Scuba Regulator Reviews and Discounts

There are many different types ans styles of regulators available today.In this section of the lens we will discuss the difference in first stage, such as:

• Din vs Yoke


• Balance vs Unbalance vs Overbalanced


• Diaphragm vs Piston


• Environmentally sealed


• Nitrox Ready


• number of Ports

We will also take a took at the second stage and the different features available, such as:

• The Different type of valves available


• The different adjustments available


• Alternate air sources and different options

Okay, Let get started.

Balanced vs Unbalanced vs Over Balanced

The First thing you should consider when looking for a new regulator is to determine weather the regulator is balanced or unbalanced.

The main difference is that an unbalanced regulator consist of less part's (This makes it very easy to service), but looses performance at low tank pressure and deeper depths.

A balanced regulator will perform the same from the first to the last breath of your dive. It should breathe the same whether diving in shallow water or diving at deep depths.

An overbalanced diving regulator incorporates a technology that makes breathing easier as you go deeper. These type of first stage regulators is mostly seen in the top ranges and professional regulators.

DIN vs Yoke

When shopping for a regulator you may notice there are a couple of different fittings available. The DIN Fitting which attaches to the tank by screwing in to the tank valve. Whereas, the yoke fitting attaches by going over the tank valve and clapping the regulator on to the tank valve from the back.

If you choose the din fitting it is a good idea to have a din/yoke adapter. This will let you quickly convert you Din to a Yoke with out using any tools.

Diaphragm vs Piston

The two Main types of regulators available today are the piston and diaphragm regulators. They pretty much do the same thing, just a little bit differently, which is to reduce the nearly 3000psi in the dive tank to a breathable pressure of about 145psi.

Environmentally Sealed

This simply means that the regular has an external diaphragm which seals the water and its contaminants out of the first stage.This also isolate the internal parts of the regulator from cold water. Non environmentally sealed regulators lets water and its contaminants into the first stage.Environmentally sealed regulators my require less servicing and are better for cold water environments.

Number of Ports

Another thing to know when choosing a regulator is...

Does the Regulator have enough ports for my intend use?

Some people have dive computers with wireless transmitters, they require a high pressure port. They may also want to dive with an analog pressure gauge for added security. The analog gauge would require another high pressure port.

Having a backup is a good idea and having a regulator with two high pressure ports would be ideal for this type of diving.

Nitrox Ready

Another thing to notice is if the regulator is Nitrox compatible.

Not all scuba regulators are Nitrox compatible and If in the future you decide to dive Nitrox you will have a regulator that is compatible.

There are many different types and make of regulators to choose when buying a new regulator. I have put together a list of what I believe to be the top five regulators available to day. I have also list some of the key features of these regulators and where to get them at discount prices. These links are my affiliate links and if you do happen to buy a regulator from my link I may receive a small commission.

I have also put a comment box ofter each regulator. If you have use or bought one of these regulators please leave a comment below of your experience with the regulator

List Price:$650.00

Your Price: $609.95
You Save: $40.05 (6%)

The New SR1 high performance regulator is NOW AVAILABLE. With superior breathing performance of less than 0.5 joules/liter, W.O.B. at 165 fsw, 62.5 RMV, the SR1 is the most technologically advanced regulator Sherwood Scuba has produced in its storied 50 year history.

The SR1 utilizes a pneumatically balanced second stage, with a two-piece flow-through first stage piston for precise optimum balanceand intermediate pressure control. The first stage is environmentally sealed featuring a dry-sealed spring chamber, two high pressure ports, five low pressure ports on a 360 degree swivel and is compatible with a yoke or DIN attachment. The second stage contains a SMART demand lever and floating crown which reacts to depressurization and relieves the load on the seat, extending seat life while promoting consistent performance.

Importantly, the second stage employs a unique single adjustment point to simultaneously set opening effort and high flow performance with one motion--the need to make separate adjustments has therefore been eliminated. The size of the SR1 control knob has also been optimized to enable easy location and operation, even for a diver wearing gloves.

The SR1 packs its advanced technology into a compact case which employs contemporary styling and utilizes a multitude of cutting edge materials.

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List Price:$682.00

Your Price: $514.95
You Save:$167.05 (24%)

The MK25/S600 is Scubapro's top of the line regulator. MK25 First Stage first stage offers a machined, marine-grade chrome plated body and balanced composite/stainless steel piston that would make any diver proud. It demonstrates SCUBAPRO's dedication to quality and creating positive diving experiences. This first stage adapts to external pressure changes and comes standard with the Thermal Insulating System (TIS), which keeps your first stage from freezing up and malfunctioning in cold water conditions. The MK25 has two high-pressure ports and five low-pressure ports.

S600 Second Stage

Because of the S600's versatility, it can meet the diver's needs as frequently as the diver changes dive sites. The S600 is constructed of a chrome-plated brass and technopolymer valve housing, a linear air-balancing valve, and a top notch air-balancing system. This regulator's air-balanced linear-flow valve allows the diver to use less energy while breathing underwater; it makes breathing during a dive as simple as well, breathing in and out.

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List Price:$655.00

Your Price: $414.95
You Save:$240.05 (37%)

Legend's over-balanced first stage offers divers the unprecedented performance by increasing your air supply as your depth increases. The 1st stage's auto-closure device and dry chamber keep water and other environmental contaminants out of your 1st stage. The port positions allow you to assemble your gear so that it meets your specifications and comfort needs

The balanced adjustable second stage responds instantaneously to each breath. The diver-controlled inhalation system allows the diver to determine the level of breathing ease or required effort. The Legend first stage also offers Aqualung's Comfo-Bite mouthpiece for maximum comfort and minimal jaw fatigue.

Click Here to buy AquaLung Legend LX ACD Supreme Regulator

List Price:$695.00

Your Price: $499.95
You Save:$195.05 (28%)

The XTX200 has taken the spotlight away from all other regulators. Its over-balancing feature means you'll be breathing easy, even as the pressure around you changes as you increase or decrease your depth or as the pressure in your tank changes. This means you won't have to exert yourself in order to fill your lungs as your dive progresses.

All medium pressure ports are now 3/8-inch so that the reversible XTX second stage can mount to either side of the first stage

Because the Apeks engineers wanted to give you as much control over your underwater breathing, they included the Diver Changeable Exhaust system. This feature allows you to switch between a large and small exhaust tee before your dive. The large tee disperses your bubbles more efficiently, but the small tee is lighter and more compact that its large counterpart.

With the help of an authorized technician, the 2nd stage can be converted from a right-hand setup to a left-hand setup, allowing this regulator to be personalized to your exact needs and diving style. Additionally, the medium pressure ports are 3/8-inch, which allows the 2nd stage to be mounted to either side of the 1st stage. These features are just another way of displaying how Apeks keeps the divers in mind.

The Environmental Dry Sealing System will keep your regulator from icing up in cold water and will protect your regulator from the all-too-common silt buildup. In addition to being a great safety feature, the Environmental Dry Sealing System eliminates the need for using silicon and grease to keep your regulator in working order. Say goodbye to those messy lubricants when you bring home the XTX200

Click Here to buy Apeks XTX200 Regulator

List Price:$600.00

Your Price: $374.95
You Save:$225.05 (38%)

MR 22 diaphragm first stage featuring the DFC (Dinamic Flow Control) system and a replaceable HP seat connector. The high pressure poppet was designed for a "2 year or 200 dives" service interval; double the high pressure seat life standard!

Compact body, in a modern and smart style, it is made of hot-forged nickel-plated and chromed brass. It is fitted with a preferential intermediate pressure port for connection to the main second stage, plus 3 other LP ports and 2 HP ports. The latter are inclined at a 45º angle to allow a more rational layout of hoses. and ergonomic exhaust tee ensures superior hydrodynamic performance and reduced exhalation resistance.

SECOND STAGE

Abyss second stage, with its V.A.D. system, is made of nickel- and chrome-plated brass. This material offers a number of benefits, absolute ruggedness thinner walls, hence compact dimensions obtained without using smaller diameter diaphragms, this results in reduced water drag. anti-freeze function, which is enhanced by the "radiator action" of the metal.

Its streamlined shape optimizes the traditional profile that is now made efficient by the functional contour on the cover which were developed to make water inflow and outflow easier while breathing and swimming. The cover is made of technopolymer, a lightweight and impact-resistant material. The large manual purge button is placed in a central, perfectly ergonomic position. The mouthpiece is of soft hypoallergenic silicone: limiting jaw fatigue and offering a secure fit even after very long dives.

MR22 offers the unique Mares patented V.A.D. (Vortex Assisted Design) system. This system allows smooth breathing at all depths and is unique. Its operating principle is very simple. The air coming from the hose passes through the second stage valve and is conveyed directly to the mouthpiece through the by-pass tube. Within the mouthpiece, the air flow undergoes a "vortex" effect.Whenever this swirl occurs, the core of the vortex creates a low pressure area. This low pressure helps keep the second stage diaphragm down while inhaling, thus increasing the regulator sensitivity.

Click Here to buy Mares Abyss 22 Regulator