Regulators review 2021 (Entry level, Mid-range and Tech)
After looking at the best choices, and differences between them for fins, masks and BCD's we'll have a look at the options for regulators in 2021.
Depending on where you'll be diving, the type of diving and if you'll be travelling a lot will impact your choice.
Things to consider when shopping for a regulator:
Balanced or unbalanced ?
A balanced regulator doesn't assist nor resists the flow of air, this simply means it breathes the same under all conditions, like being at (great) depth (most divers wont notice a significant difference between balanced and unbalanced up to a depth of about 65 ft), or lower tank pressures. If you dive deeper than 130 ft it makes a lot of sense to opt for a balanced regulator.
An unbalanced reg produces more resistance when air pressure gets low, or diving at greater depths.
Balanced regs tend to be more expensive, not only in purchase but also in servicing, maintenance and replacement of parts.
DIN or A-clamp ?
This will depend on the places you visit, if they mainly provide DIN set ups, go for DIN or vice versa. Most divers learn to always keep a converter in their dive bag, this will prevent unpleasant surprises.
IMPORTANT!!! if you use an A-clamp you have to bear in mind that a DIN-tank is rated till 300 bar, and an A-clamp tank is rated to 232 bar. You want to make sure of the pressure first to avoid potentially dangerous situations when using an A-clamp on a DIN Tank.
Warm- or Cold water diving ?
If you dive in waters that are colder than 57 Fahrenheit (14 Celsius) you need a regulator that is up to that task, it needs to be environmentally sealed (this assures the first stage wont freeze up because there is no contact between the internal parts and the water).If you do dive in colder waters, we recommend a metal second stage, because it is a better conductor than plastic.
What gasses will you be using ?
Most regulators are safe to use with EANx up to 40%, For trimix and deco diving you should look at the regulators compatibility with helium, and higher than 40% oxygen mixes (for accelerated decompression).
Number of ports ?
A regulator should have a minimum of 3 low-pressure (sometimes marked MP for Medium-pressure) ports, if you dive in a dry-suit you'll need a fourth one. There will also be a High-pressure port for your SGP/console. This port is marked HP.
Weight
If you travel a lot than you might want this to be a consideration so your sports bag doesn't surpasses the allowance.
We will divide the reviews in 3 groups:
- Entry level / budget regulators, this means they are all from trusted brands, adhere to the safety guidelines and are ideal for recreational warm water diving.
- Mid- range, you can expect some extra features on these regs.
- High-end, for those moving from the recreational to the tech diving( If you think of getting into cave diving or wreck penetration, bear in mind that a DIN configuration has a lower profile than an A-clamp set up)
Best budget regulators:
CressiAC2/XS2
With the purchase of the AC2/XS2 first and second stage regulator you get durable and and high quality materials as you can expect from Cressi. The first stage has one HP port and 4 low-pressure ports, this is an unbalanced A-clamp reg. It has a conical filter for higher airflow. It is not environmentally sealed. The lightweight second stage is made of Polymer, the mouthpiece is silicone. This reg is made to handle heavy use and is very durable, You can find the AC2/XS2 at the best price with Leisurepro.
Oceanic Alpha 10 with sPX DIN first stage
This reg from Oceanic will serve you for years, it is made of high-grade marine chrome and with 2.5 lbs it wont take up much of your allowance when travelling.This is an unbalanced reg with 4 low-pressure and one high pressure port. It is a DIN set up reg and has a venturi switch and adjustable flow. You can find this set up at the best price with Leisurepro.
Mares Rover 2S
This reg is popular with dive shops, it breathes easy, can take a knock and is a real workhorse among the budget regulators. This unbalanced, A-clamp set up has 4 low-pressure ports and 1 high-pressure port. It does have a flow adjustment knob, and the second stage mesh grid minimizes free flow. This lightweight reg offers excellent value for money. Find it at the best price with Leisurepro.
Aqua Lung Calypso
This unbalanced reg is also a favorite of many dive shops, because of the reliability, durability, performane and because they are very easy to maintain. This reg is available as DIN and A-clamp set up. It has 1 high-pressure and 4 low-pressure ports. It has a flow adjustment knob, and counts with a Venturi switch. It is a lightweight reg that is very comfortable. The Aqua Lung Calypso is available at the best price at Leisurepro.
Scubapro MK2 EVO /R195
This unbalanced reg counts with 1 hih-pressure and 4 low-pressure ports. It is not the most stylish reg, but is cold water rated and is light enough (2lbs) for travel. It has a large diaphragm for increased breathing sensitivity.The Pre-dive switch to conserve air at the surface. This is a real good choice for beginning divers, if you ever upgrade later, this will make a very good backup. The MK EVO/R195 is available at Leisurepro with a best price guarantee.
Mid-Range regulators:
Atomic Aquatics Z2
The Z2 is a balanced, DIN set up regulator, it is ready for Nitrox up to 40%. It has 2 high-pressure and 5-7 low-pressure ports.It comes with automatic Venturi control and a flow adjustment knob. The chrome and brass from the first stage are covered in Zirconium, this reg is durable and breathes better than somme other more expensive regs. You can find the best price for the Z2 at Leisurepro.
Scubapro MK25 EVO/S600
This balanced, A-clamp set up reg, with 5 low-pressure and 2 high-pressure ports is the best selling Scubapro regulator system. It has a extended thermal insulating system, and a long lasting metal valve housing. This MK35 has a Venturi switch and a flow adjustment knob. The swiveling first stage makes for easy configuration, it is not environmentally sealed like other regs but Scubapro uses their own coating, It is higher priced than many of it's competitors. Find this reg at the beest price at Leisurepro.
Oceanic Delta 5 eDX
This balanced, and environmentally sealed DIN set up regulator will do it's job in any weather and all temperatures. It has 4 Low-pressure and 2 High-pressure ports,and is ready for 40% EANx. It has a pre-dive switch and adjustable flow knob. The Delta is lighter than comparable models. It comes with all metal valve. Oceanic offers a limited lifetime warranty and free parts on the Delta. For those that dive in cold water this is a great option. Leisurepro offers a best price gurantee.
Apeks XTX 40
This balanced, A-clamp set up counts with 4 low-pressure and 2 high-pressure ports, left- to right hand convertible. The second stage is pneumatically balanced. The XTX40 is suitable for mixed gas diving and cold water diving, and is environmentally sealed. For the price you pay you'll get a very good regulator. It is available at Leisurepro with their best price guarantee.
Aqua Lung Mikron
This balance DIN set up comes with 2 high-pressure and 4 low-pressure ports. It is nitrox compatible, has a Venturi switch and adjustable flow knob. This high quality reg is very lightand ideal for those that travel a lot and want an environmentally sealed reg that will last for years to come. Available, with their best price guarantee at Leisurepro.
Cressi Ac 25 Master Cromo
This balanced reg with 5 low-pressure and 2 high-pressure ports, is a lightweight that offers smooth breathing at all depths, and is extremely quiet when exhaling.The AC 35 is a durable piece of equipment with Venturi switch, adjustable flow knob, internal heat exchanger and a swivel turret that turns 360 degrees. At Leisurepro you can get the AC 25 Master Cromo with their best price guarantee.
High-end regulators:
Apeks MTX-R
The MTX-R is available in DIN and A-clamp set up, this reg meets all standards of the Navy Experimental Dive Unit, and was designed for cold water diving. It comes with 2 high-pressure and 5 low-pressure ports and is easy to service. This high performance reg is also compatible with side-mount. The demand valve is reversible for left to right configuration. This is a high performance reg that is suitable for, recreational, tech- and ice-divers. You can find the Apeks MTX-R at Leisurepro, of course with their best price guarantee.
Hollis 200 LX DCX
This PVC coated, balanced DIN set up reg is made to last, it has 2 high-pressure and 6 low-pressure ports. It comes with Venturi control, adjustable flow knob, and is side mount compatible. The gas delivery is excellent no matter the conditions you find yourself diving in. This lightweight polycarbonate design is Hollis's flagship when it come to regs. Leisurepro offers it with their best price guarantee.
Poseidon Xstream Black
This DIN valve set up regulator has 5 low-pressure and 2 high-pressure ports. Because of the upstream Servo-valve design it wont freeflow, even if you tried. It is certified for use up to 656 ft. This high performance reg is endorsed by US Navy divers and is NYPD's and US Coastguard's preferred option. It is designed for air, Nitrox and 100% Oxygen. The Poseidon can be used under ice, and is side mount compatible. It is not a lightweight by any means, but a very good designed reg for even the most demanding divers. At Leisurepro it is available, with their best price guarantee.
Dive Rite XT1 with XT2 second stage
The XT 1 has 2 high-pressure and 5 low-pressure ports, this reg is pneumatticly balanced and environmentally sealed, a secondary environmental diaphragm membrane seals off the spring chamber and avoids freezing over in cold water. The second stage comes with a ergonomic dive/pre-dive Venturi lever (which is easy to use, even with thick gloves, and an external flow adjustment knob. The XT 1 is cold water ready and built for effortless breathing. You can find this reg at the best price guaranteed at Leisurepro.
Zeagle F8
The F8 is available in DIN and A-clamp set up, comes with 2 high-pressure and 5 low-pressure ports. The first stage is a diaphragm balanced design and the second stage is pneumatically balanced. It is Nitrox compatible up to 40% and has adjustable inhalation resistance. The F8 performs good in cold and warm waters. is made of durable materials and is really good value for money. The Zeagle F8 is available at Leisurepro, with their best price guarantee.
Let us know if we missed a certain regulator that you think should be in there.
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