AQUA LUNG LEGE3ND ELITE This top-shelf reg offers precision performance and enhanced ergonomics to match its good looks. 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. It balances air pressure for consistent breathing regardless of depth or tank pressure. It is about the same price to get the dive computer integrated with the air or as a separate wrist computer. But, some divers feel that they are harder to breathe from. An environmental seal is a protective outer casing around your regulators first stage. And, it can support a higher blend of oxygen than most models, so its a favorite among technical and specialty divers. Before any tank is filled the VIP date, Hydro date, and tank pressure rating should be checked. Unbalanced systems are simple and reliable. The second stage has built-in anti-freezing features, yet is still compact and lightweight. Do not submerge the first stage of the regulator into the water for a long period because water could get past the dust cover. VERDICT: The MK2 Evo / R195 regulator is a great way for a new diver to get on board with the Scubapro brand. Many advanced divers want to use DIN scuba regulators and DIN valve scuba tanks when possible. There are over 12 different models of ScubaPro regulators. The Aqualung Legend Supreme comes in at $1150, including the second stage and octopus. The Sherwood Blizzard is one of the best selling cold water regulators of all time, and a top pick for instructors and safety divers. The C370 second stage body is made from fibreglass reinforced nylon and now features a balanced valve and new exhaust tee. The advantage of a simple unbalanced position design is there is typically less required maintenance. The wide exhaust tee disperses exhaled bubbles well clear of your face. The second stage regulator is the part the diver breaths from. This helps fight fatigue while diving under challenging conditions and prevents you from feeling air starved when diving in cold climates. Breathing through a scuba regulator is very simple and not much different from breathing above water. For more of our top scuba diving gear recommendations, check out these popular buyer's guides: Jessica is a PADI dive instructor, travel blogger, and underwater photographer. They're both outstanding regs, and they'll both give you a long useful lifespan. Who knows how old rented regulators are or when the last time they have been serviced. How often should I check my scuba cylinder. 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. There are best practices but there are no laws saying how often a regulator needs to be serviced or inspected. The male thread on the DIN valve screws into the tank valve, so that the o-ring is solidly in place. The only difference between this regulator and the yoke regulator above is how it is connected to the scuba tank. The first stage is an over-balanced diaphragm design. Polish company xDeep has really earned itself a solid reputation for its robust, well-made and stylish backplate-and-wings, and it has now released its NX700/LS200 regulator. This gauge connects to a high-pressure port on the primary regulator. When it comes to cold water regulators, the ScubaPro MK25 EVO/A700 is the best of the best. The D420 is suppose to excel once underwater so as soon as the ice melts I will give it a whirl. It can also be converted from right-hand to left-hand if you so wish. Most regulators can be converted from a DIN to a Yoke or vise versa but converting the regulator from one to the other cost about $100. I like the Legend. It also comes with a long 36-inch hose. SCUBAPRO M25 A700 Regulator. Yoke scuba tanks can dive with a DIN regulator with a yoke adapter for the DIN tank. The pre-dive setting requires more force when breathing but the regulator is less likely to free-flow. Her goal is to share her passion for the ocean and inspire people to explore the undersea world. It does come nitrox ready up to 40 percent. 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. This helps us to generate future content. CRACKING RESISTANCE:Yes |VENTURI:No|VERDICT:The MTX-R set the bar high for a cold-water reg, and the MTX-RC builds on this platform, adding a highly efficient venturi lever and cracking resistance control into the mix. 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. How to tell difference between Aqualung Legend vs Supreme. The reason some scuba shops only fill to 3,000 psi is that this is the most common pressure used. This third-generation model is no different. The system can be balanced or unbalanced. 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 MC9 first stage is a hyper balanced diaphragm system. Make sure to not fill the tank above 3000 psi as that is the pressure rating for most yoke regulators. It can also be converted from right-hand to left-hand. Gas from your SCUBA tank passes into the regulators first stage, where it forces either a piston or diaphragm open and closed with each breath. It is paired with the trusty 52X balanced diaphragm first stage. Atomic Aquatics are renowned for producing high-end, high-performance regs, but with the Z3, they have managed to bring all this workmanship and technology into a well-priced package. JavaScript is disabled. The second stage is pneumatically balanced resulting in a low and consistent breathing effort. The reason the octopus is yellow is to ensure the primary regulator is being used most of the time. It is lightweight, so ideal for travelling divers, but equally coped well with this cold-water test, making it a good all-rounder. VERDICT: The Oceanic Alpha 10 SPX is a straightforward, no-frills regulator, and it does exactly what you need it to, at a very affordable price. The second stage has pneumatic compensation to regulate airflow rates. Partly cause i like the metal body and the perforated diaphragm cover but it def doesn't breathe as easy as the legend. Aqua Lung has been making diving equipment for more than 75 years, and their regulators have always been solid units, but they have really come on in recent years the Core Supreme is a belting little unit for this price point. 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. When shopping for a cold water regulator, there is a big difference between a DIN or Yoke valve first stage. Outside of Atomic Aquatics products, the closest you get to a high-quality regulator is the SCUBAPRO M25 A700. This is one of the more-expensive regulators on test, but it has plenty of features of merit, and it has a fantastic performance to match its eye-catching good looks. Its second stage features the comfo-bite mouthpiece and a Venturi knob to control the airflow and breathing effort. If you have short listed aqualung for yourself, I am sure you must have done a fair bit of research. 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. 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. Second stages today offer something the G250 doesnt have, a micro adjust that allows the service tech to fine tune it. The Scubapro MK2 EVO/R195 is ideal for newly certified divers exploring in cold climates. 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. The regulator mouthpiece is placed in the mouth and the diver breathes in and out like normal. The mouthpiece is comfortable, and the exhaust directs exhaled bubbles past your face. While most travel regulators use titanium and carbon fiber to cut down on weight, these are not the best materials for cold climates. 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. Can you use a DIN regulator on a yoke valve? Most tank valves these days have removable inserts, making them suitable for both DIN valves and yoke valves, but if you did happen to find yourself somewhere with your DIN valve and the tanks only have valves that could accommodate yoke valves, you can get screw-on adaptors which temporarily change a DIN valve to a yoke valve. 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. Next, the regulator should be rinsed with fresh water. A Free photo gallery to share your dive photos with the world. Aqualung Regs last a long time more than you indicate before you will think of tech diving (3-5yrs). It also has pre-orientated low-pressure and high-pressure ports and a neat pearl-chrome finish. A key feature of the regulator is the automatic flow control that regulates the Venturi effect when diving deeper. Keep in mind that a DIN valve will fit on any SCUBA cylinder, using an adapter. This regulator is good for cold water or warm water diving. An auto closer device on the first stage keeps corrosive water from entering the regulator when it is removed from the tank. This regulator has an unbalanced piston first stage design which is known to be simple and reliable. The octopus is included in the dive package. Balanced regulators deliver the same amount of air per breath until your tank is empty. BEST FOR: BEST OF THE BEST. The large venturi lever and cracking resistance control knob were easy to use with gloved hands, and the purge was effective. 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. It's got all the perks you expect from a midrange regulator, but it's outfitted for the cold. Did early Aqualung Legends have fixed (built-in) crowns in the first stage? 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. It is easy to see the benefits of being part of the Huish Outdoors family. Scubapro is a well-established brand that has always produced solid regulators. The yoke valve is easily recognisable as it utilises a clamp set-up to hold the first stage onto the pillar valve. The diver must breathe from the mouth and never hold their breath. While it is a very reliable second stage modern second stages have been improved on. Its pretty hard to improve on the G250 and as James points out even older stuff performs great. 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. It has dry chambers that reduce the potential for ice build-up. This regulators first stage is a balanced piston design. Steel tanks can be rated up to 3500 psi but are commonly filled to 3,300 psi. It is compact but delivers a tremendous performance, and paired up with the Dual Adj second stage, it is a great all-round performer. The second stage is made with metal which transfers heat well and carbon fiber which makes the regulator durable and light. The Elite is the latest and highest-end model of the Aqua Lung Legend series of regulators. The adapter threads onto the regulator and have a yoke valve that can attach to the scuba tank. Plus, this regulator only needs to be serviced every 3 years or 300 dives. Scuba diving at night is a very fun experience. The first and second stage weighs under 1.8 pounds which makes it the lightest regulator in the world. The most noticeable difference between balanced and unbalanced regulators is how they breathe when you are low on air. For the average diver that dives a few times a year in warm water, this is all that should be needed. 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 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. 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). This regulator is made in the USA. Now that you are a Scubaboard junkie, you too can collect regulators and then wonder where all your money went. The Cressi AC2 is also available with the XS compact second stage and is rated number one on this list. The oval face has a decent-sized purge, and a swivel aids comfort in use. The large purge is easy to locate and operate even with thick gloves, and the same goes for the venturi lever. There is always a primary second stage and a secondary second-stage or octopus. I also have an Atomic ST1 with sealed first stage and that is excellent. 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. Previous generation required setting a lower IP for the Supreme, but that is no longer the case. And, for this same reason, the DIN valve performs better in extreme cold. The second stage stands out from the crowd thanks to its chrome surround on the front, and distinctive triangular-shaped purge valve. Regular with a longer then normal service interval? Still waiting to find a 1st that balances as good as any Legend I had on my Flow Benches. Joining is quick and easy. Having said all this a new Mk25/G260 would probably be your upgrade although I don't think there is anything wrong with what you have. This Cressi AC2 with XS compact has a DIN first stage regulator rather than a yoke regulator. If youre hoping to buy a cold water regulator thats light enough for dive travel, youre in luck! Cold water regulators utilize special features to prevent freezing and freeflow and are often made from more robust materials than their warm water counterparts. Features of the FDX-i first stage include chrome-plated marine brass construction, pneumatically balanced, and environmentally sealed. It is well priced, and a decent performer all-round. It is installed with an 8mm hex Allen key tool that is not included. 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. If you do purchase a DIN regulator I would get the yoke adapter and use this when diving with dive shops in the USA. It features plenty of ports (for wireless air integration, dry suits, and accessories) and an easy to customize airflow. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. High-pressure ports locations allow the regulator to face up or down. CRACKING RESISTANCE:Yes |VENTURI:No|VERDICT:The second stage of this set-up is very reminiscent of the 150LX, which is no bad thing, as it is a good-looking unit, but the DCX first stage resplendent in its PVD plated finish is a top-performer, especially in cold water. When it comes to scuba diving the regulator is the essential piece of equipment that really needs to work to dive safely. Finally, there is a comfortable orthodontic mouthpiece with a good grip. It may not display this or other websites correctly. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. It is important to occasionally use and test the secondary regulator. Sometimes the second stage is a lower-cost version of the primary second stage. It has been improved upon by Scubapros G260 via the micro-adjust and exhalation effort. It has two high-pressure ports and four low-pressure ports. If cost is not a factor the T3 is the best regulator on the market. Personally, I find the 2nd stage ugly as hell so I use my Mares proton metal. It is important to breathe out of the nose when descending to equalize the pressure in the mask. Great cold-water regulator. Atomic Aquatics Z2 octopus as the secondary scuba regulator. The DC7 is rated for cold climates and technical diving, and weighs far less than similarly designed models. Mine also suffered the same as his although I can't tell you the specifics like he can. CRACKING RESISTANCE:Yes |VENTURI:No|VERDICT:The renowned MK25 in its latest EVO guise is a fine first stage, and with the XTIS thermal insulating system, it is great in cold water. Growing up in Pennsylvania Cody has also done extensive freshwater fishing including bass fishing tournaments. It has four low-pressure ports and two high-pressure ports on its DC7 first stage, which is pneumatically balanced and chrome-plated brass. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. Youll only consider the absolute best scuba regulators, and nothing else will do. It is known for easy breathing regardless of depth. In addition to these checks, the tank condition and valve conditions should be checked before each use. The inline ball swivel and orthodontic mouthpiece help fit the regulator in a comfortable way. Oceanic are making inroads back into the reg market, and the Zeo is their range-topper. Again, regardless of the thickness of exposure protection on the hands, the controls were easy to use, especially the cracking resistance control knob. Its got all the perks you expect from a midrange regulator, but its outfitted for the cold. Having a pressure gauge that also has a depth gauge is a good idea. Zeagle have worked with Atomic Aquatics to produce a solidly constructed regulator. The venerable Legend now Leg3nd is back in an all-new guise, and the Elite is the pick of the pack. It breathes well in all positions. The yellow color also helps the dive buddy know which regulator they should use in the event of an air issue or low air situation. Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions. It is extremely robust with its PVD finish, and the solid first stage is perfect for all conditions. The 150LX features a braided hose and large venturi lever, and has a big purge. Aqua Lung Leg3nd is the third generation Legend octopus and is a top-quality secondary regulator. SCUBAPRO MK25 EVO D420 | SRP: 695.00 Scubapro has brought back the venerable D-series of regulators. Both reg sets have excellent breathing performance and both perform well in any water conditions. 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. It looks good too, in an understated way, with the 316 stainless steel elements, and I like the red-and-black colour scheme. 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. 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.
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