359851700 :: email. The single piece body and flexible nylon hose reduce the overall weight, with the second stage geared towards reducing jaw fatigue on long duration dives. Otherwise the two versions appeared identical to us (in ANSTI machine testing they recorded the same intermediate static pressures down to /10 of a psi). scubadiving.com is part of PADI Media, a division of PADI Worldwide. The reg is novel enough that test divers found that it took a bit of getting used to. For divers looking to buy a regulator with a broader range of options, the Core Supreme has a balanced diaphragm first stage featuring Aqua Lungs auto closure device (ACD) which seals the regulator as its removed from the tank, with pre-angled ports for better hose routing and chrome plated brass body. With the Mk11 weighing in at 490g and the C370 at only 171g, the combination is one of the lightest available and excellent for travel. Divers rated the MX100 very good for ease of breathing in a swimming position, and for dry breathing in both normal and head-down positions, tying the top scores in those categories. Great performance, ultralight and durable. Balanced regulators are not affected by tank pressure, and deliver air at the same pressure throughout the dive. This is the best diving for every season in a state with endless possibility. Book your fun dives, snorkelling trips and courses online with thousands of PADI Dive Centers. Some manufacturers produce regulators tailored towards dive centre rental gear, a good choice for the novice diver on a budget, but which may compare less favourably in terms of design, size, weight and especially cold-water use to the model that manufacturers promote as entry-level. The general advice is to buy the best that you can afford. I also recommend that you get a regulator that doesnt blow bubbles directly in your face when you exhale. And its designed to be assembled and cleaned without tools for added convenience. The balanced second stage features Atomics patented Automatic Flow Control for consistent breathing with low effort, and the titanium seat saving orifice of the second stage reduces wear on the valve seat from repeated use, extending the service interval for the regulator to 2 years or 300 dives. 3 Ease of breathing in head-down position Fittings: Yoke or DINFirst Stage: Balanced diaphragmCold water: YesPorts: 2 HP, 5 MPSecond Stage: Breathing resistance knob with Venturi assistWeight: 1170g (Yoke). The newer MK11, coupled with the brand new, all-purpose C370 second stage, however, offers a great deal more to the diver in terms of performance, but is not much more in terms of price. Redesigned in 2015, the balanced diaphragm, brass bodied-first stage has five low pressure and two high pressure ports. Thanks to its advanced design, low inhalation efforts are needed even at deep depths. On some regs, the breathing adjustment doesnt seem to make much difference, but the new DX200 isnt one of them. An evening with Doug Allan for World Manta Day. The reg proved capable on the ANSTI machine, where it was rated very good at recreational depth and good to test limits. Exotic materials helped keep components light for comfort without sacrificing performance or durability. The ATX series has been around since 2002, and although its been superseded by the XTX range, theres a reason the old workhorse is still in production. These wrecks along the African islands north-western coast cater to every dive level, offering encounters from turtles and tuna to candy crabs and nudis. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. And first-stage features like rotating barrels or extra ports provided more hose-routing options. You can see how each reg performed on the breathing simulator in the charts that accompany the reviews. In ANSTI testing, the Xstream earned an excellent rating at recreational depth, recording one of the lowest work-of-breathing scores in our test. The exceptional A700 second stage forms the ultimate high airflow system for all diving needs. Copyright 2005-2022 by The Scuba Doctor Australia, ABN 88 116 755 170. Dont worry too much if it feels a bit heavy at first because that will change once you get underwater. This represents the European conformance standard EN250, and is also the depth and breathing rate commonly used by manufacturers when determining a regulators performance. These precisely measured volumes of air 2.5 liters multiplied by the breathing rate are called Respiratory Minute Volumes (RMVs). Fittings: Yoke or DINFirst Stage: Balanced diaphragmCold water: YesPorts: 2 HP, 7 LPSecond Stage: balanced, Venturi controlWeight (first and second): 1150g (DIN). Its quite compact, which makes it a great option for travelers. A yoke mount is the first choice of most divers because they can find compatible tanks and mounts all over the world. This can be very annoying and will reduce your visibility underwater. The second stage is light enough to be quite comfortable in the mouth. The Prestige was the only reg in our test with no dive/predive switch, but like all modern regs, it uses the Venturi effect to reduce the effort needed to keep the diaphragm open when inhaling. 1 Ease of breathing in swimming position However, a regulator is made from pieces of high-precision and modern engineering. Copyright 2022 Scuba Diving. They had purge controls that could clear the reg effectively without an excessive blast of air. Once your regulator is clean, keep it in a dry place protected from the sun. We conducted these tests at Alexander Springs in Florida with a team of divers who recorded their scores during their dives using underwater slates and waterproof test sheets. Fittings: Yoke or DINFirst Stage: Balanced pistonCold water: NoPorts: 1 HP, 4 LPSecond Stage: Venturi dive / prediveWeight (first and second): 850g (DIN). Top quality regulator for serious divers. The environmentally-sealed ambient chamber ensures the internals remain clear of water and silt, making it perfect for diving in all conditions, with the low-profile first stage barely reaching the top of the tank valve. This selection of the Top 10 Best scuba diving regulator sets covers the needs of new divers, hunter gatherer divers and discerning recreational divers, plus deep and technical divers. Launched in October 2017, the XL4 is Apeks latest addition to their range, suitable for all divers in all locations, with a compact design and for the features a compact price. The compact, elliptical S-81 second stage features a sequential exhaust assist and has a ceramic moisture plate to prevent dry mouth. The Guardian full-face mask provides a dry, comfortable diving experience thanks to its effective double seal and a design that permits divers to breathe naturally from the nose. These days, all but the most basic of regulators are balanced. Diaphragm regulators are more complex in design, but they are all balanced, and the rubber diaphragm acts as its own environmental seal, hence they are preferred for deep and cold-water diving. Paired with the capable MK25 EVO rst stage, the D420 has an easy-reach top-mounted Venturi control. In ANSTI testing, the DX200 was rated very good across the board at all test depths. Both systems work extremelly well, but diaphragm first stages usually have better cold water reliability. Anything higher requires the use of compatible materials and specialist oxygen cleaning. Although many divers consider them to be a better and more reliable option, they are not very popular among recreational divers. The rst stage has a dry-sealed spring chamber, with critical components protected behind the clear hydrostatic diaphragm. Performance in ANSTI testing was impressive, with the Fusion 52X recording one of the lowest work-of-breathing scores for an excellent rating at recreational depth, and very good scores to our test limits. The front cover is scratch-resistant. Its a simple design and, our testing showed, an effective one. PADI Dive Resorts for all budgets, in the best dive locations around the world. It is, by far, the most common and popular option. However, some divers said the adjustment needed tuning more frequently than they liked, with relatively small changes in depth or breathing rate requiring a touch of the knob. The LX Supreme has an environmentally sealed, overbalanced diaphragm first stage with an extremely useful Auto Closure Device (ACD) which seals the regulator as its disconnected from the tank. Replace or update your card, buy a Special Edition or Project AWARE version of your PADI certification card, or go digital with the purchase of a PADI eCard. Although the balanced piston first stage is not environmentally sealed, Scubapros patented thermal insulating system and anti-freeze protection ensures reliability even in the most extreme water temperatures. Available in 3 and 6 cubic foot sizes, it features a custom anodized blue tank and t-shirt, available with an optional dial pressure gauge. 11 Comfort of mouthpiece Obviously, its not cheap. That depends on what type of diving you do, the features you need and your preferences. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The Atomic T3 Titanium is one of the finest dive regulators youll find on the market. This Mexican cenote offers a chance to dive beneath the world's weirdest (and least understood) cave formations. The barrel on the balanced diaphragm first stage doesnt swivel, but the four low-pressure ports are angled at 20 and 30 degrees for additional hose-routing options. Ensure that the mouthpiece feels good, allowing you to maintain a natural bite. We tested the latest version of the Cyklon Metal (the Cyklon 5000 has a plastic second stage), which, with its mix of shiny and matte metalwork and large, black diaphragm end cap, has a vintage look that verges on steampunk. Divers rated the Prestige very good for ease of breathing in swimming position, ease of clearing and dry breathing, although some noted it breathed a bit wetter when head-down. The built-in second stage is removable for easy cleaning and storage. The Prestige does this by way of an angled tube on the right side of the second stage leading to the mouthpiece inlet; its an air by- pass that creates a low-pressure vortex behind the diaphragm. We have more, Bervoets, head of Bonaire's Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance, supports conservation across the region from managing MPAs to securing shark protection after a career in. Divers also rated it very good for bubble interference. But nothing about this regs performance is old-fashioned. DIN (Deutsche Industrie Norm) regulators screw into tank valves with a threaded DIN opening. Its metal construction and pneumatically assisted design make it a capable, reliable tool for cold water use. 6 Bubble interference in normal swimming position Divers rated the reg very good for ease of breathing in a swimming position, for dry breathing in normal positions and for ease of clearing (though some divers found it a bit wetter when head-down). 8 Ease of clearing regulator using the blowing method Crowley (known to his mum as Mark), packed in his IT job in 2005 and spent the next nine years working as a full-time scuba diving professional. Thats why all regulators, from the cheapest to the most expensive, should be safe to use. Its used in emergencies to share air with buddies. The DX200s purge cover is a large, rounded triangle that allows good control a gentle push on one of the corners provides an easy clearing of the reg without an overly strong blast although some divers thought it required more movement than it should have. It features five low-pressure ports on a 360-degree swivel, two high-pressure ports and a two-piece piston for precise optimum balance. Its a simple but ergonomic, resistant and durable dive regulator + Octopus. One of the most extreme environments on the planet, such oxygen-less pools may hold the keys to important medical breakthroughs. Zapote Cenote, nicknamed Hells Bells, gives divers the chance to get up close and personal with a rare underwater phenomenon. Mares calls this a radical departure from other regs, and you'll hear no argument from us. The Cressi AC25M Master Cromo Regulator Set with Octopus Regulator and Regulator Bag delivers performance, ergonomic reliability, and ease of Category Path: SCUBA / WATERSPORTS>Regulators>Diving Regulators. Required fields are marked *. User adjustable inhalation effort knob and Venturi assist lever are standard. The knurled adjustment knob allows divers to easily tune the inhalation effort to their own preferences. ScubaLab tested 14 new regs over and under the $500 price point in an ANSTI breathing simulator and in the water. Environmental seals prevent cold water and particulate matter from entering the first stage, reducing the risk of freezing or fouling. The first stage reduces the air pressure to an intermediate pressure. Aqua Lungs new midrange reg is available in two versions, the regular and the Supreme, which is rated for use in water 50 degrees below zero and comes with an environmentally sealed first stage. You know youve found the perfect scuba regulator when you barely notice its there. The included electronic controller features a 2.8-inch color screen that shows scrubber status, loop O2 level, a digital compass and more. The first stage of the Xstream uses a design that Poseidon says reduces potential failure points by two-thirds. Test divers were impressed with its easy breathing. Yoke also known as A-clamp or int regulators fit over the tank valve and are secured with a screw clamp. First stage: This is the part connected to the tank. The balanced second stage is treated for abrasion on the outside, and has airflow and Venturi controls to regulate cracking pressure and prevent freeflow. In some cases, that means youre giving up a bit of comfort or convenience, such as the additional options for hose routing that you get with a rotating first stage, or the ability to precisely fine-tune your regs breathing resistance at a particular depth and workload. Press the Apple, Android or PC/Mac image below to download the app for your device. The Venturi lever was effective, if a little stiff. Your life depends on them, and there are no regulators on the market which cannot perform safely and effectively. It is commonly used for cold and warm water, extreme depths and technical dives. The regulator takes the compressed air coming from the tank and adjusts it to the pressure we require to breathe. This kind of mount creates a better seal and withstands higher pressures. The purge cover is soft and large enough that its easy to reach and operate, but several divers found it a bit too strong, requiring a careful touch to avoid an unwanted blast of air. The most common hose lengths used on regulators are around 70 or 75 cm for the second stage, and 90 cm for the Octopus or backup second stage. Scubapros MK2 / R195 combo is probably the most prevalent regulator rental set in the world, and with a RRP of only 189, a decent choice for the entry level diver on a budget. Zeagles flagship F8 was given a makeover a few years ago, with over 20 improvements in the balanced diaphragm first stage.