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A scuba regulator is perhaps the most important piece of equipment you have as a diver. It is a key item to keep you alive underwater, providing the ability to breathe the high-pressure gasses stored in your scuba tank safely and comfortably. When you are underwater, having one of the best scuba regulators will help you to breathe more comfortably so that you are able to have the most enjoyable sub-sea adventure.
Where should you begin your search to find the best scuba regulator for you? There are hundreds of regulator models with a variety of specs on the market today, so it might be a bit confusing making your selection. Keep it as simple as possible. Where and how are you going to use it and which features would you like to have? Which models suit those needs best? After reading countless ratings and reviews and talking to divers, I have put together a list of the best scuba regulators on the market today to make your choice a lot easier. You will also find a quick buying guide as well as reviews to help you make the right choice.
Scuba Regulator Buying Guide – Things to Consider in Choosing the Best Scuba Regulator
Warm versus Cold Water – What is the water temperature where you plan to dive? This will determine if you need a sealed or unsealed regulator.
- Unsealed Regulators – For warm water destinations like those in the tropics, almost any regulator will do.
An unsealed regulator means that water can get into the first stage which is alright when diving in warm water. These models are generally cheaper than sealed models. - Sealed Regulators – For cold water diving, you need a sealed regulator. You want the water to stay outside the first stage because at low temperatures the water could freeze inside blocking airflow. An environmental seal also keeps the first stage free from salt, sediment, and other contaminants.
Diaphragm or Piston – The first stage can have either a piston or diaphragm construction. If you are a recreational diver either one is okay, although most divers prefer piston-type first stages because they have fewer moving parts and are considered more reliable. Even though they tend to be more expensive, they are recommended as the better choice for deep diving.
Balanced or Unbalanced – No matter how much air is left in the tank or the depth you are at, a balanced regulator will have consistent airflow. An unbalanced dive regulator will become harder to breathe from the deeper you go and as the air in the tank decreases. If you plan on deep diving you should get a balanced regulator. Unbalanced ones are a little cheaper, though, and dive shops often use them for rental when deep diving isn’t planned.
DIN or Yoke
DIN Valve – With the DIN system, the regulator is screwed directly into the tank valve. This creates a stronger and more reliable seal, which is also more streamlined. It is used a lot by cold water and technical divers and is more common in Europe.
Yoke Valve – With the yoke valve the regulator is mounted over and around the tank valve. The yoke or A-clamp is the more popular of the two, particularly in North America. It’s also much easier to mount a regulator on a tank with this type of valve.
If you do decide to go with a DIN system, you can get a DIN to yoke adapter that will allow you to use a DIN regulator on a yoke valve.
Number of Ports – A standard regulator setup for recreational diving has a primary second stage, a backup octopus, a high-pressure gauge, and a BC inflation hose. Today most regulators come with 4 low-pressure (LP) ports and 1 or 2 high pressure (HP) ports. The more ports you have, the easier it will be to comfortably set up your gear. Having 2 high-pressure ports can come in handy if you have or plan to get an air-integrated dive computer with a transmitter as you’ll need an extra port where you can attach it.
Diver Adjustable – Higher-end dive regulators may have a couple of features that allow you to customize your breathing. A Venturi Switch prevents free flows on the surface while enhancing breathing performance underwater. An Inhalation Adjustment Knob allows you to fine-tune you’re breathing by increasing or decreasing your inhalation resistance with the turn of a knob.
10 Best Scuba Regulators 2019
- Scubapro Evo MK25 A700
- Sherwood SR2 SRB2000
- Atomic Aquatics T3
- Aqua Lung Calypso Classic
- Aqua Lung Core
- Apeks XL4+
- Hollis DC7 500SE
- Cressi Elipse Titanium MC9
- Zeagle F8
- Scubapro MK17 Evo A700
This is the top regulator in the line of the renowned diving manufacturer, Scubapro. With the MK 25 Evo A700, you can easily breathe irrespective of the position and depth that you have reached. This is a high quality and reliable regulator. It has 5 low-pressure ports on a swivel and opposing high-pressure ports, allowing you to mount the regulator up or down. A great buy if you are looking for a high-performance regulator.
- Beautiful chrome-plated brass body
- Balanced 1st and 2nd stage for exceptional ease of breathing
- Extended Thermal Isolation System (XTIS) increases cold water performance by 30%
- Diver adjustable Venturi switch to control unwanted free flows on the surface
- Diver adjustable inhalation effort resistance on the 2nd stage to fine-tune your breathing on the go
Overall Rating: 5/5
The top-performing regulator in Sherwood Scuba’s regulator line is the SR2. It is a technologically advanced version of the SR1, offering superior breathing performance. The sealed first stage features a 360° swivel and the 2nd stage has a single adjustment knob to control both Venturi and breathing resistance. This excellent regulator is compact and enables effortless breathing.
- Five low-pressure ports on a 360° swivel for optimum hose routing and comfort
- Pneumatically Balanced 2nd stage delivers ease in breathing
- Single adjustment knob for Venturi and Breathing resistance makes breathing adjustment fast and easy
- It is a completely dry and environmentally sealed scuba regulator.
- Comes with five low-pressure ports with an additional two high-pressure ports making it easy to set up
- Provides optimum balance thanks to its two-piece piston design
- Offers an amazing intermediate pressure control
Overall Rating: 5/5
The exceptionally lightweight and corrosion-free Atomic T3 Regulator is precision machined from titanium. It also provides the same unprecedented performance and reliability the Atomic “T” series is famous for, and now comes with a 3 years/300 dive not contingent on the service lifetime warranty. Even though it is quite expensive, you can rest assured that you are getting the quality that you are paying for.
- First and second stage components precision machined from solid titanium for durability and reliability
- Sealed, balanced piston first stage keeps water and other contaminants from interfering with the performance
- Pneumatically balanced 2nd stage delivers extreme ease in breathing
- Titanium 2nd Stage Comfort Swivel helps reduce jaw fatigue and unwanted hose tugging
- Automatic flow control allows for hands-free Venturi control
- Rapid adjustment knob for breathing resistance
- 3 year / 300 dive service interval
Overall Rating: 5/5
The very popular Aqualung Calypso has a simple design and an affordable price, which makes it a great entry-level regulator. It is compact, lightweight and easy-to-service making it a great choice if you are just getting into the sport and don’t want to invest in a more expensive model. It has a venturi adjusting switch which helps you minimize free flow on the surface, and also enables maximum airflow at depth. Additionally, the Aqualung Calypso Regulator is a good choice for dive resorts or new divers due to its low price.
- Compact, lightweight, easy to service
- Good breathing performance
- Large Venturi switch to control free flows
- Low price
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Aqua Lung’s new mid-range regulator, the Core, has a number of outstanding features considering the price. It comes with a Venturi that has a large switch and the Aqua Lung ACD system, a feature that previously was only offered on Aqua Lung’s high-end regulators. The amazing breathing paired with an attractive price point gives you the best value for your money. It is also available in a supreme version that is environmentally sealed, has a lip shield, and is detuned for cold water diving. It also comes with a balanced diaphragm 1st stage that will provide you with a superior and consistent breathing.
- Good in cold water, highly resistant to freezing in water temperatures lower than 50 degrees F
- Great price for a scuba regulator considering the high-level features
- Auto-Closure Device (ACD) keeps unwanted water and other contaminants out of the first stage when removed from the tank.
- Large Venturi Switch to control free flows
- Ergonomic Comfo-Bite mouthpiece
Overall Rating: 4.6/5
The Apeks XL4+ is a good choice for cold water and technical diving. Unique over-balanced diaphragm design allows medium pressure gas in the hose to increase at a faster rate than ambient on the descent for better performance at depth. It’s unusually compact and lightweight and designed to prevent icing up.
- Over-molded 1st stage endcap and environmental diaphragm to prevent ice build-up
- Comfortable, compact, lightweight 2nd stage for decreased jaw fatigue
- Ergonomic Venturi lever is easy to locate and use
- White nylon braided hose for better cold water performance than a rubber hose
- Durable, flexible rubber exhaust tee for good bubble diversion
Overall Rating: 4.8/5
The Hollis DC7 500SE has a side exhaust design that is great for photography sending the bubbles outside the frame of the camera. This sturdy and reliable regulator has an overbalanced first stage that provides greater intermediate pressure to the second stage for ease of breathing and is environmentally sealed for cold water environments. Mounting from the left or right it is suitable for different configurations including doubles and sidemount.
- Environmentally sealed
- Orthodontic mouthpiece for comfort and less fatigue
- Can be configured for sidemount or doubles
- Includes lightweight braided hoses
Overall Rating: 4.8/5
The Cressi Ellipse Titanium MC9 is a high performance, versatile regulator at a moderate price. Small and lightweight with titanium and plastic components, it is environmentally sealed for good performance in cold water. The balanced second stage has an elliptical shape that permits a larger diaphragm and along with a high-performance downstream valve design it results in less breathing effort.
- Environmentally sealed
- Adjustable venturi and inhalation
- Jacketed hose
- Ultralightweight
- Reasonably priced
Overall Rating: 4.6/5
The Zeagle F8 is a highly durable environmentally sealed regulator suitable for cold water and all-round use. Knobs for airflow and venture control are easy-to-grip for use with gloves. The balanced diaphragm design and improved exhaust valve make for easy breathing no matter the depth and less exhalation effort.
- Fully environmentally sealed first stage
- Pre-dive airflow switch, easy to grip for use with gloves
- Adjustable venturi
- Turreted first stage for more versatility
- Easy-grip mouthpiece
- Lightweight
Overall Rating: 4.8/5
The MK17 is the balanced diaphragm counterpart to Scubapro’s top of the line MK25 balanced piston model. Paired with the Evo A700, it’s a highly crafted system that will perform well in all settings from dirty to very cold water. Like the MK25 system, it is a work of art.
- Environmentally sealed
- Metal second stage
- First stage heat exchanger to help prevent freeze-up
- Adjustable Venturi and airflow with easy-grip knobs for use with gloves
- Balanced diaphragm design for easy breathing at any depth
- Diver adjustable Venturi switch to control unwanted free flows on the surface
- Diver adjustable inhalation effort resistance on the 2nd stage to fine-tune you’re breathing on the go
Overall Rating: 5/5
| Picture |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regulator | Scubapro MK25 Evo A700 | Sherwood SR2 | Atomic T3 | Aqua Lung Calypso | Aqua Lung Core | Apeks XL4+ | Hollis DC7 500SE | Cressi Ellipse Titanium MC9 | Zeagle F8 | Scubapro MK17 Evo A700 | Regulator |
| 1st Stage Type | Balanced Piston | Balanced Piston | Balanced Piston | Balanced Piston | Balanced Diaphram | Over-Balanced Diaphram | Over-Balanced Diaphram | Balanced Diaphram | Balanced Diaphram | Balanced Diaphram | 1st Stage Type |
| 2nd Stage Type | Balanced | Balanced | Balanced | Balanced | Balanced | Balanced | Balanced | Balanced | Balanced | Balanced | 2nd Stage Type |
| Ports | 2HP/5LP | 2HP/5LP | 2HP/5LP | 1HP/4LP | 2HP/4LP | 2HP/4LP | 2HP/4LP | 2HP/4LP | 2HP/5LP | 2HP/4LP | Ports |
| Adjustable Inhalation | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Adjustable Inhalation |
| Adjustable Venturi | Yes | Yes | Automatic | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Adjustable Venturi |
| Cold Water Rated | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Supreme Version | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Cold Water Rated |
| Price | $$$ | $$ | $$$$ | $ | $$ | $$ | $$ | $ | $$ | $$$ | Price |
| Rating | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 5 | Rating |
Feedback and Comments
I hope you have found this review of scuba regulators to be useful. If you have any questions or comments or your own personal review, please feel free to share in the comments below. If there is no comments section directly below, click here: >>comments<<
Based on your review it looks like the Sherwood SR2 is the best bang for the buck. Is there any reason not to select this reg for a couple of beginning divers?
I want to have a reg that I can grow with…but at the same time, not sure how much we are going to be into diving. I’d prefer to spend less $$$ now, and then if I really enjoy diving, spend more $$$ on nicer gear down the road.
Also, what are your thoughts on used regulators? These regs aren’t cheap, so I could go the used route. But not sure if I would end up with something that has issues.
Anyway, thanks for the top notch review. Very helpful.
Thanks a lot for your kind comments and questions.
The Sherwood SR2 has specs that are up there with the more expensive models, so you could say it is excellent value for the money.
If you are not too sure at this point how much diving you are going to do, a cheaper model would be the way to go. The two Aqua Lung models offer substantial savings and are solid performers. They are both quite durable and easy to service and maintain.
I, like you, would feel a little uncertain about buying a used one. Better to have such an important piece of equipment not give you any worries.
If you have any other questions, please get back to me. I’d be very interested to know what you decide to do about a regulator or any other equipment needs or concerns.
Good luck in your decision and happy diving!
Joe
Hi there.
I enjoyed reading your article
My uncle bought one from Spain and we live in Iceland and one time we were going to dive in very cold weather his regulator didn’t work so it must have been unsealed regulator that you wrote in your article lol so it is good to read your article before you buy one.
Best regards
Salomon.
Salomon,
Thanks a lot for your comment. The cold water really is a consideration. Better take care to have a sealed regulator next time.
Good luck in your diving.
Joe
thanks for sharing
You’re welcome.
I started diving with a mares regulator then switched to the Agua Lung Legend. I bought the Atomic T3 for my diving partner but used it more than what she used it as I dove more frequently. As she increased her diving activities I found it hard to get used to my old Aqua Lung Legend as there is such a huge difference in performance that I again closed my eyes, cut down on other expenses and bought myself a T3. What an amazing regulator if one can afford it!!
Hi Jakobus,
Thanks a lot for your input. A top regulator really does make a big difference. I’ve been using a Scubapro MK25 with my old G250 second stage for quite a while and it is a good set-up. Next time around, though, I will probably go for the Atomic T3 myself.
Happy diving!
Best regards,
Joe
Thanks. I really appreciate this review. The list includes good choices at high, medium, and low price ranges, the descriptions and specs aren’t overwhelming, and the videos show a real hands-on demonstration. I see you’ve expanded the list recently with some nice choices. I personally have used several models you describe. The Aqua Lung Calypso is a reliable warm water reg good for shop use and the Apeks XL4+ a good mid-priced tech and cold water model which I recently purchased which you introduced me to. I wish you success with your site.
Robert
Hi Robert,
You are very kind in your assessment. I’ve tried to add models covering a range to round out the collection reviewed.
I hope you get many years of great diving out of that XL4+.
Best regards,
Joe