Select Dynamic field

Aqualung Legend Elite Regulator Review: Reliable Performance in Any Condition

By: Brian Young  ● Updated: September, 2025  ● Min read

The Aqualung Legend Elite is designed for divers who demand consistent performance in challenging environments. It’s built for advanced recreational and technical divers who want a regulator that breathes smoothly whether in warm tropical water or under icy conditions.

What sets the Legend Elite apart is its breathing ease, cold-water reliability, and fine-tuned adjustability. The combination of a balanced diaphragm first stage and a pneumatically balanced second stage gives you precise control over airflow. Features like the Auto Closure Device and environmental sealing add durability and peace of mind.

In this review, you’ll get a closer look at the standout features, specs, ratings, and overall value of the Legend Elite. By the end, you’ll know if this regulator matches your diving style and needs.

Aqualung Legend Elite

Our Overall Score:

4.5/5

Manufacturer: Aqualung

Disclaimer: This review is based on personal experiences and opinions of the author and may differ from others.

Comfort & Ergonomics

Lightweight second stage and ComfoBite mouthpiece reduce jaw fatigue, clean hose routing

Performance & Ease of Use

Consistent airflow, easy inhalation at depth, adjustable Venturi and cracking effort work smoothly.

Build Quality & Durability 

Solid chrome-plated brass and polymer build, sealed first stage, ACD protects internals

Maintenance 

Widely supported with global service centers, straightforward upkeep, ACD reduces wear.

Value For Money

Premium price, but justified by high performance and cold-water reliability.

CHECK PRICE:

Scuba Mask Review

Aqualung Legend Elite

Find the best deal for the Aqualung Legend Elite  at these recommended retailers:

All You Need to Know About the Aqualung Legend Elite Regulator: Standout Features

The Legend Elite comes packed with features that make it one of Aqualung’s top-performing regulators. It blends advanced engineering with diver-focused details that improve both safety and comfort. Below are the features that stand out the most when you take it into real dive conditions.

Auto Closure Device (ACD)

The first stage has Aqualung’s Auto Closure Device. When you remove it from the tank, the inlet automatically seals. This keeps water, dust, and contaminants from getting inside. For traveling divers, it’s a small detail that saves you from costly maintenance issues down the line.

Cold-Water Protection

The Legend Elite is built for demanding environments. The first stage has an environmentally sealed dry chamber, deep ribs, and overmolded caps to reduce ice formation. Combined with a heat exchanger on the second stage, it handles freezing conditions reliably. Cold-water divers will notice the difference in both performance and peace of mind.

Adjustable Breathing Controls

The second stage is pneumatically balanced and comes with both a Venturi switch and a cracking effort knob. These allow you to fine-tune breathing resistance. For example, when swimming against current at depth, you can open airflow for effortless breathing. When on the surface, you can close it down to prevent freeflows.

ComfoBite Mouthpiece

The ComfoBite mouthpiece is designed to reduce jaw fatigue on long dives. It has a unique palate bridge that holds the regulator in place without requiring you to bite down hard. On multi-dive days, this makes a noticeable difference in comfort.

High Performance at Depth

Tested at 50 meters under heavy workload, the Legend Elite delivers a low work of breathing at just 0.70 joules per liter. This translates to steady, easy breathing even when gas pressure drops low near the end of a dive. Technical and deep divers will appreciate this kind of reliability.

Aqualung Legend Elite 2nd Stage

Aqualung Legend Elite: Manufacturer's Specification

1st Stage Design:

Diaphragm

1st Stage Type:

Over-balanced

Environmentally Sealed

Yes

Number of Ports:

2 High-Pressure (HP), 4 Low-Pressure (LP)

2nd Stage Type:

Pneumatically balanced 

Adjustable 2nd Stage:

Adjustable inhalation effort, Venturi switch

Materials:

Chrome-plated marine brass, polymers, stainless steel

Weight:

1st stage: ~747 g (DIN) / ~957 g (Yoke) 2nd stage: ~227 g

Regulator Connection:

Yoke, DIN

Water Temp Range:

Warm, Cold, Temperate

Our Rating: Aqualung Legend Elite Review

Aqualung Legend Elite Regulator Review: Reliable Performance in Any Condition 1

Overall Score

4.5/5

Check price and get the best deal at these recommended retailers' sites:

5.0/5

Comfort & Ergonomics

The lightweight second stage, combined with the ComfoBite mouthpiece, reduces jaw fatigue on long dives. Hose routing is clean, and the overall balance feels natural in the mouth. Even after multiple dives in a day, the comfort factor stands out.

5.0/5

Breathing Performance & Ease of Use

The Legend Elite delivers a smooth, consistent airflow at any depth. With its pneumatically balanced second stage and over-balanced diaphragm first stage, inhalation effort feels light even under heavy workload. The Venturi switch and cracking effort knob give you full control over how it breathes in different situations.

4.5/5

Build Quality & Durability

Aqualung built this regulator with chrome-plated brass, stainless steel, and rugged polymers. The Auto Closure Device adds long-term protection against contaminants, while the sealed first stage keeps out salt and sand. Divers who log frequent dives in varied conditions can expect it to hold up well.

4.5/5

Maintenance & Serviceability

Aqualung service centers are widely available around the world, and service kits are easy to source. The Auto Closure Device helps minimize internal wear, which can reduce the need for costly repairs over time. Standard servicing schedules still apply, but the design makes upkeep straightforward

4.0/5

Value for Money

This is a premium regulator, priced at the higher end of the market. What you get in return is excellent performance in both warm and cold water, durability, and comfort. For advanced recreational and technical divers, the investment makes sense. For casual divers, it may be more regulator than you’ll ever need.

What We Like:

✅ Outstanding Breathing Performance


The balanced first and second stage deliver smooth airflow at all depths. Even when tank pressure is low or during heavy exertion, breathing remains effortless. On deeper dives past 30 meters, this consistency stands out.

✅ Cold-Water Reliability


The environmentally sealed first stage, combined with a heat exchanger and anti-freeze design, makes this regulator dependable in cold or icy waters. Divers who explore alpine lakes or winter seas will find it reliable against freeflows.

✅ Adjustable Controls


The combination of a Venturi switch and inhalation effort knob allows you to fine-tune airflow. For example, while swimming into current, opening up the airflow reduces breathing effort. On the surface, dialing it back prevents freeflow.

✅ Comfort for Long Dives


The ComfoBite mouthpiece and lightweight second stage help reduce jaw fatigue. After multiple dives in a day, the comfort difference compared to bulkier regulators is clear.

✅ Durability and Protection


The Auto Closure Device protects the first stage from dust, salt, and moisture when not connected. This extends the regulator’s lifespan and reduces the chance of corrosion or costly service issues.

What We Don't Like:

❌ High Price Point


At over $1,000, the Legend Elite sits at the premium end of the market. For casual divers who only dive a few times per year, the cost may be hard to justify.

❌ More Features Than Some Divers Need


Not everyone will take advantage of all the fine-tuning options. Beginners may find the extra adjustments unnecessary and prefer a simpler setup.

❌ Weight of First Stage


The first stage, especially in the yoke version, is heavier than some competing models. Traveling divers who count every gram may prefer a lighter option.

❌ Regular Servicing Costs


Although service centers are widely available, maintaining a high-end regulator can still be costly compared to budget models. Frequent divers need to factor this into long-term ownership.

The Verdict

The Aqualung Legend Elite is a regulator built for divers who want premium performance and reliability in all conditions. Its smooth breathing, cold-water protection, and fine-tuned controls make it especially appealing to advanced recreational and technical divers.

Travelers may find the weight of the first stage a drawback, and the price is higher than many alternatives. But if you dive regularly and need a regulator that performs just as well in warm tropical reefs as it does in icy waters, the investment is worthwhile.

For serious divers looking for a dependable, comfortable, and long-lasting regulator, the Legend Elite earns its place as one of the best options available.

Related Scuba Regulator Reviews

Check out these other great Scuba Regulator we reviewed.

Aqualung Legend Elite: FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the breathing resistance noticeable in strong currents or at depth?

No. With the Venturi switch and inhalation effort knob, you can adjust settings to keep airflow smooth and consistent even in demanding conditions.

How often should I get it serviced?

Aqualung recommends servicing annually or every 100 dives, whichever comes first, to maintain warranty coverage and performance.

What kind of diver is this regulator best suited for?

It’s designed for advanced recreational and technical divers who dive frequently and in varied conditions, including cold water.

Have you tried the Aqualung Legend Elite Regulator? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below! Happy diving!

Snippet

Aqualung Legend Elite
Aqualung Legend Elite Regulator Review: Reliable Performance in Any Condition 3

The Aqualung Legend Elite delivers smooth breathing, solid cold-water performance, and long-term durability. Find out if this premium regulator matches your diving style.

Product Brand: Aqualung

Editor's Rating:
4.5

Pros

  • Smooth, consistent breathing at all depths
  • Excellent cold-water performance
  • Adjustable Venturi and inhalation effort
  • Comfortable ComfoBite mouthpiece
  • Auto Closure Device protects internals

Cons

  • Expensive compared to other models
  • Features may be more than beginners need
  • First stage is on the heavy side
  • Ongoing servicing costs can add up

About the author

Brian Young is a lifelong scuba diver and marine enthusiast. With years of experience exploring some of the Caribbean’s best dive sites, he brings a personal touch and insider knowledge to every article on ScubaDiverHQ.com. Brian specializes in writing in-depth dive guides, gear reviews, and travel insights that help divers of all levels plan unforgettable underwater adventures. When he’s not writing, you’ll find him in the water, guiding dives, testing new equipment, or sharing his passion for ocean conservation.

Continue Reading

Do you want more scuba diving gear recommendations? continue reading these articles below:

Dive Computer | Scuba Regulator | Wetsuits | Scuba BCD | Dive Knife | Dive Mask | Scuba Fins

You may also like

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Want to learn more about scuba diving, scuba dive gear, or dive locations?
Subscribe to our FREE scuba newsletter and stay updated

By entering your email address you agree to get a weekly email newsletter from ScubaDiverHQ.com. We respect your privacy and you can unsubscribe at any time.