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. While it is expensive and made from a heavier material than the Atomic Aquatics T3, the SCUBAPRO M25 A700 is an excellent regulator system. The overall work of breathing on past Legend models was .74 J/l but is not listed for the third generation. Its pretty hard to improve on the G250 and as James points out even older stuff performs great. 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. Captain Cody has worked on charter fishing boats in the Florida Keys, Virgin Islands, and Alaska. In the USA and in North America most divers have yoke regulators and yoke valve scuba tanks. For more of our top scuba gear recommendations, check out the Best Scuba Regulators. If youre planning to dive in cold water (below 75 F), youll need a regulator built to take a beating. SCUBAPRO M25 A700 Regulator. If you dont have a huge budget, then these scuba regulators are some of the best low-cost options. There is a location on the regulator for RFID chips to help keep an inventory of rental gear at dive shops. The pivoting purge and motorcycle throttle venturi control was again well received, and the Team also liked the cracking resistance control, which although quite small compared with others here was still operable with thick gloves on. Do not submerge the first stage of the regulator into the water for a long period because water could get past the dust cover. But, in cold climates that might not be the case. 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. It has two high-pressure ports and five low-pressure ports. In the picture, I am diving with a Cressi XS compact regulator in the Florida Keys. The regulator has two high-pressure and four medium-pressure ports. The first stage is chunky but quite compact, while the second stage is extremely small and lightweight you almost dont feel it in your mouth. 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. Many advanced divers want to use DIN scuba regulators and DIN valve scuba tanks when possible. A durable lightweight polymer is used for the shell of the regulator and is good for warm water diving. We push the units to their max by extensively purging them underwater and topside, over-breathing them underwater to simulate a panic situation, breathing them in every orientation, working any Venturi and/or cracking resistance controls, and various other trials if they can handle this over-the-top usage, they can handle a normal diving situation. However, the Epic also has a cracking resistance control knob for further fine-tuning of the breathe. It has at least one high-pressure output port to measure the pressure in the tank with a manual gauge or a dive computer. The second stage regulator is the part the diver breaths from. A Free photo gallery to share your dive photos with the world. Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. The regulators average breathing effort is not published. The adapter above allows for a DIN scuba regulator to be used on a scuba tank that is set up for a yoke valve. It looks good too, in an understated way with the PVD finish inserts, and I like the red-and-black colour scheme. Aqua Lung Leg3nd is the third generation Legend octopus and is a top-quality secondary regulator. Global Fishing Reports does not guarantee purchases made and these links should be viewed as recommendations only. This change in flow can serve as a good reminder to check your pressure gauge and can prevent out of air emergencies while diving in warm water. The AC2 first stage is a simple, reliable, and robust unbalanced piston design. The Rover has subtle styling, but its performance is outstanding at this price point. These programs pay this website advertising fees for products purchased through links going to other websites including Amazon. Despite the SPX first stage not being environmentally protected, it didnt falter in the cold even with robust testing. Its rated for extreme cold and can be used safely for demanding immersions like ice diving. High-pressure ports locations allow the regulator to face up or down. Home Fishing Gear Scuba and Snorkeling 17 Best Scuba Diving Regulators 2023. The first stage, with its black finish, neatly sets it off. DIN valves can have a working pressure up to 300 bar, hence why they are favoured by technical divers. On the second stage, the soft co-moulded purge button is effective and easy to locate and operate even with thick neoprene gloves, the Comfo-Bite mouthpiece is still one of the best on the market in my opinion, and the co-moulded exhaust tee efficiently vents exhaled bubbles either side of your face. Great cold-water regulator. The MK25 EVO D420 is one of the latest scuba regulator models by ScubaPro. The F8 has an environmentally sealed balanced diaphragm first stage made from durable brass, and featuring a precision-machined neoflon seat. Its got all the perks you expect from a midrange regulator, but its outfitted for the cold. JavaScript is disabled. 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. Outside of Atomic Aquatics products, the closest you get to a high-quality regulator is the SCUBAPRO M25 A700. It is made with marine brass and has an exterior chrome coating. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. When looking at the second stage the first thing people notice is the unique shape. Some regulators need to be serviced every year and others need to be serviced every few years. It also typically has two Venturi settings for pro-dive and driving conditions. I have been told by many that the D420 doesn't breathe all that great on the surface. If cost is not a factor the T3 is the best regulator on the market. The MK21/C370 is a nice little unit, with good looks matched to a decent performance. So Debra Sue, what type of diving do you intend to do? Before any tank is filled the VIP date, Hydro date, and tank pressure rating should be checked. The 52X also has an NCC (Natural Convection Channel), which increases cold-water performance by creating a flow of water across the regulator. However, when diving on vacation traveling with scuba tanks is not very practical. The balanced first stage allows for consistent breathing effort regardless of water depth or tank pressure. The D420 is reminiscent of previous D-regs, with its unusual shape of second stage. Atomic Aquatics Z2 octopus as the secondary scuba regulator. Features of the first stage include a large piston, extended thermal insulation system, and a removable orifice. 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. There are also low-pressure steel tanks that are rated between 2,400 and 2,640 psi. The MK25 EVO and the D420 make a solid pairing. We have linked some of the products to an affiliate program and if you decided to purchase the product through them, based on our advice, we will receive a small commission. The C370 second stage body is made from fibreglass reinforced nylon and now features a balanced valve and new exhaust tee. The dive setting is for when the regular is in the divers mouth and requires a lower breathing effort. There is always a primary second stage and a secondary second-stage or octopus. If it is rental equipment the mouthpiece can also be sanitized with mild disinfectants. The ScubaPro MK2 EVO is a scuba regulator with an unbalanced piston first stage. An oversized cap and heat exchanging fins improve anti-freeze properties. Nice large purge, comfy mouthpiece, neat first stage and awesome price point. I have the MK25/S600 and really enjoy it. A DIN regulator is considered the better regulator in most cases. Dive shops at the destination may not have DIN valve scuba tanks available for rental. This helps us to generate future content. There are several types of scuba tanks that have different pressure ratings. Unlike most regulators, the Hollis DC7 500SE utilizes a side exhaust for exhaled gas, so your bubbles will stay well out of frame. A turreted (vertical tower shaped) first stage offers many advantages over a traditional horizontal valve, especially when diving in cold water. It provided a smooth breath in all positions, and the cracking resistance control gave a nice degree of control to the user. The male thread on the DIN valve screws into the tank valve, so that the o-ring is solidly in place. The second stage is pneumatically balanced which helps keep the breathing effort constant throughout the dive. Well worth checking out as an entry-level reg. The yoke valve is easily recognisable as it utilises a clamp set-up to hold the first stage onto the pillar valve. A pneumatically balanced second stage has adjustments for the Venturi effect. Each review is genuinely what our tester felt the product was like when it was dived. Other features of the second stage include an air balanced progressive flow control valve, dive or pre-dive switch, inner winglets to reduce exhalation effort, and a compact high-flow mouthpiece that is comfortable to wear. It's got all the perks you expect from a midrange regulator, but it's outfitted for the cold. The backup second-stage regulator is referred to as the octopus. It has been improved upon by Scubapros G260 via the micro-adjust and exhalation effort. The MK2 Evo is an efficient piston first stage. But, this can make them slightly more prone to freeflow. It can be locked in place, or allowed to move freely, depending on whether you are diving a single cyliner, a twinset or sidemount. It also has an attractive sandblasted finish. Practically these days any regulator is good. It comes with braided Aqua Flex hose. The second stage is made of a durable polymer that is lightweight. It is important to breathe out of the nose when descending to equalize the pressure in the mask. And, its large easy-to-grip knobs (to customize airflow) were designed for divers wearing thick gloves. The MK2 Evbo paired up with the R195 makes a decent budget-priced route into the brand. 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). A lot of scubaboarders will argue it is the best breathing reg to there. First, some DIN regulators are rated to hold about 1,000 more PSI than yoke regulators. The MK25 offers plenty of ports for all your accessories on an ergonomic swiveling turret, compatible with traditional and sidemount configurations. This regulator has absolutely everything you need and nothing you dont, with very few moving parts and pieces. Keep in mind that a regulator rated for extreme cold will perform just as well in tropical climates. Examples of high-end regulators are the Scubapro MK25 Evo A700, the Mares Fusion 52x and the Aqualung Leg3nd. 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. Great all-round regulator. 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). Most DIN regulators can hold pressures up to 4300 PSI. The difference between piston and diaphragm regulators is the mechanism by which your air is delivered. Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions. 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. The oval face has a decent-sized purge, and a swivel aids comfort in use. It is one of only two regs in this price segment to feature both a venturi lever and a cracking resistance control. Cressi air gauge with integrated Leonardo 2 dive computer. 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. This Cressi AC2 with XS compact has a DIN first stage regulator rather than a yoke regulator. This was one of only two regs in this price bracket to feature both a venturi lever and a cracking resistance control. This regulator has an unbalanced piston first stage design which is known to be simple and reliable. In the video below I am scuba diving a wreck in the Florida keys with some friends and encounter a large great white shark. Higher-end regulators are sealed and balanced which becomes important when diving deep and when diving in cold water. The two high-pressure ports and two of the low-pressure ports come straight out of the main body, as per the norm, but on the front of the first stage is a large circular addition, which has another three low-pressure ports. The octopus is threaded onto a low-pressure port on the primary regulator. The second stage always has a purge valve to blow air in the event the regulator needs to be placed back into a divers mouth underwater. While it is a very reliable second stage modern second stages have been improved on. It is paired with the trusty 52X balanced diaphragm first stage. The reason the octopus is yellow is to ensure the primary regulator is being used most of the time. Comparing those three second stages on the "surface" the G260 breathes the easiest, then the D420/620ti seem tied. This can waste a lot of air and cause stress on the surface. The yoke connection is often the limiting factor that determines the max pressure that can be safely used while scuba diving. Features include zirconium-plated brass and titanium components as well as the patented automatic flow system. This third-generation model is no different. Typically you are going to read the depth from the dive computer. The only reason it is number three is that it is more expensive than the regulators above. The AL Legend can be tuned to breathe quite easily, even a little easier than the G250. This is a common R-series model and the T-195 second stage is commonly used as the octopus on higher-end models as well. It may not display this or other websites correctly. 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. This is colored yellow to signify that it is the secondary regulator. Personally, I think Cressi regulators are of good value and work great for most recreational diving. Yoke scuba tanks can dive with a DIN regulator with a yoke adapter for the DIN tank. Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions. Both the first and second stages have an eye-catching PVD coating, which not only looks great but also adds another degree of protection. It is known for easy breathing regardless of depth. Key features of the second stage include an adjustable Venturi vacuum assist, a super flow hose, a comfortable mouthpiece, and metal valve housing. The purge is effective, buy it feels a bit odd being a hard plastic button. If you stick with diving, this regulator will make an excellent backup and is a top pick for deco tanks, too. It breathes super easy at any depth. VERDICT: The MK2 Evo / R195 regulator is a great way for a new diver to get on board with the Scubapro brand. The inline ball swivel and orthodontic mouthpiece help fit the regulator in a comfortable way. Mares were absent from this price bracket last year, and it is good to see them back in the mix with a new regulator. This boils down to the fact that the environmentally sealed first stage will keep out contaminants and perform superbly in cold water. For this test it was paired with the proven MK25 EVO flow-through piston first stage, which is fully insulated from the environment by the XTIS (Extended Thermal Insulating System) and has numerous innovative design features to aid cold-water performance. I just replaced my glacier with an LX and love it! It is made with marine-grade brass. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions. The ScubaPro MK25 A700 EVO carbon black tech is a top-quality durable scuba regulator. It is not balanced so the breathing effort may vary with water depth and scuba tank pressure. When it comes to cold water regulators, the ScubaPro MK25 EVO/A700 is the best of the best. 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. Hollis continues to forge a path into regulators, and the flagship 200LX DCX is well worth a look. 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. I also have an Atomic ST1 with sealed first stage and that is excellent. How to tell difference between Aqualung Legend vs Supreme. For non-technical diving, many people use a wrist computer with the standard analog air gauge. The Comfo-Bite mouthpiece is also very comfy. This regulator is made in the USA. The second stage is pneumatically balanced and maintains the same breathing effort even as depth and tank pressure changes. The first choice needed to be made when purchasing a regulator is whether to get a DIN or a yoke regulator. The secondary regulator is sometimes built into the BCD. It is installed with an 8mm hex Allen key tool that is not included. The overall work of breathing past legend models was .74 J/l but is not listed for the third generation. 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. The large circular purge button is also simple to find and operate. If you buy your own DIN tanks than this is not a problem. The entire regulator weighs just 2.5 pounds. The durability of this setup is why this regulator is often used as rental gear for dive operations. Did early Aqualung Legends have fixed (built-in) crowns in the first stage? The AL Legend can be tuned to breathe quite easily, even a little easier than the G250. It is also now smaller and lighter for a more comfortable dive. It features plenty of ports (for wireless air integration, dry suits, and accessories) and an easy to customize airflow. It is well priced, and a decent performer all-round. When using a steel tank with a yoke regulator the diver should make sure the tank was not filled above 3,00 psi. Good-looking, great-performing regulator. DIN to Yoke Scuba Regulator Adapter by Promate, Plug Adapter for a DIN Scuba Tank to Yoke Regulator. Having a good mask is very important when scuba diving. It is easy to see the benefits of being part of the Huish Outdoors family. The MC9 first stage is a hyper balanced diaphragm system. It is not a balanced system and does not have a high heat transfer rate for cold water diving. 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. Features of the first stage include the auto closure device, anti-freeze design, auto-balanced design, low breathing effort maintained at deep depths, and soft-grip material for easy regulator removal from the scuba tank. It is compact but delivers a tremendous performance, and paired up with the Dual Adj second stage, it is a great all-round performer. Joining is quick and easy. Some DIN regulators are actually only rated to 2900 psi so make sure to check the regulators pressure rating before use. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The Elite is the latest and highest-end model of the Aqua Lung Legend series of regulators. Key features of the second stage include Venturi dive or pre-dive settings, and an orthodontic mouthpiece. The XS compact second stage has an adjustment for the Venturi effect and a low noise semi-rigid case. This regulator is preferred by wreck, cave, and cavern divers . CRACKING RESISTANCE:No |VENTURI:No|VERDICT:The Mares 52x is one of the most eye-catching first stages on the market. It is lightweight, so ideal for travelling divers, but equally coped well with this cold-water test, making it a good all-rounder. The first stage is made the chrome coated marine brass. Personally, I have dove wrecks at about 100 feet with an unbalanced regulator and did not notice any change in the force level it took to breathe. Lets talk about that first stage. 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. 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. BEST FOR: BEST OF THE BEST. 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. Thumbs up for the comfort of the ComfoBite mouthpiece as well. We do this at 2 liters/20 breaths per minute, 2.5 L/25 bpm and 3 L/25 bpm. Global Fishing Reports participants in affiliate marketing programs. Because youll likely be using thick gloves, its essential to choose a regulator with a knob large enough to grasp and adjust easily. That first stage is certainly an eye-catcher. 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. 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. In the video below my friends and I are scuba diving at Looe key in the Florida keys at night. When diving in warm water under 60 feet most regulators on the market will work. The breath on the 200LX is smooth and dry in all orientations, and the big, chunky venturi lever and cracking resistance control are both easy to use even wearing dry gloves, as is the huge purge, which is effectively the entire front of the second stage. You must log in or register to reply here. Its second stage features the comfo-bite mouthpiece and a Venturi knob to control the airflow and breathing effort. The F8s first stage is sealed and insulated, with a watertight exterior to prevent corrosion. Previous generation required setting a lower IP for the Supreme, but that is no longer the case. ScubaPro analog pressure and depth gauge. The xDeep regs provided a smooth breathe, and the controls were simple to find and use. Diaphragm first stages offer air at a lower flow rate, so they are less likely to freeflow. This is because the computer can be worn like a watch and is easy to check the depth and remaining bottom time values. CRACKING RESISTANCE:Yes |VENTURI:No|VERDICT:The Epic Adj 82x is Mares top of the line regulator, and it is easy to see why. The cracking resistance control and venturi lever make a real difference to the breathe, which is smooth in all orientations. The C370 second stage body is made from fibreglass reinforced nylon and now features a balanced valve and new exhaust tee. 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. When using a DIN regulator you need to also have a DIN valve on the scuba tank. This is a durable regulator with good airflow performance. The venerable Legend now Leg3nd is back in an all-new guise, and the Elite is the pick of the pack. 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. The MK25 is a overbalanced piston first stage whereas the Aqualung is a overbalanced diaphragm first stage. Finally, there is a comfortable orthodontic mouthpiece with a good grip. Scuba tanks need to be visually inspected every year and have a properly dated VIP sticker to be filled. The diaphragm is located in the lower section which makes breathing easier in the upright position. Again, regardless of the thickness of exposure protection on the hands, the controls were easy to use, especially the cracking resistance control knob. For this price point, this is exceptional value for money. Aqualung Regs last a long time more than you indicate before you will think of tech diving (3-5yrs). 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. Second stages today offer something the G250 doesnt have, a micro adjust that allows the service tech to fine tune it. Make sure to not fill the tank above 3000 psi as that is the pressure rating for most yoke regulators. A DIN valve can work with a yoke regulator if a plug adapter is placed into the scuba tank. A comfort-fit silicone mouthpiece is soft and has tear-resistant bite tabs. Icy waters are among the most challenging conditions you can take on as a SCUBA diver, and not just any gear will do. The comfobite mouthpiece is nice when diving for long periods. 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. It looks good too, in an understated way, with the 316 stainless steel elements, and I like the red-and-black colour scheme. This is for two reasons. These days, there are plenty of options weighing in at less than 2.5 lbs.
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