Best Scuba Regulator Reviews 2020
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Choosing the best scuba regulator for you depends on several factors such as your budget, level of diving experience and the conditions in which you plan to dive.
You may find it useful to quickly read up on the Types of Scuba Regulators, so you know which features to look out for.
Otherwise, get yourself comfy and prepare for some brutally honest reviews of the absolute best diving regulators on the market this year.
QUICK ANSWER: Best Scuba Regulator for:
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Most Reliable Scuba Regulator
- Uses Yoke
- Air balanced flow-thru-piston design
- Fully insulated internal parts
- Chrome-plated brass body
The most reliable scuba regulator is the ScubaPro MK25/ A700. It’s well suited for seasoned pros, frequent travellers, cold water divers and even beginners looking for a regulator that will never let them down and is straightforward to use. Costing around $957, it’s a fantastic investment for any serious diver.
It’s design consists of an air balanced flow-thru-piston mechanism made from balanced composite/stainless steel. This allows the regulator to deliver more air to the second stage, while being unaffected by the change in tank pressure. The balanced piston results in incredibly fast breathing response, with an instant delivery of on-demand air.
This regulator breathes incredibly smoothly, which is why so many users love it. The diver-adjustable inhalation effort and venturi- initiated vacuum assist are also great features on this scuba set.
The Scubapro Evo also performs very well in cold water due to the full insulation of its internal parts. This is an outstanding brand, however it’s fairly pricey. If you’re going to be diving regularly, in a range of environments and you want to enjoy a flawless air delivery system that is always balanced, regardless of depth or air tank pressure, then go for it! If
Pros:
- Breathes incredibly smoothly
- Performs well in cold water
- A well-trusted brand which delivers high quality
- Superior ultra-high airflow system
Cons:
- Pretty expensive
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Runner Up
- Easily replaceable modular component
- Hinged cover assembly with locking cam
- Titanium inserts and a lightweight body
- Four low pressure and two high-pressure ports
The Cressi Sub Elipse titanium regulator is similar to the ScubaPro MK25 in many ways except it is noticably more affordable at around $399. It boasts a new valve design for maximum performance. Less breathing effort is required from their patented elliptical shaped design.
This piece of dive gear is also noted for its stellar lightweight technology, which makes it great for travel. Featuring the industry’s lightest second stage, you can expect top quality results from a seriously lightweight and easy to manage setup.
Cressi Sub Elipse is suitable for cold water dives, being environmentally sealed and will have any technical diver happy with the performance. This is a device which seriously delivers for a wide variety of conditions. The airflow remains nicely consistent at all depths, while the tank pressure never seems to get affected.
The mouthpiece does seem to be a little on the small side, so if you have the mouth of a whale shark, you may want to consider ordering a large replacement!
Pros:
- Consistent airflow at all depths
- Works well in cold water dives
- Requires minimal breathing effort
- Highly reliable
Cons:
- Small mouthpiece
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- All-metal design
- Oil-filled environmental seal
- Mid Price
For those looking for the best in tech diving regulators, the Mares Abyss 22 Navy 2 is a superb choice. This phenomenal bit of scuba kit is approved by all US Navy standards and is ideal for long use in all kinds of harsh conditions.
Featuring an all-metal design, it is a seriously tough regulator. There is an oil-filled environmental seal which helps to counteract the effects of cold water conditions. This setup is absolutely ideal for cold water dives through its various thermal transfer properties.
This Mares Abyss 22 features a mesh grid, a fluoropolymer resin finish, and rubber hose. The ease of breathing with this mechanism is not affected by depth. Breathing is both effortless and smooth, no matter how cold or harsh the conditions are.
If you are looking for a regulator that’s built to last, performs in all conditions, and carries the US Navy seal of approval, then this product by Mares is a great choice.
Pros:
- Performs amazingly in all conditions
- Specifically well suited to cold water dives
- Built to last
- Well trusted brand
Cons:
- A bit on the heavy side, making it less ideal for travel.
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Best Value Cheap Regulator
- Chromium-plated brass body
- Adjustable second stage
- Low-pressure port swivel assembly
- Five intermediate pressure ports, two high-pressure ports
- Insanely cheap!
If you’re looking to acquire a cheap scuba regulator, whilst still getting a safe and reliable piece of kit, you’re absolute best bet is the Palantic AS103. Despite costing under $150 (!), it still delivers a more than amicable performance.
This is a high-quality yoke regulator with an adjustable second stage. It includes environmental sealing which is great for colder waters, Nitrox compatible silicon mouthpiece (which is super comfortable), and a chromium-plated brass body.
The over-balanced first stage allows for progressively greater intermediate pressure as depth and gas density increases. This means that even under the most extreme conditions, air delivery will not be affected.
Although neither as durable nor as lightweight as more high end regulators, in terms of actual air delivery, the Palantic AS103 is not far behind some of the much more expensive models! Without a doubt, this is the best value for money scuba regulator on the market right now.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Trustworthy brand
- Works well under a variety of conditions
- Breathing isn’t affected by depth
- Built-in swivels
Cons:
- Not specialized to ice conditions
- Does not delivery same level of quality as more expensive brands
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Best Professional Scuba Regulator
- 3 Year warranty
- Automatic flow control
- Titanium build
- DIN style
For the die hard diver, there is no better regulator on the market than the Atomic T3. This particular scuba octopus setup is really only meant for those who are looking for the absolute best quality that money can buy them.
It is most notable for its extremely durable yet lightweight construction. Being made from titanium, this regulator is light enough to travel extremely well but solid enough to last you many years of diving.
As one would expect from such a high-end regulator, this product is well suited to both warm and cold water diving. It performs fantastically at all depths and is fully equipped with a perfect seal system. This gives it its anti-freezing properties.
The automatic flow control included in this bit of scuba kit gives you the easy, unaffected breathing for which Atomic is well known. This is a top of the line regulator for serious divers. If you’ve got the money, you’ll know where it’s going.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight makes it ideal for traveling
- Perfectly suited to warm and cold water
- Ideal for diving at all depths
- Lasting quality
- No need to worry about service locations
Cons:
- One of the most expensive regulators out there!
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Best Scuba Regulator for Beginners
- High-flow piston technology
- Comfo Bite mouthpiece
- Polyurethane purge cover
- Polycarbonate construction
- First and second stage regulators with an LP hose
Aqua Lung remains one of the top brands in the world for scuba diving gear, and this piece of kit by them is no exception. The Calypso QC regulator is ideal for beginners due to it’s reliability and simplicity.
The easy-to-use, lightweight design makes it a practical choice, while the performance is commendable, considering the low cost. This is the fifth generation of Calypso regulators, and we love it for its dependable, simple design.
As a more affordable regulator, this product gives you excellent value. The compact and lightweight design is perfectly suited for traveling.
This product is best suited to warmer waters due to its simple design. It is a reliable and robust regulator that should keep just about every diver happy with its results.
Pros:
- Great value for money
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
- Uses quality piston based technology
Cons:
- Not ideal for cold water diving.
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- Pneumatically balanced all metal valve
- Dive/pre-dive switch
- Dynamic airflow adjustment control
- Mechanical purge button
- Environmentally sealed
For the diver who wants to get the most out of their scuba octopus setup with a technologically advanced regulator – this is the one for you. The Oceanic Delta 5 EDX is well known and loved for its next level reliability and smooth breathing performance.
The pneumatically balanced all metal valve makes breathing at great depths or in cold waters easier than ever before. This is aided by Oceanics’ patented design of the dynamic adjustment technology, which gives you the perfect airflow at any depth.
In terms of technology, there are loads of pre-dive and post dive controls. The mechanical purge button allows for consistent air-flow pressure during purge. The balanced diaphragm first stage eDX is environmentally sealed. This makes the regulator perfectly suited for cold water diving.
This product is extremely durable, advanced and performs magnificently in a wide variety of conditions. Amazingly, it’s surprisingly affordable to at just over $500! Honestly, it’s hard to say why. Yes the controls are confusing for newbies, but this regulator isn’t for newbies. It’s for pros. So – are you a pro?
Pros:
- Works well in all conditions
- Breathing not affected by depth
- High-quality and durable
- Nitrox compatible
Cons:
- Confusing controls for a beginner
- Slightly heavier than most regulators.
Diving Squad Debriefing
Alrighty, Diving Squad! Now you’re ready to make the best possible decision when it comes to buying a scuba diving regulator. We constantly review and update our content, so you can rest assured that what you’ve read today reflects the very latest information on the newest brands of the absolute best scuba diving regulators. Good luck and happy diving!
