On the other hand, if you tend to dive in cold water, youll need an environmentally sealed first stage that will prevent the air from getting frozen inside the first stage. It offers superb breathability under all conditions and like the Poseidon above, has been precision engineered for cold-water diving. Like the MK25 EVO 700, its resistant and well adapted to use in cold water, but you can get it for a more affordable price. Make sure that it isenvironmentally sealed. HOW MANY: The ports are located on the regulator first stage, and you can choose where to connect your hoses to get your favorite configuration. As you might remember from your initial training, this results in a free-flowing regulator and very rapid loss of air. A regulator consists mainly of the following parts: Your email address will not be published. We like that this reg comes with a venturi switch too (a feature often lacking from affordable regs). The second stage reduces the intermediate air pressure until we get the right pressure to breathe naturally. Clean your regulator with fresh water after every dive. Here, weve reviewed some of the top regulators around, making sure to cater to a range of needs (and budgets!). The Fluid Dynamic Deflector delivers excellent and natural breathing at any depth and makes it one of thebest scuba regulators for its price. Atomic T3 Review: The Best Regulator Money Can Buy, The Best Regulators for Cold Water Diving [Includes Buying Guide], The Best DIN to Yoke Adapters [Includes DIN vs Yoke Guide]. Its important that from time to time you ensure the hose protections are in good condition. This first stage is entirely environmentally sealed, while the valve features a patented heat exchanger that takes the chill out of cold gas and capitalizes on warmth in the water. This is Hollis flagship regulator. All divers have their own individual preferences, but some regulators have stood the test of time. So, if you do this,make sure the pressure of the tank does not exceed 232 bar, before you add the A-clamp on the tank. A divers regulator is their best underwater friendbesides their buddy, of course! Together, these companies have engineered 20 improvements on the Zeagle Flathead regulator series, including changes to the inner mechanisms, materials, and exterior controls. Before we get stuck in though, lets first examine what you should be looking for in a scuba regulator. [What You Need to Know]. Avoid regulators that need a firm bite to keep them in place, as your jaw wont feel comfortable after long dives. Here are a few of the factors you need to consider: If youre primarily diving in places where the tanks are set up for A-Clamp regs, then an A-Clamp regulator is best. The Atomic Aquatics ST1 features a stainless steel first stage with great durability. Lighter models also have the advantage of being easier to carry to and from the dive site and not burdening you as much in the water. Regulators feature either a downstream or an upstream demand valve second stage. How about: Im a keen hiker who is passionate about lightweight backpacking. And in case you arent sold already, the Atomic T3 also offers incredibly easy breathing without faffing around thanks to the balanced first stage and automatic venturi switch. One for the primary second stage, one for the alternate, and one for the inflator hose. All content is copyright protected by either DIVEIN.com or respected copyright holders. The first stage should have a minimum of threelow-pressure ports(sometimes marked as MP or medium pressure) for recreational diving. Were talking about the way a regulator manages gas here, not your (or your buddys) state of mind! This makes them great for dive professionals that are hard on their gear. Titanium regulators arent cheap. This makes diving with this regulator very calming and means you can get closer to marine life for a more magical diving experience. You can pick them uphere. To counteract this, upstream regs must feature an OPV (over-pressure relief valve) in their designs. But in an upstream design, the valve must open against the gas flow, that is, in the opposite direction. 
It takes the high pressure, compressed air in your scuba tank and delivers it to you at ambient (or surrounding) pressure so that you can breathe safely underwater. A balanced regulator neither assists nor resists the flow of air, it breathes the same under all conditions. Meaning that a DIN valve regulator screws into a threaded opening on a tank. Torben traveled around South East Asia for scuba diving and almost didnt come back. The effort adjustment knob alters the amount of effort needed for the initial opening of the regulator when you breathe. Just like when choosing any scuba regulator your choice will basically be determined by your personal preferences and budget. I dove to 140 feet and didn't notice any difference in breathing. But, with Titanium components, wear to internal metal parts are virtually nonexistent. With a downstream valve, the valve opens with the direction of the gas flow and is closed with a small spring.
All regulators include several ports in their construction. I like the streamline design, because I use this setup when I travel for diving. A-clamps are also called yoke, INT, and international. Any regulator is fine for use in warm water. Still Looking For The Right Scuba Regulator? The most important feature of a scuba regulator is how easy it is to breathe from. On top of that, the hoses are light and flexible, so you wont find yourself fighting to keep them in place. This is an A-clamp reg but its also available in DIN here. The unique system also means that this reg is sensitive to air demand. Piston first stages are built with fewer moving parts, having a high-performance and simple design, while the diaphragm first stages use a rubber diaphragm with a heavy spring to operate the valve between the two chambers. Breathes like a regulator worth far more. Designed for challenging conditions and even more challenging dives, the Xstream is certified for deep water use up to 200 meters / 656 feet. You might have noticed that all of the regulators mentioned here are available with either DIN or yoke valves, but what does this actually mean? Over time, repetitive use can course chrome plated brass components to wear, reducing the overall performance of the regulator. Our major gripe with this amazing regulator is, unfortunately, the price tag it certainly wont be within every divers budget. Just bear in mind that the hose on this regulator is a tad short so it might feel slightly restrictive for larger folk or divers wearing bulky gear. This matters when it comes toexternal conditionsincluding the amount of gas remaining in a tank. Steller breathing performance and reliability, more compact and lighter than the S600. Scuba regulators will be more or less demanding depending on the type of diving you do. I learned to dive with this set and love the easy breathing, so I purchased one for myself. 2022 ScubaDiverHQ.com, Contact Us | Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy, {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}, __CONFIG_colors_palette__{"active_palette":0,"config":{"colors":{"f3080":{"name":"Main Accent","parent":-1},"f2bba":{"name":"Main Light 10","parent":"f3080"},"trewq":{"name":"Main Light 30","parent":"f3080"},"poiuy":{"name":"Main Light 80","parent":"f3080"},"f83d7":{"name":"Main Light 80","parent":"f3080"},"frty6":{"name":"Main Light 45","parent":"f3080"},"flktr":{"name":"Main Light 80","parent":"f3080"}},"gradients":[]},"palettes":[{"name":"Default","value":{"colors":{"f3080":{"val":" rgb(23, 23, 22)"},"f2bba":{"val":" rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.5)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"l":0.09,"s":0.02}},"trewq":{"val":" rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.7)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"l":0.09,"s":0.02}},"poiuy":{"val":" rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.35)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"l":0.09,"s":0.02}},"f83d7":{"val":" rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.4)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"l":0.09,"s":0.02}},"frty6":{"val":" rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.2)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"l":0.09,"s":0.02}},"flktr":{"val":" rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.8)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"l":0.09,"s":0.02}}},"gradients":[]},"original":{"colors":{"f3080":{"val":"rgb(23, 23, 22)","hsl":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09}},"f2bba":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.5)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.5}},"trewq":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.7)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.7}},"poiuy":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.35)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.35}},"f83d7":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.4)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.4}},"frty6":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.2)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.2}},"flktr":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.8)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.8}}},"gradients":[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__, Best Titanium Scuba Regulator: Should You Buy One, Still Looking For The Right Scuba Regulator, Titanium has very poor thermal conductivity. Thats why all regulators, from the cheapest to the most expensive, should be safe to use. This heavy-duty regulator is a little on the heavy side, which might put off travelers with a small luggage allowance, but, if cold-water diving, photography, or even just plain old comfort, are top priorities for you, then we reckon its worth the extra weight. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Are these unknown brands tested and meet stringent safety standards? This regulator works great in the warm water off the Florida Panhandle or in the coldest quarries. WEIGHT: 0.66 lbs (DIN first stage)/0.51 lbs (yoke first stage); 0.5 lbs (second stage; without mouthpiece), PORTS: High pressure 2, low pressure (with high flow) 5, PROS: Cold-water friendly, incredibly easy breathing, extremely durable, lots of rotating ports, CONS: Slightly heavy, not the cheapest reg out there. We Highly recommend obtaining your diving certification from an accredited dive organization before you attempt to participate in any scuba diving activities. Disclosure: Ultimate Gear Lists participates in affiliate marketing programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. That depends on what type of diving you do, the features you need and your preferences. But as your scuba diving experience racks up, youll try a whole bunch of regulators and youll soon realize that no two are quite the same some are stiff while others breathe easy, some have awkward hoses while others swivel effortlessly into place, some make your jaw ache and others are a dream to wear. These programs are designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and other affiliated sites. This is the mixture which EANx certified divers are licensed to use as well. Technical info: Balanced diaphragm, warm water. Although many divers consider them to be a better and more reliable option, they are not very popular among recreational divers. A metal second stage is also recommended for cold water diving because metal has more thermal conductivity than plastic. While it might not be constructed from the flashiest of materials, this reg can handle some wear and tear its super robust for its price range. Atomic Aquatics may not as familiar as some of the other brands weve featured here, but theyve been making a splash in the dive gear market since the 90s. You will pay anywhere from $400 $800 more than you would on a normal regulator. Travel regulators tend to have various parts made from aluminum, and there are some extremely lightweight hose materials on the market nowadays. On top of that, it has heaps of ports so you can find the configuration thats right for you, and four of the low-pressure ports are on a revolving turret to keep your hoses in prime position. The Z in the product name stands for Zirconium which the company uses as plating over the first stages chrome and brass bases. Yoke tanks are the standard type of tank in the US and most other diving destinations (but, if youre diving elsewhere, you can add an O-ring to most DIN tanks so theyll work with your yoke reg too). With the Hollis DC7 500SE you can finally say goodbye to your best underwater shots being ruined by bubble distortion. Its a simple but ergonomic, resistant and durable dive regulator + Octopus. When diving, dont let pieces like the manometer or the second alternative stage hang because they can hit the bottom. Titanium regulators can sometimes cost about $400 to $800 more than an average regulator. That matters too. Look for regs that have been specifically designed for this purpose. The side exhaust valve of this regulator sends those pesky bubbles to the side, making it an absolute winner for photographers. This Scubapro regulator is defiantly worth the price. This is a level of protection that ensures the first stage will not freeze up because no contact is made between the surrounding water and the internal parts. Our writers and editors look for the best Scuba Regulators available. Smooth breathing even after 1,000+ hours of use, Comparable to regulators at a higher price point. Its quite compact, which makes it a great option for travelers. But the general rule of thumb is if you want thebest dive regulatoryou generally have to pay more. The regulator takes the compressed air coming from the tank and adjusts it to the pressure we require to breathe. If you are a warm water diver, any regulator will do. PROS: Ultra-lightweight, swivel prevents hose kinks, automatic venturi switch, very durable. Plus, any yoke users out there will be pleased to know that theres an extra filter in the yoke model that minimizes the effects of polluted air. PROS: Affordable yet features some nice extra touches, lightweight, easy to maintain. Second alternative stage: This works exactly like the second stage. For deco dives and Trimix diving, you should consider the regulators compatibility with gasses including higher percentage oxygen (commonly used foraccelerated decompression) and helium. Can handle any depth or condition youre likely to throw at it. Since releasing the Polaris 4 regulator in the mid-1960, Cressi has continued to innovate and raise the standards of durability and performance in this category. Scuba diving is a dangerous sport that can result in serious injury or death. A high-performance regulator which is suitable for tec, rec, and ice diving. The Hollis 200 LX features a pneumatically balanced PVD valve for great breathing performance, and has an ergonomic design that channels bubbles away from the field of view and reduces exhaust effort. Once your regulator is clean, keep it in a dry place protected from the sun. Now that weve looked at the things youll need to factor into your purchase, lets dive in (pun intended) to the regulators themselves. Read Full Review: Atomic T3 Review: The Best Regulator Money Can Buy. Helping Ordinary People To Become Better Divers. Regulators are what allow us to breathe from high-pressure, compressed air at depth.
It takes the high pressure, compressed air in your scuba tank and delivers it to you at ambient (or surrounding) pressure so that you can breathe safely underwater. A balanced regulator neither assists nor resists the flow of air, it breathes the same under all conditions. Meaning that a DIN valve regulator screws into a threaded opening on a tank. Torben traveled around South East Asia for scuba diving and almost didnt come back. The effort adjustment knob alters the amount of effort needed for the initial opening of the regulator when you breathe. Just like when choosing any scuba regulator your choice will basically be determined by your personal preferences and budget. I dove to 140 feet and didn't notice any difference in breathing. But, with Titanium components, wear to internal metal parts are virtually nonexistent. With a downstream valve, the valve opens with the direction of the gas flow and is closed with a small spring. All regulators include several ports in their construction. I like the streamline design, because I use this setup when I travel for diving. A-clamps are also called yoke, INT, and international. Any regulator is fine for use in warm water. Still Looking For The Right Scuba Regulator? The most important feature of a scuba regulator is how easy it is to breathe from. On top of that, the hoses are light and flexible, so you wont find yourself fighting to keep them in place. This is an A-clamp reg but its also available in DIN here. The unique system also means that this reg is sensitive to air demand. Piston first stages are built with fewer moving parts, having a high-performance and simple design, while the diaphragm first stages use a rubber diaphragm with a heavy spring to operate the valve between the two chambers. Breathes like a regulator worth far more. Designed for challenging conditions and even more challenging dives, the Xstream is certified for deep water use up to 200 meters / 656 feet. You might have noticed that all of the regulators mentioned here are available with either DIN or yoke valves, but what does this actually mean? Over time, repetitive use can course chrome plated brass components to wear, reducing the overall performance of the regulator. Our major gripe with this amazing regulator is, unfortunately, the price tag it certainly wont be within every divers budget. Just bear in mind that the hose on this regulator is a tad short so it might feel slightly restrictive for larger folk or divers wearing bulky gear. This matters when it comes toexternal conditionsincluding the amount of gas remaining in a tank. Steller breathing performance and reliability, more compact and lighter than the S600. Scuba regulators will be more or less demanding depending on the type of diving you do. I learned to dive with this set and love the easy breathing, so I purchased one for myself. 2022 ScubaDiverHQ.com, Contact Us | Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy, {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}, __CONFIG_colors_palette__{"active_palette":0,"config":{"colors":{"f3080":{"name":"Main Accent","parent":-1},"f2bba":{"name":"Main Light 10","parent":"f3080"},"trewq":{"name":"Main Light 30","parent":"f3080"},"poiuy":{"name":"Main Light 80","parent":"f3080"},"f83d7":{"name":"Main Light 80","parent":"f3080"},"frty6":{"name":"Main Light 45","parent":"f3080"},"flktr":{"name":"Main Light 80","parent":"f3080"}},"gradients":[]},"palettes":[{"name":"Default","value":{"colors":{"f3080":{"val":" rgb(23, 23, 22)"},"f2bba":{"val":" rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.5)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"l":0.09,"s":0.02}},"trewq":{"val":" rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.7)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"l":0.09,"s":0.02}},"poiuy":{"val":" rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.35)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"l":0.09,"s":0.02}},"f83d7":{"val":" rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.4)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"l":0.09,"s":0.02}},"frty6":{"val":" rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.2)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"l":0.09,"s":0.02}},"flktr":{"val":" rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.8)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"l":0.09,"s":0.02}}},"gradients":[]},"original":{"colors":{"f3080":{"val":"rgb(23, 23, 22)","hsl":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09}},"f2bba":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.5)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.5}},"trewq":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.7)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.7}},"poiuy":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.35)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.35}},"f83d7":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.4)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.4}},"frty6":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.2)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.2}},"flktr":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.8)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.8}}},"gradients":[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__, Best Titanium Scuba Regulator: Should You Buy One, Still Looking For The Right Scuba Regulator, Titanium has very poor thermal conductivity. Thats why all regulators, from the cheapest to the most expensive, should be safe to use. This heavy-duty regulator is a little on the heavy side, which might put off travelers with a small luggage allowance, but, if cold-water diving, photography, or even just plain old comfort, are top priorities for you, then we reckon its worth the extra weight. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Are these unknown brands tested and meet stringent safety standards? This regulator works great in the warm water off the Florida Panhandle or in the coldest quarries. WEIGHT: 0.66 lbs (DIN first stage)/0.51 lbs (yoke first stage); 0.5 lbs (second stage; without mouthpiece), PORTS: High pressure 2, low pressure (with high flow) 5, PROS: Cold-water friendly, incredibly easy breathing, extremely durable, lots of rotating ports, CONS: Slightly heavy, not the cheapest reg out there. We Highly recommend obtaining your diving certification from an accredited dive organization before you attempt to participate in any scuba diving activities. Disclosure: Ultimate Gear Lists participates in affiliate marketing programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. That depends on what type of diving you do, the features you need and your preferences. But as your scuba diving experience racks up, youll try a whole bunch of regulators and youll soon realize that no two are quite the same some are stiff while others breathe easy, some have awkward hoses while others swivel effortlessly into place, some make your jaw ache and others are a dream to wear. These programs are designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and other affiliated sites. This is the mixture which EANx certified divers are licensed to use as well. Technical info: Balanced diaphragm, warm water. Although many divers consider them to be a better and more reliable option, they are not very popular among recreational divers. A metal second stage is also recommended for cold water diving because metal has more thermal conductivity than plastic. While it might not be constructed from the flashiest of materials, this reg can handle some wear and tear its super robust for its price range. Atomic Aquatics may not as familiar as some of the other brands weve featured here, but theyve been making a splash in the dive gear market since the 90s. You will pay anywhere from $400 $800 more than you would on a normal regulator. Travel regulators tend to have various parts made from aluminum, and there are some extremely lightweight hose materials on the market nowadays. On top of that, it has heaps of ports so you can find the configuration thats right for you, and four of the low-pressure ports are on a revolving turret to keep your hoses in prime position. The Z in the product name stands for Zirconium which the company uses as plating over the first stages chrome and brass bases. Yoke tanks are the standard type of tank in the US and most other diving destinations (but, if youre diving elsewhere, you can add an O-ring to most DIN tanks so theyll work with your yoke reg too). With the Hollis DC7 500SE you can finally say goodbye to your best underwater shots being ruined by bubble distortion. Its a simple but ergonomic, resistant and durable dive regulator + Octopus. When diving, dont let pieces like the manometer or the second alternative stage hang because they can hit the bottom. Titanium regulators can sometimes cost about $400 to $800 more than an average regulator. That matters too. Look for regs that have been specifically designed for this purpose. The side exhaust valve of this regulator sends those pesky bubbles to the side, making it an absolute winner for photographers. This Scubapro regulator is defiantly worth the price. This is a level of protection that ensures the first stage will not freeze up because no contact is made between the surrounding water and the internal parts. Our writers and editors look for the best Scuba Regulators available. Smooth breathing even after 1,000+ hours of use, Comparable to regulators at a higher price point. Its quite compact, which makes it a great option for travelers. But the general rule of thumb is if you want thebest dive regulatoryou generally have to pay more. The regulator takes the compressed air coming from the tank and adjusts it to the pressure we require to breathe. If you are a warm water diver, any regulator will do. PROS: Ultra-lightweight, swivel prevents hose kinks, automatic venturi switch, very durable. Plus, any yoke users out there will be pleased to know that theres an extra filter in the yoke model that minimizes the effects of polluted air. PROS: Affordable yet features some nice extra touches, lightweight, easy to maintain. Second alternative stage: This works exactly like the second stage. For deco dives and Trimix diving, you should consider the regulators compatibility with gasses including higher percentage oxygen (commonly used foraccelerated decompression) and helium. Can handle any depth or condition youre likely to throw at it. Since releasing the Polaris 4 regulator in the mid-1960, Cressi has continued to innovate and raise the standards of durability and performance in this category. Scuba diving is a dangerous sport that can result in serious injury or death. A high-performance regulator which is suitable for tec, rec, and ice diving. The Hollis 200 LX features a pneumatically balanced PVD valve for great breathing performance, and has an ergonomic design that channels bubbles away from the field of view and reduces exhaust effort. Once your regulator is clean, keep it in a dry place protected from the sun. Now that weve looked at the things youll need to factor into your purchase, lets dive in (pun intended) to the regulators themselves. Read Full Review: Atomic T3 Review: The Best Regulator Money Can Buy. Helping Ordinary People To Become Better Divers. Regulators are what allow us to breathe from high-pressure, compressed air at depth.