The Best Regulators for Cold Water Diving [Includes Buying Guide]

Environmentally Sealed

 If you are planning on diving in freezing water, then it is recommended that you get a regulator that is environmentally sealed. When the first stage is environmentally sealed, the internal components do not come in direct contact with the cold water, which in turn reduces the chance of freezing.

Metal Second Stage

In extreme cold, it’s also recommended to use a metal second stage as opposed to plastic. A metal second stage has more thermal conductivity. The metal retains warms, which in turn warms the expanding gasses.

Heat Sink

These improve the metal surface area. They observe heat from the surrounding water and prevent the metal surface from getting too cold. You tend to find heat sink fins on the exterior of the regulator where gases expand on the first and second stages, as well as inside some second stages.

Number of Ports

When diving in cold water you also want to make sure that your regulator has enough ports for your peripherals.

Most scuba regulators come with 1 high-pressure port (for gauges and dive computer wireless transmitters) and 4 low-pressure ports (for second stages, BCD inflator, and dry suit). But, in warm water diving, the port for the drysuit is normally plugged.

Most divers also prefer regulators with 2 hp pressure ports when diving with a wireless transmitter, and uses the second port for a redundant pressure gauge. 

Adjustable Flow Rate and Venturi

On more high-end scuba regulators, you can adjust how much air you get on each breath, as well as how the air is directed in the second stage. These can be used to adjust the airflow rate and prevent free lows. 

Adjustable Flow Rate Knob is located on the side of the second stage and controls the amount of gas you receive on each inhalation.

The “MAX” position will deliver the most gas and the best breathing experience but is more prone to free flows. In the “MIN” position, breathing is more labored but it greatly reduces the chance of free flows. 

A Venturi Switch creates a vortex in the second stage that pulls on the diaphragm when you inhale, increasing the ease and responsiveness of each breath. The switch can also be used to direct airflow against the diaphragm preventing free flows on the surface.  

Since you will be diving in cold water and wearing think glovers, you want make sure the knob and switch are big enough to grip and manipulate.

SUMMARY

As the name implies, this line of Sherwood regulator was made especially for cold water diving. Previous models of this regulator have gotten rave reviews for their performance in extremely cold water conditions. The new version carries this tradition but with new enhanced features. 

It now features a new vertically aligned balanced piston 1st stage with a dry sealed chamber that ever mentally seals the first stage without using messy greases or oils.  

The 2nd Stage is also now pneumatically balanced to deliver better breathing performance — a feature found on more expensive regulators. 

While the housing is made from plastic, a metal heat sink in the 2nd stage captures heat from your exhalation to warm up the operating parts, preventing them from freezing. A Venturi switch enhances breathing underwater and prevent free-flows on the surface.

The Sherwood Blizzard is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an affordable cold water regulator that breathes easy.

SUMMARY

The Cressi MC9-SC Compact Pro offers excellent cold-water performance is a compact and lightweight package.  The MC9-SC first stage utilizes a hyper-balanced diaphragm design that offers consistent performance over a wide range of depth and tank pressures. 

An environmentally sealed first stage and heat exchange fins in the second stage ensure that this regulator with not freeze even in the coldest conditions.

The Compact Pro second stage is also very lightweight with an easy to use purge cover. It also uses a simple but reliable unbalanced demand valve with Venturi assist to increase performance and stop unwanted free flows on the surface.

This regulator is a great choice if you’re looking for a great all-around regulator, that is more suited for traveling but won’t break the bank.

SUMMARY

This Mares regulator is specifically designed for cold water use and is made to pass the US Navy test requirement for cold water diving, making it robust in the most extreme dive condition.

It uses the Mares 22 balanced first stage with an environmental cap, which actually keeps the cold water from interacting with the parts inside. The odd shape of the first state is due to mares cutting away all excess metals to make it more compact and lightweight. This also increases the surface area of the metal first stage, increasing it’s over thermal properties. 

The Abyss second stage housing is also constructed from metal for its thermal conductive properties. It features an unbalanced system, however, Mares claims the 22 first stage intermediate pressure drop is so minimal that they can use a more simple and reliable valve system without sacrificing performance.

This regulator makes a great alternative to the more expensive cold water regulators and the lack of any user adjustment makes it a really easy regulator to dive with.

Read Full Review: Mares Abyss 22 Navy II Review: Navy Approved For Cold Water Diving

SUMMARY

The Atomic M1 Regulator is Atomic Aquatics’ response to the perfect all-around regulator that great for cold water, caves, and deep dives.

This feature pack scuba regulator utilizes a balanced piston that environmentally sealed for better cold water performance and to keep contaminants out of the first stage. 

The second stage uses exotic metals like Titanium to increase reliability and reduce its overall weight.  It also uses Atomic Aquatic patented AFC system that automatically interrupts free flows before they occur, and a large knob allows you to adjust the airflow on the fly.

A thermal heat sink in the send stage also reduces the chance of freezing, and a surge protected front cover makes diving in rough water carefree.

This is the perfect choice for recreational divers who would like to extend their capabilities to cold cold water diving, or if you’re a specialty or Tech diver.

SUMMARY

To create the ideal cold water regulator Scubapro paired their popular MK17 first stage with their flagship second stage the A700. Both have a compact design for lightweight and comfort and qualities especially designed for the harsh conditions of cold water diving.

The Mk17 first stage is a balanced diaphragm first stage, ensuring that you get the best breathing performance at any tank pressure or depth. It is also environmentally sealed and equipped with heat exchangers around the first stage to help prevent the regulator from freezing up.

The A700 second stage is crafted from metal, offering excellent thermal conductivity which helps prevent ice crystals from forming.

It also features an adjustable inhalation knob for fine-tuning your breathing on the dive.  A venturi switch to help prevent free flows on the surface and delivers better performance on the dive. Both can easily be operated while wearing thick gloves. 

If you’re looking for a rock-solid cold water regulator that compact and easy to travel with, this is the one to consider.

Read Full Review: Scubapro MK17 EVO A700 Review: Designed for Extreme Exposure

SUMMARY

The Leg3nd Elite Aqua Lung’s new flagship regulator. In its third iteration, the Leg3nd has been redesigned and updated with new cutting edge features and ergonomics to make any serious diver’s dream come true. 

To fight the cold, the Leg3nd Elite is fitted with heat exchanger fins situated throughout the regulator to keep the air as close to ambient temperature and reduce the effects of Freezing.

The Leg3nd Elite features an overbalanced environmentally sealed the first stage with 2HP and 4 LP Ports. It also comes with the Aqua Lung Auto-Closure Device (ACD). This seals the first stage inlet fitting as soon as it is removed from the cylinder. In the event that you forget to put on the dust cap, it will prevent water or other contaminants from entering the first stage.

The second stage is outfitted with an independent Venturi lever and Air Flow Knob allowing you to make micro-adjustments to fine-tune your breathing to your personal preferences. 

This is a great choice if you’re looking for a regulator that can handle the harsh conditions of cold water diving without sacrificing performance.

Read Full Review: Aqua Lung Legend  Review

SUMMARY

The Mk25 Evo A700 is Scubapro’s flagship regulator. It pairs their best performing MK25 Evo first stage with the all-metal A700 second stage to make a system that delivers ultra-responsive, high-performance breathing, even in Cold Water Conditions. 

The mk25 Evo is considered to be one of the best performing balanced piston first stages on the market today. Although it’s not technically environmentally seal, like most other cold-water regulators, a new “XTIS” makes the regulator up to 30% more freezing resistant than previous versions.  The mainspring and piston shaft are specially treated and protected to help prevent ice crystals from forming that could lead to a freezing first stage.

The A700 second stage is the perfect match for the Mk25 Evo with its high-performance balanced valve, adjustable inhalation, and venturi control. It’s all mental housing metal housing offers excellent thermal connectivity and help dissipate the cold generated by the compressed air as it expands in the second stage.  The venturi does a great job of managing free-flows on the surface and the diver inhalation adjustment allows you to customize the breathing to your own personal preference and needs. 

The Scubapro MK25 Evo A700 is a great choice if you’re looking for a high-performance regulator that works flawlessly in cold water conditions. 

Read Full Review:  Scubapro MK25 EVO A700 Review: Unparalleled Performance and Reliability