Once attached it changes the pressure from high pressure to low pressure that can then be used for breathing from the second stage and inflate the BCD. 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. An extended thermal insolating system delays ice build-up on internal components. The large circular purge button is also simple to find and operate. 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. 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. 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 second stage has a tough nylon case and has a seat-saving orifice, zirconium-plated inlet tube and heat sink for superior corrosion resistance, and a new inhalation diaphragm. The reason many people do not use DIN regulators and steel tanks is that some scuba shops will only fill the tanks to 3,000 psi anyway defeating the purpose of having a setup that can hold higher pressure. If you buy your own DIN tanks than this is not a problem. The regulator has a three year 300 dive service interval. In the picture, I am diving with an aqualung legend regulator. A balanced first stage makes it easier to breathe when at deep depths and when the tank pressure is reduced. It is compact but delivers a tremendous performance, and paired up with the Dual Adj second stage, it is a great all-round performer. But, some divers feel that they are harder to breathe from. 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. Yoke scuba tanks can dive with a DIN regulator with a yoke adapter for the DIN tank. For high-end regulators, I like the Aqualung Legend which I own, and the Atomic Aquatics T3 Regulator which is probably the best regulator on the market today if the cost is not a factor. It is made with nickel-plated brass. ScubaPro R195 is a great secondary regulator that acts as the octopus. It is important to occasionally use and test the secondary regulator. The xDeep regs provided a smooth breathe, and the controls were simple to find and use. And, it prevents outside contaminants like silt and sand from working their way inside. The chromed overbalanced diaphragm first stage offers total environmental protection, giving it phenomenal cold-water performance, and the new heat exchanger, which has a bigger surface area and a co-moulded end cap, gives it excellent resistance to freezing. 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. 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. The octopus which is the backup second stage regulator should never dangle freely. Cody also has a background in aerospace engineering and neuroscience but really only takes pride in being good at one thing and that is fishing! Some regulators need to be serviced every year and others need to be serviced every few years. It has two high-pressure ports and four low-pressure ports. This is the third generation of the top quality Aqua Lung Legend Regulator. Icy waters are among the most challenging conditions you can take on as a SCUBA diver, and not just any gear will do. 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. In the water, it breathed effortlessly in any orientation, and the venturi and cracking resistance control really made a difference to the air flow, allowing us to finetune it. The most common scuba tank used in recreational diving in the USA is an aluminum cylinder that is rated at 3,000 psi. While it is a very reliable second stage modern second stages have been improved on. Global Fishing Reports participants in affiliate marketing programs. Scuba regulators have a first stage and second stage. The venerable Legend now Leg3nd is back in an all-new guise, and the Elite is the pick of the pack. It also has an anti-pressure drop pneumatic spring and high capacity filter. This is for two reasons. For this price point, this is exceptional value for money. Technical divers, cave divers, and wreck enthusiasts prefer this style because it is so secure. Most regulators only come with the primary second stage, not the octopus. For non-technical diving, many people use a wrist computer with the standard analog air gauge. But, if youre diving in cold climates, you may need more attachment points. First, some DIN regulators are rated to hold about 1,000 more PSI than yoke regulators. How to tell difference between Aqualung Legend vs Supreme. The first state is an overcompensation diaphragm design. Keep in mind that a DIN valve will fit on any SCUBA cylinder, using an adapter. It also has pre-orientated low-pressure and high-pressure ports and a neat pearl-chrome finish. 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. Plus, this regulator only needs to be serviced every 3 years or 300 dives. It has dry chambers that reduce the potential for ice build-up. Unbalanced regulators becomes more difficult to breathe from as your tank has less air. There are 2 other comparably priced regs you might look at: MK25/G250V, and the Apeks XTX100. For technical and deep diving having an air-integrated computer is best since it can more accurately calculate the remaining bottom-time based on tank pressure and safety stops. And, while it wont win any points for style, its one of the best values on the market dollar for dollar. The Apeks MTX was built based on a military design, featuring a nearly bulletproof sealed and balanced brass exterior. In the secondary regulator, there are large ribs that act as a heat exchanger to protect internal mechanisms. It is available both as a yoke and DIN configuration of the first stage. The regulator has a patented comfort swivel which is shown in the video below. Partly cause i like the metal body and the perforated diaphragm cover but it def doesn't breathe as easy as the legend. It is made with marine-grade brass. If you think you will be diving outside the USA or doing technical diving purchase a DIN regulator. Outside of Atomic Aquatics products, the closest you get to a high-quality regulator is the SCUBAPRO M25 A700. Having it in a secure location is also helpful if a buddy needs to use the regulator. It breathes well in all positions. Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions. It is advisable to dive using a backup pressure gauge for redundancy, especially if you are diving in a cold climate. This is a great regulator for basic and advanced diving in warm and cold water environments. AQUA LUNG LEGE3ND ELITE This top-shelf reg offers precision performance and enhanced ergonomics to match its good looks. Most DIN regulators can hold pressures up to 4300 PSI. If you have a DIN regulator and plan to dive on vacation it is important to have an adapter as many scuba shops only provide scuba tanks setup for yoke valve scuba regulators. We accept advertising from many of the brands featured, but in no way does that have an effect on the overall review we give a product. The second stage has a Venturi-initiated vacuum assist dive or pre-dive switch. The second stage is more-traditional, with a cracking resistance control and venturi lever. This equipment is being shown to help decide how many ports are needed on the regulator. It has a sealed first stage that protects the diaphragm from freezing and can be used in cold water environments. It has five low-pressure ports and two high-pressure ports on its DCX first stage. The Dual Adj is made from an ultralight technopolymer, which is abrasion resistant but extremely lightweight, making it ideal for cold-water use, but also for travel. In the picture, I am diving with a Cressi XS compact regulator in the Florida Keys. 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 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. It is known for easy breathing regardless of depth. 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. 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. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. But, this can make them slightly more prone to freeflow. Atomic Aquatics Z2 octopus as the secondary scuba regulator. If youre planning to dive in cold water (below 75 F), youll need a regulator built to take a beating. The large purge is easy to locate and depress, and the Venturi, while fairly small, can be operated even with thick gloves. This model comes standard with high-end features like a turreted first stage and swiveling joints for easy hose routing and comfort. The Alpha 10 SPX is a budget-priced regulator, but it doesnt skimp on performance, and it is actually quite pleasing to look at as well. A Free photo gallery to share your dive photos with the world. 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. I have a Mk19/D420 as well as a G260 and 620Ti second stage (I also have a Mk25 evo) Anyway I have yet to dive the D420 and rsingler tuned both the Mk19 and the D420 for me. Each month, the Scuba Diver test team assembles to rate and review a selection of dive equipment from a range of manufacturers. Zeagle have long been producing top-quality BCDs and wings, and now they are well-established in the world of regulators after teaming up with the knowledgeable team at Atomic Aquatics. The Aqua Lung Legend is an excellent regulator, no matter what climate you're diving in.