best tech diving regulator

2021/05/21

The 52X also has an NCC (Natural Convection Channel), which increases cold-water performance by creating a flow of water across the regulator. Ask Lamar Hires, he'll say his Dive Rite XT regulators. Log in or Register now! 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 purge is effective, buy it feels a bit odd being a hard plastic button. Cave Adventurers - HOG D1 w/ 2nd Stage Combo - Marianna, Florida USA - Never Undersold! The first stage of a regulator set-up comes in two guises DIN valve, and yoke valve. Diving in Raja Ampat Amazing Macro Life, 7 Sea Turtle Species and what threatens them, 2022 Rork Media Limited - ISSN 2514-2054 - The Speed Train. 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. Nijverdal, the Netherlands. It is lightweight, so ideal for travelling divers, but equally coped well with this cold-water test, making it a good all-rounder. The NX700 is the definite show-stopper when it comes to this reg. regulators artofscubadiving The large venturi lever and cracking resistance control knob were easy to use with gloved hands, and the purge was effective. It is one of only two regs in this price segment to feature both a venturi lever and a cracking resistance control.

. The second stage stands out from the crowd thanks to its chrome surround on the front, and distinctive triangular-shaped purge valve. 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. This massively improves the cold water/freezing resistance without compromising its breathing performance. The second stage is more-traditional, with a cracking resistance control and venturi lever. If you find the advice usual, please consider using the buy now button, we'll earn a small commission which helps us write more content. It looks good too, in an understated way, with the 316 stainless steel elements, and I like the red-and-black colour scheme. The XL4+ is one of their newest regulator effectively an XL4 but with an added high-pressure port and a nifty white colour scheme and as with its predecessor, was designed from the outset to be a very lightweight, travel-friendly unit, but crucially, also cold-water rated. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.

scubalab regulators scubadiving apeks The first stage is a solid piece of kit, with natural dynamic flow control on all low-pressure ports, which are mounted on a swivel turret, and tilted so you can find that perfect routing. scuba regulator diving tank dive choosing smiles 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. CRACKING RESISTANCE:Yes |VENTURI:Yes|VERDICT:The F8 features an environmentally sealed diaphragm first stage, so ideal for cold-water use, and it is paired up with a lightweight second stage, which is a solid performer but doesnt actually look as eye-catching as the Onyx II second stage. The XL4+ is a nice-looking regulator, especially with that white finish, and its subtle styling is matched by a stunning performance. If you dont have a huge budget, then these scuba regulators are some of the best low-cost options. That first stage is certainly an eye-catcher. VERDICT: Excellent little regulator which could hold its own in the mid-range price bracket. Thumbs up for the comfort of the ComfoBite mouthpiece as well. The lightweight, simple, compact R2S first stage now includes AST technology - f.. Our second stage for stage sidemount, main backmount, back-up backmount or ha.. The Apeks Hose Retainer is used to retain the long hose when diving in a long ho.. 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. Where it all goes xDeep is the design of the body. Lets talk about that first stage. No doubting the performance of the F8, though the breathe was nice and smooth in all positions, the cracking resistance control is large and easy to use, as is the venturi lever, and the mouthpiece is comfortable. The exhaust is fairly compact, but the routing is sound and it disperses exhaled bubbles efficiently. It looks as good as it performs too, with the subtle grey finish on the moulded parts. CRACKING RESISTANCE:No |VENTURI:No|VERDICT:The Mares 52x is one of the most eye-catching first stages on the market. 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. 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. Apeks DS4/XTX whatever has a cracking adjustment knob if you want diaphragm, cave-ringed Atomic M1 if you want piston. Scubapro has been churning out high-quality dive gear for over 50 years, and the MK21/C370 certainly slots into the roll-call well. Your best bet would be to talk to your instructor. However, the Epic also has a cracking resistance control knob for further fine-tuning of the breathe. CRACKING RESISTANCE:Yes |VENTURI:No|VERDICT:The Z3 may be the affordable entry-level model into the world of Atomic Aquatics, but it has a lot in common with its more-expensive siblings. M1 Sidemount Regulator Package - Dive Right in Scuba, Nomad Sidemount Regs w/SPG - Dive Right in Scuba, Hollis Sidemount Regulator Package | Dive Right In Scuba - Plainfield, IL - Dive Right in Scuba, Sidemount Regulator Kit - Dive Right in Scuba, https://www.divegearexpress.com/sidemount/regs.shtml, Tech trip cancellation - free technical diving course. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. The venturi is a bit dinky compared with some of the others, so a bit more awkward with gloves on, but still workable. A Free photo gallery to share your dive photos with the world. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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. 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. Good entry-level regulator. 7442CX 6 Best Scuba Diving Knives and Cutting Tools, Apeks MTX-RC regulator tops the performance charts. It is extremely robust with its PVD finish, and the solid first stage is perfect for all conditions. Scubapro has brought back the venerable D-series of regulators. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Copyright Dive Right in Scuba.All Rights Reserved. The large purge is easy to locate and operate even with thick gloves, and the same goes for the venturi lever. Do you want to know what the shipping costs are for your country? It features an oversized purge button, Superflex braided hose, and a chunky knob on the side for adjusting the cracking resistance of the inhalation effort. It has a balanced valve which delivers abundant airflow regardless of depth, and the pivoting purge is highly efficient.

The regulator necklace is a great way to keep your octo close and always ready f.. Lucas Divestore - More than 30 years of experience in scuba diving and snorkeling, Bedrijvenweg 3a So far, so normal. 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 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 first stage, with its black finish, neatly sets it off. The XTX200 regulator incorporates a new front cover manufactured using high stre.. By creating an account with our store, you will be able to move through the checkout process faster, store multiple addresses, view and track your orders in your account, and more. The tried-and-tested MK25, now in its improved EVO guise, is compact, durable and efficient, and its works well with the relatively compact and robust D420 second stage. The xDeep regs provided a smooth breathe, and the controls were simple to find and use. You used to be able to upgrade the TX40 to effectively be a TX50 just by adding the cracking adjustment knob. It breathes well in all positions.

CRACKING RESISTANCE:Yes |VENTURI:No|VERDICT:xDeep have carved a solid reputation with their wings, and it continues here. 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 body of the second stage is reminiscent of the lightweight Flight reg, except this has a large purge on the front, and an easy-to-operate venturi lever.

We deliver in Belgium, Germany, France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Poland, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Croatia, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Philippines, Korea, Taiwan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and more. This helps us to generate future content. 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. VERDICT: The MK2 Evo / R195 regulator is a great way for a new diver to get on board with the Scubapro brand. 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. The large purge is easy to locate and depress, and the Venturi, while fairly small, can be operated even with thick gloves. 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. DIN valves can have a working pressure up to 300 bar, hence why they are favoured by technical divers. You must log in or register to reply here. Nice large purge, comfy mouthpiece, neat first stage and awesome price point. The 150LX features a braided hose and large venturi lever, and has a big purge. CRACKING RESISTANCE:Yes |VENTURI:No|VERDICT:The venerable Leg3nd is looking good in its latest guise, and the Elite is the top of the tree. All products reviewed have been fully dived and tested. XT4 Advanced Openwater Reg Package - YOKE. 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 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. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. We use cookies to optimise our website and our service. Your best bet would be to talk to your instructor. 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 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. Yoke valves have a working pressure up to 232 bar. It incorporates Mares VAD (Vortex Assisted Design), an air bypass tube that delivers air to the mouthpiece, creating a swirling vortex with a low-pressure area in the centre that keeps the diaphragm down during inhalation, for easy breathing at all depths. Mares XR first dedicated regulator for stages. 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. 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. It is easy to see the benefits of being part of the Huish Outdoors family. CRACKING RESISTANCE:No |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. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. Call us at 815 267 8400 or hit us up on live chat! Mares gave their regulator line-up a serious overhaul for 2019, and the Epic Adj 82X still represents a formidable unit. JavaScript is disabled. 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 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. Zeagle have worked with Atomic Aquatics to produce a solidly constructed regulator. It also has an attractive sandblasted finish. We know looking at Scuba Gear can be challenging. Both the first and second stages have an eye-catching PVD coating, which not only looks great but also adds another degree of protection. The C370 second stage body is made from fibreglass reinforced nylon and now features a balanced valve and new exhaust tee. Joining is quick and easy. 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. The MK21 is Scubapros 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. Greenville, South Carolina, United States, https://www.globalunderwaterexplorers.org/equipment/config. The DIN valve is different in that the sealing o-ring is mounted into the first stage itself, not the tank valve. It provided a smooth breath in all positions, and the cracking resistance control gave a nice degree of control to the user. Mares were absent from this price bracket last year, and it is good to see them back in the mix with a new regulator. It is equipped with Scubapros X-TIS (Extended Thermal Insulating System), which fully insulates the international mechanism from the environment. I'm going to give you a reward, 'cause I can hardly find it myself. 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. The male thread on the DIN valve screws into the tank valve, so that the o-ring is solidly in place. It gave a silky smooth breathe in all orientations and is a good-looking unit to boot. Want to talk to a live person? The compact second stage looks great, and is lightweight in your mouth, so no jaw fatigue. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. The Zeo also benefits from Oceanics limited lifetime warranty and free servicing parts for life. It can be locked in place, or allowed to move freely, depending on whether you are diving a single cyliner, a twinset or sidemount. Real Dive Shop, Real Divers, Real Answers! 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. The D420 is reminiscent of previous D-regs, with its unusual shape of second stage. The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. All metal components have a PVD coating for added durability. Best Scuba Regulators 2021, Reviewed & Tested. You used to be able to upgrade the TX40 to effectively be a TX50 just by adding the cracking adjustment knob. The mouthpiece is comfortable, and the exhaust directs exhaled bubbles past your face. Please accept cookies to help us improve this website Is this OK? Lucas Divestore delivers worldwide.

This was one of only two regs in this price bracket to feature both a venturi lever and a cracking resistance control. 24222 W. Lockport St. 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. They breathe very different than normal regulators so keep that in mind, and for sidemount the first stages aren't optimal since they don't have the swivel turret. The MK2 Evbo paired up with the R195 makes a decent budget-priced route into the brand. VERDICT: Lightweight regulator with very subtle styling, but the superior performance that belies its price point. The MK25 EVO and the D420 make a solid pairing. The R195 second stage is a classic downstream design, with a Venturi lever that is easy to locate even wearing thick gloves. 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. 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 venerable Legend now Leg3nd is back in an all-new guise, and the Elite is the pick of the pack. This has double DFC (Dynamic Flow Control) ports, which minimise intermediate pressure drop during inhalation, thus maximising gas delivery.