Your scuba regulator is one of the most essential pieces of dive gear you can own as a diver. It is your lifeline underwater, allowing you to breathe safely and comfortably from the high-pressure gasses stored in your dive tank. Therefore, it’s imperative that you pick the right scuba diving regulator for your needs.Â
Buying a new regulator is not as easy as it sounds. There are hundreds to choose from, as well as many different brands, styles, and features to consider. The whole thing can seem overwhelming at first.
By the end of the guide, you should know what’s a scuba regulator system, its parts, what features work best for you, and our review of the best dive regulators.
Let’s get dive in…
What Is The Best Scuba Regulator?
There is no one single best scuba regulator, the regulator that will work best for you is determined by where you do most of your diving, dive experience, personal preference, and budget.Â
If you don’t know what to look for when selecting a scuba diving Regulator read our detailed buying guide below.Â
For other great scuba regulator recommendations, read these other articles:
Cold Water Regulators | Travel Scuba Regulators | Titanium Scuba Regulators
Best Entry- Level Scuba Regulators
These regulators are generally placed below $400. However, Budget don’ts necessarily mean less performance. The regulators listed here are still high-quality choices and many can perform just as well as most mid-to-high-end regulators.Â
These are an excellent choice for beginner divers or seasoned divers looking for a great regulator for a redundant system.
Aqualung Titan Regulator
Key Features:
✔ Excellent Value for Money
✔ Balanced Diaphragm First Stage
✔ Comfortable Mouth Piece
✔ Rugged and Reliable
Manufacturer: Aqualung
Design
The Aqua Lung Titan regulator combines clever design and reliable performance to give you a top-notch regulator at an unbeatable price.
Functionality
From casual dives to deep explorations, the Titan regulator is reliable and consistent at any depth or temperature. It offers effortless breathing while providing a secure seal and great jaw comfort.
Ease of Use
The Titan regulator's streamlined design and easy-to-use adjustability features make it a great choice for divers of all levels.
Cost
With its unbeatable price point, quality performance, and reliable durability, the Aqua Lung Titan Regulator is an excellent value-for-money choice.
Our Score:
4.3/5
The Bottom Line:
The Aqualung Titan is a straightforward regulator built for recreational diving. It offers smooth breathing, a lightweight design, and dependable performance at a price that’s hard to beat. Its compact size makes it travel-friendly, and Aqualung’s wide service network ensures easy maintenance anywhere you go.
This regulator shines in warm and temperate water environments. It isn’t designed for demanding cold-water use or divers who want extensive adjustability, but that’s not its target audience. Instead, it’s aimed at beginners, casual divers, and travelers who want reliable performance without unnecessary complexity.
With a strong balance of comfort, serviceability, and value, the Titan remains one of the best entry-level regulators available today.
Read the full review
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Aqualung Titan at these recommend retailers:
Mares Rover 2S Regulator
Key Features:
✔ Affordable price
✔ Durable build
✔ Easy servicing
✔ Smooth breathing
Manufacturer: Mares
Design
A simple and reliable unbalanced design makes for easy operation and maintenance, but sacrifices on performance on deeper dives
Functionality
It delivers very natural and effortless breathing at recreational depths, but may lose performance on deeper divers or low tank pressures.
Ease of Use
The Rover 2S operation is very straight forward. There are no adjustments to worry about. A large purge button also makes it easy to purge in any position.
Cost
The regulator priced just below many of it best competitors will still offering great value to money ratio.
Our Score:
4.0/5
The Bottom Line:
The Mares Rover 2S is a regulator that keeps things simple while still giving you useful technology. With the DFC first stage and VAD second stage, you get smoother breathing than you’d expect from a budget-friendly model. It’s tough, reliable, and easy to service, which is why many dive shops trust it for rentals.
This regulator is best for beginners, casual divers, or anyone who wants an affordable setup without unnecessary features. It’s not meant for cold water or advanced divers who want adjustability, but it excels as a warm-water recreational reg that delivers consistent performance.
If you value durability, low cost of ownership, and straightforward use, the Rover 2S is a solid option that gives you confidence underwater without stretching your budget.
Read the full review
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Mares Rover 2S at these recommend retailers:
Scubapro Mk2 EVO/R105 Regulator
Key Features:
● Simple unbalanced design
● Easy to maintain
● Increase Freezing resistance
● VIVA system for reducing free flows
Manufacturer: Scubapro
Design
The Scubapro MK2 Evo R195 uses a classic unbalanced design with modern components to increase reliability and ease of maintenance. However, this simple design does sacrifice performance.
Functionality
It does great breathing at recreational depth but may lose performance on deeper dives. It also has Scubapro’s VIVA system which is great for reducing free flows and increasing breathing comfort.
Ease of Use
Simple to use. There is no overwhelming number of bits and pieces to worry about. The venturi switch is also large, and easy to locate when making adjustments on your dive.
Cost
The Scubapro MK2 Evo R195 is reasonably priced and offers great value for the money. Making great as a first regulator or a backup reg for a pony bottle.
Our Score:
4.0/5
The Bottom Line:
The Scubapro MK2 EVO/R105 is built for divers who want a regulator that just works. It combines Scubapro’s proven MK2 EVO first stage with the newly updated R105 second stage to create a simple, rugged, and easy-to-service setup.
The XTIS insulation system gives it better cold-water performance, while the downstream piston design keeps maintenance quick and inexpensive. Its durable metal components stand up well to heavy use, making it a favorite among dive centers and frequent travelers.
This regulator is best for recreational divers, students, or professionals who need reliable gear that performs consistently without complex adjustments. It is not the smoothest or most feature-packed regulator in Scubapro’s range, but its reliability, comfort, and value make it a solid long-term investment.
If you want a regulator that is tough, easy to maintain, and ready for any dive, the MK2 EVO/R105 continues to prove why it is one of Scubapro’s most trusted designs..
Read the full review
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Scubapro Mk2 EVO/R105 at these recommend retailers:
Sherwood Brut Pro Regulator
Key Features:
● Pneumatically balanced 2nd stage
● Dry-sealed first stage
● Rugged and Durable Design
● Balanced Piston 1st Stage
Manufacturer: Sherwood Scuba
Design
The new design is more streamlined and allows for better hose routing. However, the first stage is on the heavy side and not ideal for traveling.
Functionality
The Brut Pro offers great air delivery and reliable performance, due to the dry-sealed spring first stage. The pneumatically balanced second stage also makes it easier to breathe in any environment.
Ease of Use
The regulator is easy to assemble and use. There are no venturi levers or adjustments to mess around with, which is great for beginner divers, but can be a draw back for more advanced divers.
Cost
The Sherwood Brut Pro Regulator offers good value for money. It's an excellent entry-level regulator that provides reliable performance and a comfortable breathing experience similar to higher-priced regulators.
Our Score:
4.1/5
The Bottom Line:
The Sherwood Brut Pro is a straightforward, no-nonsense regulator built for recreational diving. Its mechanically balanced flow-by piston first stage and pneumatically balanced second stage provide dependable performance for dives within sport-diving limits. The dry-sealed chamber helps protect against corrosion, and the rugged build makes it a trusted choice for training centers and rental fleets.
It’s not loaded with features, there are no adjustment knobs or Venturi switches, but that simplicity is part of its appeal. You get reliable airflow, a comfortable mouthpiece, flexible hose routing, and the reassurance of Sherwood’s service network.
Strengths include durability, comfort, ease of service, and affordability. Weaknesses are its limited adjustability, heavier build compared to travel regulators, and average breathing performance when stacked against premium models.
For new divers, casual warm-water explorers, or shops that need a workhorse reg, the Brut Pro offers strong value and proven dependability.
Read the full review
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Sherwood Brut Pro at these recommend retailers:
Best Mid-Priced Scuba Regulators
Moving up from the budget options, these are great if you’re planning on diving more often. In this price range, you can expect a few more features and better performance from your regulator.
Mares Abyss 22 Navy Regulator
Key Features:
● Designed for diving in extreme conditions
● Environmentally sealed balanced first stage
● High performance in cold water
● All meatal second stage
Manufacturer: Mares
Design
It's all metal construction is designed to last a life time, while still being fairly compact and lightweight. Its environmental sealing ensures that it works flawlessly between servicing.
Functionality
The Abyss 22 Navy II performs flawlessly in all diving conditions, especially cold water. However, some see no diver adjustments as a drawback.
Ease of Use
Operating the regulator is pretty straightforward. They are no diver adjustments to worry about.
Cost
The Abyss 22 Navy II is not a cheap regulator. However, compare to similar high performance regulators you cannot go wrong with the price.
Our Score:
4.6/5
Summary:
The Mares Abyss 22 Navy II is a regulator made for divers who need reliability and performance in tough conditions. Tested and approved by the U.S. Navy Experimental Diving Unit (NEDU), it has proven its ability to function flawlessly in near-freezing water and at depths greater than 190 feet or 58 meters.
Its all-metal second stage, environmentally sealed first stage, and CWD cold-water kit make it one of the most dependable regulators for cold environments. Breathing remains smooth and consistent at all depths, with the VAD and DFC systems maintaining steady airflow when you need it most.
It is heavier than travel regulators and has no adjustment controls, but that simplicity is part of its strength. There are fewer moving parts to fail and no unnecessary settings to manage. It delivers clean, reliable performance every time you dive.
The Abyss 22 Navy II is best suited for technical divers, cold-water enthusiasts, and professionals who work in demanding environments. It is built to handle ice, depth, and extended use. For divers who want confidence in their gear no matter the conditions, this regulator remains one of the most trusted options available.
Read the full review
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Mares Abyss 22 Navy at these recommend retailers:
Atomic Z3 Regulator
Key Features:
● High Performing Yet Budget Friendly
● Environmentally Sealed for Freeze Protection
● Comfort Swivel Reduce Jaw Fatigue
● Very Durable and Low Maintenance
Manufacturer: Atomic Aquatics
Design
With an all-titanium comfort swivel, dual material second stage cover, and magnum lever design, the Atomic Z3 Regulator offers a sleek and ergonomically sound design.
Functionality
The Z3 breathing performance is comparable to those of more expensive Atomic models. Breathing is easy, and natural at any depth or tank pressure.
Ease of Use
The Z3 is very user-friendly and offers smooth operation. The purge button is to find and press, and the rapid adjustment knob allows for fine-tuning of the regulator.
Cost
With an affordable price point, this regulator offers great value for the money. However, it's still can be more expensive than other competitors regulator with the same features.
Our Score:
4.5/5
Summary:
The Atomic Z3 Regulator is an excellent choice for divers looking for a reliable and cost-effective regulator. It offers superior performance and ergonomics with the peace of mind that comes with a quality product from one of the industry's most respected brands. If you're in the market for a regulator that won't break your budget but still provides all the features and benefits of a top-of-the-line model, the Atomic Z3 is an ideal option. With its innovative design, superior performance, and unbeatable price, this regulator offers divers an excellent choice for their diving needs.
Read the full review
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Atomic Z3 at these recommend retailers:
Aqualung Helix Pro Regulator
Key Features:
● Balanced Diaphragm First Stage
● Patented ACD Technology
● Pneumatically Balanced Second Stage
● Environmental Seal
Manufacturer: Aqualung
Design
The Aqualung Helix Pro regulator has a sleek, modern design with a good balance of features and performance.
Functionality
We found that the regulator provided consistent performance at varying depths and pressures, and was also easy to breathe underwater. The heat exchanger feature was particularly useful for dive sessions in cold waters.
Ease of Use
The regulator is quite straightforward to use, and the Venturi lever offers good control and is easy to find even while wearing gloves.
Cost
The Aqualung Helix Pro is priced in the mid-range, which we believe is an excellent value for a regulator of this quality.
Our Score:
4.5/5
Summary:
The Aqualung Helix Pro is built for recreational divers who want reliable performance without overspending. Its standout features include a pneumatically balanced second stage for smooth breathing, an environmentally sealed first stage for protection, and the Auto Closure Device that keeps the system clean and dry when not in use.
You get a regulator that is durable, comfortable, and practical for everyday diving. The Comfo-Bite mouthpiece helps reduce jaw fatigue, and the two-year service interval lowers the long-term maintenance burden.
It is not the lightest regulator on the market and it is not aimed at technical divers, but for most recreational divers it strikes an excellent balance between performance, build quality, and value. If you want a regulator you can trust for regular diving in warm and temperate waters, the Helix Pro is a strong choice.
Read the full review
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Aqualung Helix Pro at these recommend retailers:
Best High-End Scuba Regulators
These are generally the flagship regulator of their respective brands. They are designed using the best materials and technology to deliver the best performance in any dive condition.
They generally have user-adjustable settings for divers who like to fine-tune their breathing. These are great for technical divers or serious recreational divers who dive in a variety of dive conditions.Â
Scubapro MK25 EVO/S620TI Regulator
Key Features:
✔ Smooth, effortless breathing
✔ Cold-water ready
✔ Lightweight second stage
✔ Flexible hose routing
Manufacturer: Scubapro.com
Design
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Our Score:
5/5
Summary:
The Scubapro MK25 EVO/S620Ti brings together top-level performance, cold-water reliability, and thoughtful design. The MK25 EVO first stage provides consistent airflow in all conditions, backed by freeze protection that makes it dependable in colder environments. The S620Ti second stage keeps weight low with its titanium barrel, while delivering smooth breathing and reduced jaw fatigue.
Divers benefit from flexible hose routing, intuitive breathing controls, and a compact, comfortable mouthpiece. It’s not the lightest regulator for travel, and the price sits at the premium end, but its durability and global service support make it a long-term option you can rely on.
This regulator is ideal for divers who want one setup that covers a wide range of conditions—from warm reefs to cold, deep dives—without sacrificing comfort or performance.
Read the full review
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Scubapro MK25 EVO/S620TI at these recommend retailers:
Apeks MTX-RC Regulator
Key Features:
✔ Cold-water reliability
✔ Adjustable breathing controls
✔ Rugged first stage
✔ Flexible hose routing
Manufacturer: Apeks
Design
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Our Score:
5/5
Summary:
The Apeks MTX-RC takes the proven toughness of the MTX-R and adds breathing adjustments that make it more versatile for different dive conditions. It’s built for cold water, deep dives, and technical environments where reliability matters most.
Strengths include its rugged first stage, cold-water resistance, and flexible hose routing. The adjustable inhalation knob and Venturi switch give you fine control over breathing effort, which many divers find useful on both shallow and deep dives. Comfort is another plus — the second stage feels compact and reduces jaw fatigue on long dives.
On the downside, it carries a premium price tag, the first stage is heavy for travel, and servicing requires an Apeks technician. For casual tropical divers, it’s probably overkill.
For advanced recreational and technical divers, though, the MTX-RC is a regulator you can trust in the most demanding environments. It’s a solid investment if you want gear that won’t let you down when conditions get challenging.
Read the full review
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Apeks MTX-RC at these recommend retailers:
Scubapro MK17 Evo A700 Regulator
Key Features:
● Environmentally Sealed
● All mental for thermal conductivity
● Diver Adjustable Settings
● Excellent Breathing Performance
Manufacturer: Scubapro
Design
The Scubapro Mk17 Evo A700 regulator has a compact design featuring an all-metal construction which makes it ideally suited for cold-water diving.
Functionality
The air-balanced diaphragm and environmentally sealed first stage provide consistent performance at any tank pressure or depth, while the adjustable second stage provides additional control over free flows.
Ease of Use
The regulator is easy to use, with a simple knob to adjust the inhalation resistance and a Venturi switch for changing airflow.
Cost
Although the Scubapro Mk17 Evo A700 regulator is one of the more expensive regulators on the market, it offers great value for money given its features and performance.
Our Score:
4.8/5
Summary:
The Scubapro Mk17 Evo A700 regulator is a great choice for anyone looking for a dependable and robust regulator that can handle the demands of cold water diving. It features an air-balanced diaphragm, an environmentally sealed first stage, all-metal construction, and an adjustable second stage to provide improved performance as well as greater control over free flows.
Read the full review
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Scubapro MK17 Evo A700 at these recommend retailers:
Scubapro MK25 EVO/S600 Regulator
Key Features:
● Superb Breathing Performance
● Second Stage Adjustments
● Great Cold Water Protection
● Swiveling Turret
Manufacturer: Scubapro
Design
The MK25 Evo S600 is designed to be a high-performance regulator, and it definitely lives up to this expectation. Its' 2 high-pressure ports on either side and 5 low-pressure ports on swiveling torrent allow you to mount the regulator in either direction.
Functionality
A balanced first stage and second stage deliver consistent performance at any tank pressure and depth. The adjustable inhalation knob on the second stage makes it easy to adjust for different divers and environments, while the 360-degree swiveling turret provides excellent hose routing options.
Ease of Use
The MK25 Evo S600 is easy to use, with intuitive controls that make it simple to adjust in any environment. Plus, its rugged construction ensures you will be able to take this regulator on even the toughest dives without the worry of it failing.
Cost
The MK25 Evo S600 is a great choice for any scuba diver looking for performance, reliability, and value. It's slightly on the high side of the price range but is well worth your money given its features and performance.
Our Score:
4.9/5
Summary:
The Scubapro MK25 EVO/S600 stands out as one of the most versatile regulators on the market. Its balanced piston first stage delivers high airflow with excellent cold-water resistance, while the S600 second stage offers precise control over breathing effort. Together, they create a system that works just as well on tropical reefs as it does in icy lakes.
Its strengths lie in breathing performance, rugged construction, and adjustable controls. Divers who log many dives a year, or those who want one regulator that can handle any condition, will find strong long-term value here.
The higher price and slightly heavier build may not appeal to casual or budget divers, but for those who prioritize reliability and performance, the MK25 EVO/S600 remains a benchmark in the diving world..
Read the full review
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Scubapro MK25 EVO/S600 at these recommend retailers:
Atomic Aquatics T3 Regulator
Key Features:
● All Titanium Construction
● Exceptional Breathing Performance
● 2nd Stage Comfort Swivel
● Low Maintenance Requirements
Manufacturer: Atomic Aquatics
Design
Manufactured from Titanium, it is designed to be lightweight and corrosion-resistant, making it a great choice for dive professionals and traveling Divers.
Functionality
Very responsive, easy to use, and low inhalation resistance make it great for those long dives. Its lightweight characteristics make it easy to carry when traveling and very comfortable during dives.
Ease of Use
The Atomic T3 adjustable breathing knob allows you to easily customize the breathing performance, as well as hands-free venturi assist makes for trouble-free diving.
Cost
The Atomic T3 Regulator is a bit on the expensive side, but it’s worth every penny given its performance, durability, and lightweight.
Our Score:
4.9/5
Summary:
The Atomic Aquatics T3 is a flagship regulator that focuses on performance, comfort, and long-term durability. Built almost entirely from titanium, it’s lightweight, resistant to corrosion, and designed to last through years of saltwater diving. Features like the comfort swivel hose, automatic flow control, and balanced piston first stage keep breathing smooth and reduce strain on long dives.
Its extended 3-year/300-dive service interval is another major advantage, cutting down on maintenance compared to most regulators. These strengths make it especially appealing to frequent travelers, advanced recreational divers, and those diving in harsh marine environments.
The downside is its premium price and limited global service access. For divers who only dive a few times per season, more affordable regulators will meet their needs. But for serious divers who want one of the lightest and most durable options available, the T3 is a standout choice.
Read the full review
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Atomic Aquatics T3 at these recommend retailers:
Sherwood SR2 Regulator
Key Features:
● Pneumatically balanced design
● Single adjustment point
● Environmentally Sealed
● Swiveling Turret
Manufacturer: Sherwood Scuba
Design
The Sherwood SR2 regulator is designed to be compact while offering exceptional performance. It has a sleek design that fits comfortably in your hand and in your mouth, but the 1st stage is a little on the heavy side.
Functionality
The Sherwood SR2 functions flawlessly - offering smooth, effortless breathing at any depth. It is reliable and durable, making it a great choice for both recreational and technical divers alike.
Ease of Use
The Sherwood SR2 is incredibly easy to use. With a single adjustment point, you can easily customize the performance of the regulator in just a few seconds.
Cost
The cost of the Sherwood SR2 Regulator can be a bit on the expensive side. However, considering its features and performance, you definitely get what you pay for.
Our Score:
4.6/5
Summary:
The Sherwood SR2 Regulator is an excellent choice for those looking for a top-of-the-line breathing regulator. It offers a balanced piston first stage design and a pneumatically balanced second stage, allowing for smooth and effortless breathing at any depth. Additionally, the single adjustment point helps make things quick and simple. While it can be on the more expensive side, you get what you pay for in terms of performance and reliability.
Read the full review
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Sherwood SR2 at these recommend retailers:
Scubapro MK25 Evo/A700 Regulator
Design
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Our Score:
5/5
Summary:
The Scubapro MK25 EVO/A700 is a high-performance regulator built for demanding divers who won’t compromise on breathing quality or reliability. It combines an air-balanced piston first stage with a precision-engineered, full-metal second stage to deliver effortless airflow at every depth.
Its standout strengths include consistent breathing performance, rugged construction, and excellent hose routing flexibility. The XTIS insulation system adds impressive cold-water resistance, while the adjustable inhalation and Venturi controls allow you to fine-tune breathing comfort.
The regulator’s solid build and premium materials make it heavier and more expensive than most recreational options, but those trade-offs come with long-term value. With proper care, this setup can serve reliably for many years of diving.
In short, the MK25 EVO/A700 is for divers who prioritize top-tier performance, durability, and control — a flagship regulator that continues to set the benchmark for quality in Scubapro’s lineup.
Read the full review
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Scubapro MK25 Evo/A700 at these recommend retailers:
Aqualung Legend Elite Regulator
Key Features:
✔ Smooth breathing Performance
✔ Cold-water ready
✔ Adjustable 2nd stage controls
✔ Solid Durability
Manufacturer: Aqualung
Design
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Our Score:
5/5
Summary:
The Aqualung Legend Elite is a top-tier regulator designed for divers who demand performance across a wide range of conditions. Its standout features include smooth breathing at depth, cold-water reliability, and adjustable airflow controls. Comfort is enhanced by the ComfoBite mouthpiece, while the Auto Closure Device adds durability and ease of maintenance.
Strengths include its excellent breathing performance, dependable cold-water operation, and long-term build quality. Weaknesses center on its higher price, heavier first stage, and servicing costs.
This regulator is best suited for experienced recreational and technical divers who dive often and need equipment that delivers consistent results. For those divers, the Legend Elite offers a reliable and comfortable breathing experience that justifies its premium price.
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Where to Buy:
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What Is A Scuba Regulator?
Without a scuba regulator scuba diving as we know it wouldn’t be possible. Simply put, it regulates the high-pressure gases stored in the cylinder so you can easily breathe from it underwater. Hence the name, regulator.Â
Together, your scuba regulator and dive tank make up the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCUBA) that allows you to breathe safely underwater. Â
It is also the hub that links many of your dive gear. It links your dive tank to your submersible pressure gauge (SPG) or integrated dive computer, BCD, your alternate air sound, and your primary air source.Â
What Parts Make Up A Scuba Regulator?
To ensure your safety, it is important to know the parts that make up a scuba regulator system as well as how they work.Â
Your standard regulator consists of 5 main parts:
- The first stage – attaches directly to the scuba tank valve (DIN or Yoke), reduces the high pressure in the cylinder (300psi) to intermediate pressure (120 – 150psi), and routes it to several houses via ports.Â
- Primary second stage – breaks down the intermediate pressure and delivers it to your mouthpiece for you to breathe from. It uses a demand valve that only gives you are when you need it (inhale) at a pressure you can breathe comfortably.Â
- Alternate air source – is a spare second state that can be used in case you need to propel another diver. Sometimes, this can be built into your BCD Infarction system.Â
- Low-pressure BCD inflator – connects the first stage to your BCD for easy inflation. If you dive with a dry suit, you will also need to have another inflator hose to connect to it.
- Submersible Pressure Gauge (SPG) – is connected to the high-pressure port on the first stage and is used to know exactly how much air pressure you have remaining in your dive tank.Â
Check out the video below to get a better understanding of the different parts that makes up a scuba regulator system and who they work.
Note:Â When buying a new scuba regulator often only the first stage and primary second stage are included. You will have to buy the alternate and submersible pressure gauge separately. The inflator hose is normally included when you buy a new BCD or Drysuit.
How to Assemble A Scuba Regulator?
After purchasing your new dive computer you will need to assemble it. The video below will walk you through step by step how to attach your second stages, low-pressure inflator hose, and SPG or wireless transmitter for your dive computer.
Now that you have a good understanding of what makes up a scuba regulator and how it works, lets look as some reviews of the best scuba regulator.
What To Consider When Choosing A Regulator?
Your dive regulator is the most essential dive gear you can own. Â You will be trusting your life to it every time you go below the water. However, due to technical advances in materials and manufacturing, regulators have become pretty much fail-safe.
Regulators today go through rigorous safety testing to ensure they work perfectly every time—especially those from top brands. So,  as long as you stick to the primary brand, safety should not be much of a concern when choosing your reg.
But first…. There are still a few questions you must ask yourself before making a choice.
Â
What’s The Temperature of the Water?
- Warm water: If you’re planning on doing most of your dives in warm tropical waters, there is not much to worry about. Pretty much all Scuba Regulators will work flawlessly in warm water.
- Cold water: When planning to dive in cold water, dives 50°F (10°C), and below, it is always a good idea to find out if your regulator is rated to perform at these temperatures. These regs are generally environmentally sealed to keep out the cold water from coming in contact with the internal components of the first stage and impeding its performance. Metal second stages are also great for cold water dives because of their thermal conductivity properties.
How Will I Mount My Regulator?
There are only two ways you can mount your dive regulator to a scuba tank, DIN or Yoke. However, almost all regulators on the market today are available in both versions.
- Yoke (A-Clamp): With this system, you mount the regulator over and around the tank valve. It is the most popular of the two mounting options, especially in North America. The only advantage Yoke has over DIN is that it is more popular.
- DIN:Â
With a DIN setup, you screw the regulator directly into the tank valve. This system makes a more reliable connection, while at the same time being more streamlined. For this reason, they are very popular with tech divers. You will also find this setup more in European countries.
If you do decide to go with a DIN system, there are DIN to Yoke adapters that will allow your DIN Regulator to work on a Yoke valve. This way, you can get the best of both worlds.
What Performance and Breathing Resistance Do I Need?
While all regulators are designed to give you enough air to survive underwater, Not all regulators are created equal, and not all regulators will perform the same.Â
You might want a regulator that gives you air more readily than others or one that can adjust breathing resistance on the fly.
- Unbalanced:Â An unbalanced regulator generally loses performance the deeper you go and when there is less air remaining in the dive tank. However, due to technological advances over the years, these changes are hardly noticeable at recreational depths. Unbalanced systems are commonly found on entry-level regulators, and are generally recommended for warmer, shallower dives.
- Balanced: A balanced regulator system will deliver consistent airflow no matter how deep you are or how much air you have remaining in your tank. These are generally found on mid-range to high-end regulators and can either be a Piston or Diaphragm design.
- Diver Adjustable Setting:Â This feature is generally found on higher-end dive regulators. It allows you to customize your breathing in real time.
- Venturi Switch:Â Prevents free flows on the surface, while enhancing breathing performance underwater.
- Inhalation adjustment knob: Allows you to fine-tune your breathing by increasing or decreasing your inhalation resistance with the turn of a Knob.
Where Will You Be Doing Most of Your Diving?
- Locally: There is not much to consider if you will be doing most of your diving locally. Pretty much any regulator will work just fine.
- Travel: If you plan on traveling for most of your diving, you might want to consider a compact and lightweight Scuba Regulator. Also, braided hoses save more space than traditional rubber hoses.
Adequate Ports For My Peripherals
Lastly, you want to be sure you have sufficient ports for peripherals. A standard regulator setup for recreational diving as a primary second stage, a backup octopus, a high-pressure gauge, and a BC inflation hose. Today most regulators come with four low-pressure (LP) ports and 1 or 2 high-pressure (HP) ports.
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Do you want more recommendations for scuba diving gear? continue reading these articles below:
Dive Computer | Scuba Regulator | Wetsuits | Scuba BCD | Dive Knife | Dive Mask | Scuba Fins