For the average diver that dives a few times a year in warm water, this is all that should be needed. There are also low-pressure steel tanks that are rated between 2,400 and 2,640 psi. Most DIN regulators can hold pressures up to 4300 PSI. 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. How often should I check my scuba cylinder. Despite the SPX first stage not being environmentally protected, it didnt falter in the cold even with robust testing. Aqua Lung Leg3nd is the third generation Legend octopus and is a top-quality secondary regulator. The reason the octopus is yellow is to ensure the primary regulator is being used most of the time. So, it cant hurt to be over-prepared. When using a steel tank with a yoke regulator the diver should make sure the tank was not filled above 3,00 psi. In the video below I am scuba diving a wreck in the Florida keys with some friends and encounter a large great white shark. 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. The first stage is made the chrome coated marine brass. It is one of only two regs in this price segment to feature both a venturi lever and a cracking resistance control. You must log in or register to reply here. The Cressi AC2 is also available with the XS compact second stage and is rated number one on this list. 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. Features of the first stage include a large piston, extended thermal insulation system, and a removable orifice. The large purge is easy to locate and depress, and the Venturi, while fairly small, can be operated even with thick gloves. This is a sealed piston first stage with two high pressure and five low-pressure ports. The Legend line of regulators is the best-performing regulator manufactured by Aqua Lung. 9 Best Scuba Regulators in 2020 over 475 - Scuba Diver Mag Still waiting to find a 1st that balances as good as any Legend I had on my Flow Benches. It is available both as a yoke and DIN configuration of the first stage. I have the MK25/S600 and really enjoy it. Having a wrist computer is great for non-technical diving. The regulator also needs a pressure gauge or have an integrated dive computer. If the LUX catches your eye, that 1st stage has a PVD coating. It is installed with an 8mm hex Allen key tool that is not included. As with all Oceanic products, it comes with a lifetime warranty and free parts for life, making that price even more attractive. Joining is quick and easy. An auto closer device on the first stage keeps corrosive water from entering the regulator when it is removed from the tank. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. The Zeagle F8 does it all. The Oceanic reg benefits from being in the Huish Outdoors family with Atomic Aquatics, and features the same soft-with-harder-insert mouthpiece. Both the first and second stages have an eye-catching PVD coating, which not only looks great but also adds another degree of protection. Its second stage features the comfo-bite mouthpiece and a Venturi knob to control the airflow and breathing effort. The second stage is more-traditional, with a cracking resistance control and venturi lever. A DIN valve can work with a yoke regulator if a plug adapter is placed into the scuba tank. Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. Many divers use multiple gauges for redundancy in challenging environments. The most noticeable difference between balanced and unbalanced regulators is how they breathe when you are low on air. DIN valves can have a working pressure up to 300 bar, hence why they are favoured by technical divers. SCUBAPRO M25 A700 Regulator. 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. For more of our top scuba gear recommendations, check out the Best Scuba Regulators. The entire regulator weighs just 2.5 pounds. It's rated for extreme dive environments like freezing water, caves and caverns, and shipwrecks. Good entry-level regulator. DIN regulators are the better regulators for two technical reasons. It has two high-pressure ports and five low-pressure ports. The F8s first stage is sealed and insulated, with a watertight exterior to prevent corrosion. DIN valves screw directly into the dive tank, to form a highly stable seal. The MK25 offers plenty of ports for all your accessories on an ergonomic swiveling turret, compatible with traditional and sidemount configurations. The first and second stages can both be balanced or neither can be balanced. Balanced regulators also perform better during deep dives. An adjustment Venturi switch allows the regulator to be set at pre-dive or dive settings. While it performed well straight out of the box, we liked the ability to tweak the breathe to our liking the venturi and the cracking resistance control were both large and easy to locate and operate while wearing gloves. Having a pressure gauge that also has a depth gauge is a good idea. 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. Second stage regulators can also be balances to help keep the breathing force consistent as depth changes. The D420 is reminiscent of previous D-regs, with its unusual shape of second stage. An oversized cap and heat exchanging fins improve anti-freeze properties. Which regulator suits you? | Lucas Divestore The yoke valve, also known as an A-clamp, was at one point the industry norm, until the arrival of the DIN (Deutsche Industrie Norm) valve from Europe, which was embraced by technical divers thanks to its improved safety, and the option of increased tank pressure. The Best Scuba Regulators of 2022 Reviewed | Scuba Diving The Aqualung Legend Supreme comes in at $1150, including the second stage and octopus. It has been improved upon by Scubapros G260 via the micro-adjust and exhalation effort. Thumbs up for the comfort of the ComfoBite mouthpiece as well. Global Fishing Reports participants in affiliate marketing programs. The XL4+ is a nice-looking regulator, especially with that white finish, and its subtle styling is matched by a stunning performance. There is also a knob that allows the diver to change the breathing effort. An efficient heat exchanger makes it so this octopus can be used in cold water without freezing up in most conditions. Top 10 Best Scuba Diving Regulators 2020 | Mike's Dive Store 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. A DIN regulator is considered the better regulator in most cases. Yoke valves are more common but only work with tanks filled to less than 3000 PSI. Key features of the second stage include Venturi dive or pre-dive settings, and an orthodontic mouthpiece. DIN vales have fewer o-ring problems and can typically be used with steel tanks up to 3500 psi. It is common for the octopus to have a long 36-inch hose which is helpful when sharing air with a buddy. When it comes to scuba diving the regulator is the essential piece of equipment that really needs to work to dive safely. The second stage is made of a durable polymer that is lightweight. Overall, both the MK17 and Legend Supreme offer high-quality technology at half the cost of the T3. It features plenty of ports (for wireless air integration, dry suits, and accessories) and an easy to customize airflow. The pre-dive setting requires more force when breathing but the regulator is less likely to free-flow. DIN regulators can be rated to a higher pressure value than a yoke valve which is also called an A-clamp. All products reviewed have been fully dived and tested. A Free photo gallery to share your dive photos with the world. The first state is an overcompensation diaphragm design. This regulator has absolutely everything you need and nothing you dont, with very few moving parts and pieces. 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. Turreted regulators are also compatible with technical and, difference between balanced and unbalanced regulators, How to Store and Maintain Your Scuba Gear, Adjustable Flow (allows you to control how much air you receive in each breath), Pre-Dive Switch (reduces flow to conserve air on the surface), Environmentally Sealed (so it has an insulating and protective exterior), Wireless Air Integration (an extra port for Bluetooth transmitters), Oversized Knobs (for use with thick gloves), Environmentally Sealed (an insulating and protective exterior), Can be Configured for Sidemount or Doubles (two back mounted tanks), Turreted First Stage (more versatile than a traditional valve), Extra Ports for Dry Suits and Accessories. The venerable Legend now Leg3nd is back in an all-new guise, and the Elite is the pick of the pack. There are several types of scuba tanks that have different pressure ratings. Most DIN scuba tanks can also be dived with a yoke regulator if a threaded insert is placed in the valve and the tank is filled to 3,000 psi or less. It also has a low noise rigid case, with a cam-lock. BEST FOR: BEST OF THE BEST. A great little reg and dont forget that superb limited lifetime warranty. 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 has dry chambers that reduce the potential for ice build-up. Practically these days any regulator is good. What temperature? It may not display this or other websites correctly. CRACKING RESISTANCE:Yes |VENTURI:No|VERDICT:The Zeo FDXi is great for travelling divers thanks to its compact first stage, but as it is also rated for cold-water use, it is the perfect all-round package for divers who dive in temperate and tropical waters. The diver must breathe from the mouth and never hold their breath. 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. Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions. Each "breath" of the machine moves a specified amount of air, called the tidal volume, through the reg. When it comes to cold water regulators, the ScubaPro MK25 EVO/A700 is the best of the best. Piston first stages offer a higher flow rate and are easier breathing than their counterparts. The first stage is pretty small, which helps keep the weight down, and with its shiny chrome and polyurethane protector, it certainly looks eye-catching. Regular with a longer then normal service interval? It is not a big deal but is a small hassle to change the o-ring when it is leaking. 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. The LS200 second stage is eye-catching but quite traditional, but the NX700 first stage is extremely innovative, with a rotating turret on the front for some of the low-pressure ports. The second stage stands out from the crowd thanks to its chrome surround on the front, and distinctive triangular-shaped purge valve. The first stage is made with nickel-plated brass. A turreted (vertical tower shaped) first stage offers many advantages over a traditional horizontal valve, especially when diving in cold water. The compact second stage looks great, and is lightweight in your mouth, so no jaw fatigue. This model is robust enough for daily use in extreme climates, but compact and lightweight enough for travel, too. The F8 has an environmentally sealed balanced diaphragm first stage made from durable brass, and featuring a precision-machined neoflon seat. The ScubaPro MK2 EVO is a scuba regulator with an unbalanced piston first stage. This is an imperial gauge with depth in feet and pressure in psi. This third-generation model is no different. Second, the o-ring seal on a DIN tank is within the regulator and typically has fewer issues than yoke tanks external o-rings. The second stage is pneumatically balanced and maintains the same breathing effort even as depth and tank pressure changes. There are many good brands of scuba regulators such as Cressi, ScubaPro, Oceanic, Aqualung, and Atomic Aquatics. Turreted regulators are also compatible with technical and sidemount diving. Did early Aqualung Legends have fixed (built-in) crowns in the first stage? The Core Supreme is a decent-looking regulator that delivers a smooth breathe, doesnt break the scales when it comes to weight, and at this price point, represents excellent value for money. CRACKING RESISTANCE:Yes |VENTURI:No|VERDICT:xDeep have carved a solid reputation with their wings, and it continues here. This model comes standard with high-end features like a turreted first stage and swiveling joints for easy hose routing and comfort. It is well priced, and a decent performer all-round. While this valve type might require more frequent service and thorough cleaning, its worth it if youre planning to dive in icy conditions. It comes with a lip shield, which does actually assist in keeping your lips warm(er) in cold water, but if you dont want this, it is quick and simple to remove. The exhaust is fairly compact, but the routing is sound and it disperses exhaled bubbles efficiently. The male thread on the DIN valve screws into the tank valve, so that the o-ring is solidly in place. The second stage controls when the low-pressure air is released via a diaphragm opening which allows the diver to breathe. Personally, I find the 2nd stage ugly as hell so I use my Mares proton metal. 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 first stage of the F8 is a compact but well-made unit, but we have to say that the second stage doesnt actually look as eye-catching as its cheaper sibling, the Onyx II (which scored well last month). The all-metal second stage has a unique pivoting purge valve, lightweight braided Superflex hose, and a neat twist control to boost the flow rate from natural breathing to power breathing, all of which was seen on the Fusion reg. If the tank pressure ever falls below around 300 psi the tank should also be visually inspected as seawater could have entered the tank. So, to utilize this new technology, youll need a regulator with 2 high-pressure ports. 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 can be a bit overwhelming trying to figure out which brand and model regulator is the best to purchase. These days, you can find her living and work on Mexicos Pacific coast. These days, there are plenty of options weighing in at less than 2.5 lbs. Having it in a secure location is also helpful if a buddy needs to use the regulator. 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. It is also known as an A-clamp, as it puts an A-shaped frame over the tank valve, which is then tightened by a knob-handled screw which pushes the first stage against a sealing o-ring on the face of the tank valve itself. The second stage stands out from the crowd thanks to its chrome surround on the front, and distinctive triangular-shaped purge valve. Well worth checking out as an entry-level reg. VERDICT: Lightweight regulator with very subtle styling, but the superior performance that belies its price point.
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