Sign up for Scuba Divings weekly email and never miss another story. The compact, elliptical S-81 second stage features a sequential exhaust assist and has a ceramic moisture plate to prevent dry mouth. They dive with specific hose configurations according to the type of dive they are doing. User adjustable inhalation effort knob and Venturi assist lever are standard. It backed that up in our ANSTI testing, chalking up excellent ratings at all depths and breathing rates, recording the lowest work-of-breathing scores at recreational depth, and delivering air within our test parameters, even at a torturous 75-liter-per-minute breathing rate down to 240 feet the deepest of any reg in our test. The low-prole rst stage places the low-pressure hoses out to the sides. /Rttm%fH~ 0Dw).TQPfK7_jN"jqp- \0%am=Un0}#4kaF iP"O': :kw6+l*=(NVON6Kn[BjAg$n9?4hAq*yG>X> N S23oOcoGFB@GQ >a Fittings: Yoke or DINFirst Stage: Balanced diaphragmCold water: YesPorts: 2 HP, 5 MPSecond Stage: Breathing resistance knob with Venturi assistWeight: 1170g (Yoke). DIN tanks have a removable adapter which allows them to be used with yoke regulators, but DIN regulators need a separate adapter for use with INT (International) tank valves, which do not have a threaded opening. All the information you need to plan your dive vacations anywhere in the world. The Apeks Sidemount Regulator Set comes with everything required to get gas out of sidemount cylinders. The Horizon offers the benets of a rebreatherextended bottom time, almost no bubbles, and warm, moist breathing gasin a streamlined package that operates with a single Nitrox cylinder and a head-up display. The regulator supplies air only when we inhale and expels the breathed air when we exhale. In some cases, that means youre giving up a bit of comfort or convenience, such as the additional options for hose routing that you get with a rotating first stage, or the ability to precisely fine-tune your regs breathing resistance at a particular depth and workload. In ANSTI testing, the MX100 performed very good at recreational depth and good to the depth limits of the test. 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. Thanks to its advanced design, low inhalation efforts are needed even at deep depths. Ensure that the mouthpiece feels good, allowing you to maintain a natural bite. The Scubapro M25 EVO A700 features a nice design with a chrome-plated brass body. 'a0+>gQQx|>]P>QG!VXR. The denser air, higher water pressure and rapid breathing are taxing the reg, pushing its work- of-breathing score to 1.76 joules per liter good, but a difference a diver would feel. The lightweight R-600 balanced diaphragm rst stage is sealed. The top graph was taken at 132 feet at 15 breaths per minute, and recorded a work-of-breathing score of .73 joules per liter excellent performance, showing it was able to deliver air at that rate and depth with little effort. The large, triangular purge cover is rigid and a little stiff in the center, but just a touch along one of the corners clears the reg easily. Four decades of helping divers safely reach the surface in an out-of-air emergency is a milestoneand one you can take note of with this limited-edition anniversary model. The most common hose lengths used on regulators are around 70 or 75 cm for the second stage, and 90 cm for the Octopus or backup second stage. With more than three full turns of adjustment, changes made a big difference, allowing test divers to dial in performance and helping the DX200 earn a very good score for ease of breathing and effectiveness of adjustment. Below the centerline shows the negative pressure required to inhale; above shows the positive pressure needed to exhale, measured in millibars. For tropical recreational diving, any regulator will do, but cold and deep-water diving require appropriate equipment. This is the best diving for every season in a state with endless possibility. EU standards require the use of tanks and regulators with a non-standard connection for anything above 21 per cent, but are not universally enforced. 62.5 RMV @ 198 fsw: Launched in October 2017, the XL4 is Apeks latest addition to their range, suitable for all divers in all locations, with a compact design and for the features a compact price. Two HP and seven LP ports is more than most regulators, with the LP ports located on a fixed cap instead of a swivelling body, allowing for hose routing choice. Environmental SealsAll regulators will work in warm, clear, water, but compressed gases cool as they expand (aerosol deodorants are a perfect example) and can cause unprotected regulators to freeze open when diving in cold water (10C / 50F or lower). Some manufacturers produce regulators tailored towards dive centre rental gear, a good choice for the novice diver on a budget, but which may compare less favourably in terms of design, size, weight and especially cold-water use to the model that manufacturers promote as entry-level. The Compacts latest version maintains the trim profile of the second stage but pairs it with an environmentally sealed MC9- SC (for sealed chamber) first stage rated for cold-water use. ScubaLab tested 14 new regs over and under the $500 price point in an ANSTI breathing simulator and in the water. The purge cover, which takes up the whole front of the reg, is soft and rubbery, the breathing adjustment knob is a full inch in diameter and ringed with soft rubber, and the Venturi lever is one of the easiest to reach and operate weve used (and is clearly marked). Each breath by the machine moves 2.5 liters of air through the regulator, at breathing rates of 15, 25 and 30 breaths a minute. Like the MK25 EVO 700, its resistant and well adapted to use in cold water, but you can get it for a more affordable price. 62.5 RMV @ 165 fsw: A PADI Worldwide Company. ScubaLab put these regs through two tests the first is conducted on a breathing simulator (objective), and the second by our team of test divers (ergonomic). Like the other regs in this price range, the Cores only user control is a Venturi lever, which divers found well positioned and easy to grip with or without gloves, and rated good for blocking free-flows (although some divers would have preferred the MIN and MAX markings on the rounded portion of the lever to be located on the top of the second stage, where they would be more visible). Scuba Diving may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. 10 Purge button stiffness and comfort The front cover is scratch-resistant. dk%vGCNm%BUvvt-8 SS2dx0!| N^XHG$XVkPPO,Np Its a simple design and, our testing showed, an effective one. Engineered to provide a comfortable, low-effort work of breathing in warm and cold water, the Leg3nd is ready for any environment. The Italian companys entry level regulator is targeted at the intense activities of dive centres, marketed as high in reliability, safety, sturdiness, durability and simplicity which is what dive centres want their regulators to be, along with low in price. DIN is rapidly becoming the dive industry standard, but is not universal. Obviously, its not cheap. Test divers were impressed with its easy breathing. The single piece body and flexible nylon hose reduce the overall weight, with the second stage geared towards reducing jaw fatigue on long duration dives. Required fields are marked *. Fittings: Yoke or DINFirst Stage: Overbalanced diaphragmCold water: YesPorts: 1 HP, 4 MPSecond Stage: Pneumatically-balanced with Venturi controlWeight (first and second): 1130g (Yoke), Aqua Lungs most basic entry-level regulator would be the Calypso, an unbalanced piston design popular as rental equipment, a solid, easy-to-maintain warm-water regulator retailing at 156. Find out how they stacked up in this year's regulator review. e6)EIgf"{lf||U7$8GzR'F5'_)F]TH_rGetd|lF hV23dp",5g;p~Y7U?K NitroxAll regulators can be used with recreational nitrox up to a maximum of 40 per cent O2. The rst stage has a dry-sealed spring chamber, with critical components protected behind the clear hydrostatic diaphragm. It's certified to perform to the European EN250 standards at 200 metres Cressi AC25M Master Cromo Regulator Set with Octopus, Cressi MC9 XS Compact Regulator Set - DIN or Yoke, Cressi AC2 XS Compact Regulator Set - DIN or Yoke, Mares Epic ADJ 82X PVD Regulator Set - First and Second Stage. The Guardian full-face mask provides a dry, comfortable diving experience thanks to its effective double seal and a design that permits divers to breathe naturally from the nose. Fittings: Yoke or DINFirst Stage: Overbalanced diaphragmCold water: YesPorts: 1 HP, 4 MPSecond Stage: Pneumatically-balanced with Venturi controlWeight (first and second): 905g (DIN). The Cressi AC2 XS Compact Regulator Set is an exceptionally dependable non-balanced flow-by-piston designed Cressi AC2 1st stage regulator combined Category Path: SCUBA / WATERSPORTS>Regulators>Sidemount Regulators. Roger Roy, ScubaLab Director. Redesigned in 2015, the balanced diaphragm, brass bodied-first stage has five low pressure and two high pressure ports. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. But while the second stage is ambidextrous, the purge is less so. Although many divers consider them to be a better and more reliable option, they are not very popular among recreational divers. Size and weight may be factors in your decision making, as is the cost and availability of servicing. DIN regulators are a little less bulky, form a tighter seal, and can handle higher pressures, so many divers consider it to be a superior system. It features five low-pressure ports on a 360-degree swivel, two high-pressure ports and a two-piece piston for precise optimum balance. 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. There are other affiliate links too. Copyright 2022 Scuba Diving. Its a simple but ergonomic, resistant and durable dive regulator + Octopus. The DS4 first stage is an environmentally sealed, over-balanced diaphragm design, with a heat exchanger on the second stage making it suitable for cold water diving which as a British manufacturer is an Apeks speciality. ANSTI breathing simulator results shown here are based on a score of 1 to 5, where 5 represents excellent performance with work-of-breathing measurements of 1 joule per liter or less at carefully regulated depths and breathing rates and volumes. The smart-looking balanced diaphragm first stage is designed for cold water diving, with the Mares NCC (Natural Convection Channel) increasing surface area for heat exchange. This simulates the potential demand at maximum recreational depth for a diver at an extremely heavy work rate, or loosely simulates two divers buddy breathing at a somewhat aggressive rate. Two of the four LP ports are high-flow, delivering 15 per cent more air for each breath. The first stage reduces the air pressure to an intermediate pressure. This regs second-stage features a laser-etched titanium front thats a thing of beauty. The regs we tested in this price range showed slightly higher performance overall on the breathing simulator than their thriftier brethren (principally at greater depths and extreme breathing rates). This disclosure pertains to all product links. The Cressi AC25M Master Cromo Regulator Set with Octopus Regulator and Regulator Bag delivers performance, ergonomic reliability, and ease of Category Path: SCUBA / WATERSPORTS>Regulators>Diving Regulators. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. The Mares Rover 15X is made of ultralight techno-polymer that guarantees durability and corrosion resistance. All rights reserved. Cold water kits can be purchased separately and fitted by an approved technician. These days, all but the most basic of regulators are balanced. Paired with Scubapros flagship piston first stage the MK25 EVO, rated for cold-water use the A700 second stage has also gotten a makeover with the Black Tech finish, a lustrous coating resistant to abrasion and corrosion. By submitting above, you agree to Scuba Diving's privacy policy. Dive/Predive/Flow controlThe Venturi effect, in which moving gas causes a reduction in surrounding pressure, is what makes regulators work, and also causes them to freeflow, especially at the surface. The click-spring adjustable control allows precise breathing adjustment, while the top-mounted Venturi lever is easy to reach. 1 Ease of breathing in swimming position A simple dive/predive Venturi control completes the package. Dont just give your reg a quick rinse after diving give it a good long soak, especially if youve done multiple dives in salt water. Scubapros MK2 / R195 combo is probably the most prevalent regulator rental set in the world, and with a RRP of only 189, a decent choice for the entry level diver on a budget. There are plenty of options available, and as one of the most complex items of kit, regulators come with an associated dictionary of technical terminology. The MK25 EVO/G260 is our Testers Choice. DIN or Yoke?The first stage connects to the tank valve and converts the high pressure in the tank to an intermediate pressure for delivery to the second stages. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Best Scuba Diving Regulators. The jargon can be off-putting, is not always adequately covered during training, and is sometimes used by salespeople to direct you to equipment you dont really need. In ANSTI testing, the Cyklon scored a rating of very good at recreational depth. An unbalanced first stage will make the divers breathing effort increase slightly as the tank empties. A: As you'd expect for a piece of gear as personal as a reg, test divers have varying opinions. In ANSTI testing, the DX200 was rated very good across the board at all test depths. Second stage: This is the nozzle we breathe through. Fittings: Yoke or DINFirst Stage: Balanced diaphragmCold water: YesPorts: 2 HP, 4 LP (2 high flow)Second Stage: Venturi controlWeight (first and second): 950g (DIN). Hiking, Scuba Diving and Travels, June 20, 2022 By Travelsauro Leave a Comment. The two main types of mounts are yoke and DIN: A yoke mount is placed around the tank valve and screwed with a clamp. But test divers found nothing muscle-bound about its in-water performance, where it earned comments including super smooth and like butter! Divers liked the regs effective Venturi and breathing-adjustment controls, and its just-right purge, but what they loved was that smooth, effortless breathing. Make sure all items are securely fastened to your BCD. 13 Breathing- adjustment-knob function and effectiveness. In ANSTI machine testing the RS790 demonstrated excellent performance at a normal breathing rate at recreational depth, and very good performance to the limits of our test depths and breathing rates (and also reached one of the greatest depths of any reg in this category without breaking test parameters, even at an extremely high breathing rate). Known as the divers reserve parachute, the Spare Air is must-have equipment for the safety-conscious diver. While the heritage of its predecessor THE GS2000 is apparent, the new Prana aims to build on that reputation. The balanced piston XT1 first stage is environmentally sealed and comes with five LP ports on a swivel turret and 2 HP ports at right angles to the barrel for optimal hose routing. The Scubapro MK 25 EVO G260 is another high-quality diving regulator. Although the balanced piston first stage is not environmentally sealed, Scubapros patented thermal insulating system and anti-freeze protection ensures reliability even in the most extreme water temperatures. A factory-fitted environmental seal is optional, and the 5 LP ports are housed in a rotating end cap for easier hose routing. All that metalwork gives it a somewhat beefy look, but test divers found that the second stage is actually quite lightweight and easy on the jaw. Some divers found the wide, narrow purge cover somewhat stiff and thought it required a little getting used to, but they also noted it didnt free-flow even in strong current. Many people will enjoy their diving without noticing a great deal of difference, but for those who seek to master the art of diving, those extra tweaks might become much more important. Having a basic understanding of the components prior to making a purchase is essential, especially if its your first, so take a deep breath heres the basics. The Xstream has no adjustments, but test divers reported no issues with free-flows. Actually, its based on a fairly basic principle. Dont worry too much if it feels a bit heavy at first because that will change once you get underwater. He started writing for DIVE in 2010 and hasn't stopped since. But the regs our testers liked best had controls that were easy to use and effective (and well marked). Technical info:DFC port, Balanced diaphragm, warm water. Yoke also known as A-clamp or int regulators fit over the tank valve and are secured with a screw clamp. The DX200s purge cover is a large, rounded triangle that allows good control a gentle push on one of the corners provides an easy clearing of the reg without an overly strong blast although some divers thought it required more movement than it should have. The LX Supreme has an environmentally sealed, overbalanced diaphragm first stage with an extremely useful Auto Closure Device (ACD) which seals the regulator as its disconnected from the tank. With a robust rst stage partnered to a featherweight second, this regulator is- capable and comfortable. Seac's agship regulator features a high-performance balanced-diaphragm rst stage constructed from chrome-nished forged brass, with angled HP and LP ports. The graphs below show results of ANSTI testing on the same reg at different depths and breathing rates. There are other affiliate links to REI and Leisure Pro. But for the price, this reg offers admirable performance, making the MK2 EVO/R195 our Best Buy. A repeat diver luxuriates in the lively shallows of the Great Blue Hole, a beautiful side of the site most divers fin straight past. If you are a warm water diver, any regulator will do. Technical info:Balanced diaphragm, warm and cold water. The Prestige does this by way of an angled tube on the right side of the second stage leading to the mouthpiece inlet; its an air by- pass that creates a low-pressure vortex behind the diaphragm. They are the simplest design, least expensive, and the mainstay of recreational rental gear. The reg is novel enough that test divers found that it took a bit of getting used to. Invaluable in cold or contaminated water, this mask can be outtted with OTSs wired and wireless underwater communication systems. It tied the high ergonomic scores in every category except head-down position, where divers rated it just good for ease of breathing and dry air. With 6 cubic feet of breathing gas, you get double the supply of the 300 in a package thats the same length and still just 3.25 inches in diameter. The knurled adjustment knob allows divers to easily tune the inhalation effort to their own preferences. The Cayman Islands present only opportunities to underwater photographers, which calls for a disciplined approach. I have been traveling the world for the last 10 years and I hope my experiences, photos and hiking routes inspire you to travel the world too. With the Twin Power System, the reg's performance can be precisely tailored to meet conditions. In ANSTI tests the Prestige recorded very good scores across the board, and in ergonomic testing divers reported no more tendency to free-flow at the surface than any of the other regs in the test. The simulator monitors how much effort is required to breathe, measuring the work of breathing in joules per liter (j/l). Replace or update your card, buy a Special Edition or Project AWARE version of your PADI certification card, or go digital with the purchase of a PADI eCard. The simulator pressurizes the test chamber to simulate depths of 132 fsw, 165 fsw and 198 fsw.
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