The dive setting is for when the regular is in the divers mouth and requires a lower breathing effort. The venturi is a bit dinky compared with some of the others, so a bit more awkward with gloves on, but still workable. A DIN valve can work with a yoke regulator if a plug adapter is placed into the scuba tank. DIN vales have fewer o-ring problems and can typically be used with steel tanks up to 3500 psi. The simulator pressurizes the chamber to simulate depths of 132 feet of seawater, 165 fsw and 198 fsw. 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. The entire regulator weighs just 2.5 pounds. 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 R195 second stage is a classic downstream design, with a Venturi lever that is easy to locate even wearing thick gloves. Plus, this regulator only needs to be serviced every 3 years or 300 dives. Best of all, this regulator is so lightweight and compact that it will take up no room at all in your travel bag. Atomic Aquatics Z2 octopus as the secondary scuba regulator. Despite the SPX first stage not being environmentally protected, it didnt falter in the cold even with robust testing. 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. Average breathing effort is not published. When it comes to cold water regulators, the ScubaPro MK25 EVO/A700 is the best of the best. Best Scuba Diving Regulators | PADI Like most regulators, it is compatible with enriched air nitrox EAN up to 40 percent. It is equipped with Scubapros X-TIS (Extended Thermal Insulating System), which fully insulates the international mechanism from the environment. The exhaust is fairly compact, but the routing is sound and it disperses exhaled bubbles efficiently. CRACKING RESISTANCE:No |VENTURI:No|VERDICT:The Mares 52x is one of the most eye-catching first stages on the market. VERDICT: The MK2 Evo / R195 regulator is a great way for a new diver to get on board with the Scubapro brand. There are several types of scuba tanks that have different pressure ratings. The octopus which is the backup second stage regulator should never dangle freely. Its first stage is robust and requires little maintenance. While it is expensive and made from a heavier material than the Atomic Aquatics T3, the SCUBAPRO M25 A700 is an excellent regulator system. Aqualung Regs last a long time more than you indicate before you will think of tech diving (3-5yrs). 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. As for the Octo - it's the base level leg3nd with just the venturi. Yoke valves are more common but only work with tanks filled to less than 3000 PSI. This regulator features a robust design packed with diver-friendly features, and it still weighs less than most models in its class. And, its large easy-to-grip knobs (to customize airflow) were designed for divers wearing thick gloves. Thumbs up for the comfort of the ComfoBite mouthpiece as well. 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. The regulator had two high-pressure ports and four low-pressure ports. This is one piece of gear that you want to own and not rent from a scuba shop, especially when diving internationally. The breathe is smooth and dry in all orientations, and the big, chunky venturi lever, which has a rubber grip built in, is easy to use even wearing drygloves, as is the monster purge, which is effectively the entire front of the second stage. It breathes super easy at any depth. Its second stage features the comfo-bite mouthpiece and a Venturi knob to control the airflow and breathing effort. Copyright 2023 Rork Media Limited - ISSN 2514-2054 - The Speed Train. A flow deviator on the second stage acts to control the Venturi effect with a dive or pre-dive setting. The XL4+ is a nice-looking regulator, especially with that white finish, and its subtle styling is matched by a stunning performance. Unlike most regulators, the Hollis DC7 500SE utilizes a side exhaust for exhaled gas, so your bubbles will stay well out of frame. There are many good brands of scuba regulators such as Cressi, ScubaPro, Oceanic, Aqualung, and Atomic Aquatics. CRACKING RESISTANCE:Yes |VENTURI:No|VERDICT:The Epic Adj 82x is Mares top of the line regulator, and it is easy to see why. While it is a very reliable second stage modern second stages have been improved on. The Atomic Z2 Octopus is the same as the Z2 primary second stage which is a top-quality regulator. On current generation Legend 1st stage, the only difference between LX and LX Supreme is chrome finish on the LX and satin finish on the LX Supreme. Where it all goes xDeep is the design of the body. 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. The regulator has a three year 300 dive service interval. The average breathing effort is 1.35 J/l. A comfort-fit silicone mouthpiece is soft and has tear-resistant bite tabs. It is paired with the trusty 52X balanced diaphragm first stage. Once installed the DIN tank will fit a yoke scuba regulator. I also have an Atomic ST1 with sealed first stage and that is excellent. Plenty of regulators are suitable for diving in cold climates. When diving the pressure gauge and dive computer should also be secured and not dangling. It is common for the octopus to have a long 36-inch hose which is helpful when sharing air with a buddy. This helps us to generate future content. The depth gauge is available in imperial units which are feet and metric which are in meters. The MK25 EVO D420 is one of the latest scuba regulator models by ScubaPro. It is not balanced so the breathing effort may vary with water depth and scuba tank pressure. It has dry chambers that reduce the potential for ice build-up. It is advisable to dive using a backup pressure gauge for redundancy, especially if you are diving in a cold climate. This is especially important if youll be diving in extreme cold and using thick gloves. The Oceanic reg benefits from being in the Huish Outdoors family with Atomic Aquatics, and features the same soft-with-harder-insert mouthpiece. Did early Aqualung Legends have fixed (built-in) crowns in the first stage? High-pressure ports locations allow the regulator to face up or down. The result is a compact first stage which would be an ideal first reg for a new diver, a lightweight travel regulator, or even a well-priced set-up for stage cylinders. In the secondary regulator, there are large ribs that act as a heat exchanger to protect internal mechanisms. The mouthpiece is comfortable, and the exhaust directs exhaled bubbles past your face. Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. There is always a primary second stage and a secondary second-stage or octopus. It has two high-pressure ports and five low-pressure ports. Unbalanced regulators becomes more difficult to breathe from as your tank has less air. ScubaPro MK17 EVO - Review 2023 - DIVEIN The overall work of breathing past legend models was .74 J/l but is not listed for the third generation. It features plenty of ports (for wireless air integration, dry suits, and accessories) and an easy to customize airflow. The Oceanic Zeo DIN regulator is an improvement to the EOS which is a popular regulator. And, it can support a higher blend of oxygen than most models, so its a favorite among technical and specialty divers. This regulator is environmentally sealed against cold and contamination. 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. 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. 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 scuba octopus is a backup of the second stage regulator. An environmental seal is a protective outer casing around your regulators first stage. Home Fishing Gear Scuba and Snorkeling 17 Best Scuba Diving Regulators 2023. Yoke valves have a working pressure up to 232 bar. It also has pre-orientated low-pressure and high-pressure ports and a neat pearl-chrome finish. Lets talk about that first stage. Gauges do not have to be from the same company as the regulator but it is common to have matching gear. It looks good with the chrome second stage surround, is extremely well made, boasts a silky smooth breathe and has some neat features like the Automatic Flow Control (AFC), which does away with a manual venturi lever and offers full control through the single knob, and a black PVD-coated comfort swivel on the hose. Good-looking, great-performing regulator. It has two high-pressure ports and four low-pressure ports. Hi DebraSue: I have been diving with an Aqualung reg for nine years now and its performance and realibility is excellent.I am not using that model, however Aqualung products are by and large very good and this model is a balanced regulator with the 1st stage overbalance and the second state is adjusatable for balance.I don't think you will be sorry if you go with the Aqualung. The cracking resistance control and venturi lever make a real difference to the breathe, which is smooth in all orientations. Its pretty hard to improve on the G250 and as James points out even older stuff performs great. The first stage is the metal device that attaches directly to the scuba tank via a DIN or yoke connection. Rsingler noticed a diaphragm issue with his new Mk19's and me being the OCD person wanted him to look at mine. Cody also has a background in aerospace engineering and neuroscience but really only takes pride in being good at one thing and that is fishing! DIN valves can have a working pressure up to 300 bar, hence why they are favoured by technical divers. The diver must breathe from the mouth and never hold their breath. A pre-dive switch allows you to reduce your regulators flow to prevent this issue while entering the water or waiting to begin your descent. 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. It's got all the perks you expect from a midrange regulator, but it's outfitted for the cold. It is equipped with Aqua Lungs patented Auto Closure Device, or ACD, which prevents any accidental water ingress if you accidentally submerged it without putting the cover back on the DIN or Yoke fitting. Some diaphragm first stages are environmentally sealed (in an airtight, insulated exterior) which makes them less likely to freeze over and protects them from contaminants and corrosion. Want to learn more about a technical term? The regulator has a patented comfort swivel which is shown in the video below. Great cold-water regulator. When cleaning a scuba regulator the first thing to do is to place the dust cap on the regulator. Features of the first stage include an extended thermal insulating system, two high-pressure ports for flexible positioning, five high flow low-pressure ports, and external adjustment of intermediate pressures. In this case, the only difference between the octopus and the primary second stage is the hose and case are yellow to make it clear that it is the back-up. Examples of high-end regulators are the Scubapro MK25 Evo A700, the Mares Fusion 52x and the Aqualung Leg3nd. Best Cold Water Regulators of 2022 - The Adventure Junkies CRACKING RESISTANCE:No |VENTURI:Yes |VERDICT:The Hollis DC7 / 150LX is a great package - the compact first stage has excellent cold-water performance but is still quite lightweight, and the second stage has a large purge and venturi lever, and a comfortable mouthpiece. DIN regulators can be rated to a higher pressure value than a yoke valve which is also called an A-clamp. The average breathing effort is 0.6 J/l. Higher-end regulators are sealed and balanced which becomes important when diving deep and when diving in cold water. An XS compact octopus also makes a great secondary regulator. Overall, both the MK17 and Legend Supreme offer high-quality technology at half the cost of the T3. What piece of equipment should never be allowed to dangle freely? Steel tanks can be rated up to 3500 psi but are commonly filled to 3,300 psi. While this valve type might require more frequent service and thorough cleaning, its worth it if youre planning to dive in icy conditions. If you think you will be diving outside the USA or doing technical diving purchase a DIN regulator. Captain Cody has worked on charter fishing boats in the Florida Keys, Virgin Islands, and Alaska. Personally, I find the 2nd stage ugly as hell so I use my Mares proton metal. This boils down to the fact that the environmentally sealed first stage will keep out contaminants and perform superbly in cold water. It is one of only two regs in this price segment to feature both a venturi lever and a cracking resistance control. The adapter threads onto the regulator and have a yoke valve that can attach to the scuba tank. Aqualung Legend vs Legend LX vs Legend LX Supreme | ScubaBoard 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. A balanced second stage makes it easier to breathe at deep depths. In the video below I am scuba diving a wreck in the Florida keys with some friends and encounter a large great white shark. This third-generation model is no different. If you stick with diving, this regulator will make an excellent backup and is a top pick for deco tanks, too. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions. The NX700 is the definite show-stopper when it comes to this reg. It has been improved upon by Scubapros G260 via the micro-adjust and exhalation effort. The male thread on the DIN valve screws into the tank valve, so that the o-ring is solidly in place. 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. It has dry chambers that reduce the potential for ice build-up. 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 first stage is made with nickel-plated brass. The Elite is the latest and highest-end model of the Aqua Lung Legend series of regulators. The Zeagle Onyx II is a great-looking regulator, benefitting from a stylish metal insert into the front of the second stage around the large, soft purge, which belies its price point and youd be mistaken for thinking it was in the next test bracket. It is available both as a yoke and DIN configuration of the first stage. The rest of the world is dominated by DIN tanks and regulators. There are 2 other comparably priced regs you might look at: MK25/G250V, and the Apeks XTX100. DIN regulators also have the 0-ring that makes the regulator tank seal within the regulator. The wide exhaust tee disperses exhaled bubbles well clear of your face. The Rover has subtle styling, but its performance is outstanding at this price point. CRACKING RESISTANCE:Yes |VENTURI:No|VERDICT:The MK21 is a robust air-balanced piston first stage, and paired up with the C370 makes for a great reg package. But if you are planning to take the plunge in extreme cold or icy conditions, you should choose a regulator specially designed to prevent freeflow and freezing over. The mouthpiece is very comfortable, and the exhaust sends exhaled bubbles up the side of your head. 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 diaphragm is located in the lower section which makes breathing easier in the upright position. 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. She has been living on the road full-time since 2014 and has taught scuba diving in a variety of environments worldwide. An elliptical exhaust valve allows for easy exhales. Log in or Register now! This regulator has an unbalanced piston first stage design which is known to be simple and reliable. For this price point, this is exceptional value for money. 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. Global Fishing Reports participants in affiliate marketing programs. Key features of the second stage include Venturi dive or pre-dive settings, and an orthodontic mouthpiece. Always check the owners manual for the maintenance schedule of the regulator. The octopus is included in the dive package. The only reason it is number three is that it is more expensive than the regulators above. Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions. ScubaPro R195 is a great secondary regulator that acts as the octopus. This extra layer insulates your regulators internal moving parts, preventing freezing. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions. The octopus is threaded onto a low-pressure port on the primary regulator. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. Second, the o-ring seal on a DIN tank is within the regulator and typically has fewer issues than yoke tanks external o-rings. This is a top-quality regular that is made with brass and titanium components. It has four low-pressure ports and one high-pressure. 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. Scubapro MK25 Evo A700 Carbon Black Tech. This model comes standard with high-end features like a turreted first stage and swiveling joints for easy hose routing and comfort. The Z3 scored very highly with the Test Team and it is a keenly priced way to get on the Atomic ladder. Aqualung Leg3nd MBS - good or bad? vs Elite? | ScubaBoard It is important to breathe out of the nose when descending to equalize the pressure in the mask. The reason some scuba shops only fill to 3,000 psi is that this is the most common pressure used. When shopping for a cold water regulator, there is a big difference between a DIN or Yoke valve first stage. 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. 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. A turreted (vertical tower shaped) first stage offers many advantages over a traditional horizontal valve, especially when diving in cold water. The D420 is suppose to excel once underwater so as soon as the ice melts I will give it a whirl. 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. It can be a bit overwhelming trying to figure out which brand and model regulator is the best to purchase. The second stage has a tough nylon case and has a seat-saving orifice, zirconium-plated inlet tube and heat sink for superior corrosion resistance, and a new inhalation diaphragm. And, it prevents outside contaminants like silt and sand from working their way inside. Diaphragm first stages offer air at a lower flow rate, so they are less likely to freeflow. 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. It was nice and dry in all positions, coped admirably with whatever we threw at it, and the venturi and in particular, the cracking resistance control really did make a difference to the breathe. The DIN valve is different in that the sealing o-ring is mounted into the first stage itself, not the tank valve. This causes fewer air leaks than having the o-ring on the scuba tank valve and is considered a better design by most people. There are over 12 different models of ScubaPro regulators. Most divers that have an air integrated dive computer that is directly connected to the regulator do not additionally have a submersible pressure gauge (SPG). Lastly, there is a cap that helps to protect the diaphragm from ice build-up. The yoke connection is often the limiting factor that determines the max pressure that can be safely used while scuba diving. So, it cant hurt to be over-prepared. The second stage is pneumatically balanced which helps keep the breathing effort constant throughout the dive. The difference between piston and diaphragm regulators is the mechanism by which your air is delivered. The F8s first stage is sealed and insulated, with a watertight exterior to prevent corrosion. It is an environmentally sealed overbalanced diaphragm design, with a heat exchanger wrapped around the HP valve, so perfect for cold-water diving. An adjustment Venturi switch allows the regulator to be set at pre-dive or dive settings. Scubapro has been churning out high-quality dive gear for over 50 years, and the MK21/C370 certainly slots into the roll-call well. It provided a smooth breath in all positions, and the cracking resistance control gave a nice degree of control to the user. 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. Scubapro is a well-established brand that has always produced solid regulators. Decided on Apeks XL4+. Choose a regulator made from a sturdy, insulating metal like brass or nickel instead. 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. The aqualung legend regulators are known for being good cold water regulators. You must log in or register to reply here. This is a unique swivel, mounted on the face of the first stage instead of the top. This equipment is being shown to help decide how many ports are needed on the regulator. This can waste a lot of air and cause stress on the surface. The reason the octopus is yellow is to ensure the primary regulator is being used most of the time. Aqualung Leg3nd Elite Regulator Set | Legend | Scuba Warehouse However, the second stage had no dive adjustment controls, and that is where the MTX-RC comes in the second stage has a venturi lever, and a cracking resistance control knob. 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. This is a good octopus for most Scubapro regulators. I have the MK25/S600 and really enjoy it. The Best Scuba Regulators of 2022 Reviewed | Scuba Diving And, its rated for even the coldest of climates. Partly cause i like the metal body and the perforated diaphragm cover but it def doesn't breathe as easy as the legend. The Atomic Aquatics M1 has all the features youd expect from a cold water regulator packed into a travel-sized package. The Scubapro MK2 EVO/R195 is ideal for newly certified divers exploring in cold climates. You may be wearing thick gloves during your dives, so youll want to choose a regulator with easy-to-use switches and levers made from thick durable plastic. Personally, I think Cressi regulators are of good value and work great for most recreational diving. It features a yellow cover, a long hose, and a reversible attachment. These days, there are plenty of options weighing in at less than 2.5 lbs. The second stage is made with metal which transfers heat well and carbon fiber which makes the regulator durable and light. Scuba tanks need to be visually inspected every year and have a properly dated VIP sticker to be filled. It is known for easy breathing regardless of depth. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Working at a dive shop I have seen several tanks that ended up with significant water in them because the tank pressure was emptied during a dive. The first-stage regulator is the part that is screwed onto the scuba tank. How to tell difference between Aqualung Legend vs Supreme. They're both outstanding regs, and they'll both give you a long useful lifespan. 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.
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