Best Scuba Regulator Reviews (2022 EDITION)
LAST UPDATED:
When it comes to choosing the best scuba regulator for you, you’ll want to consider your budget, how much scuba diving experience you have and where you plan to use your dive regulator.
To help you along the way, we’ve reviewed the 10 best scuba regulators available in 2022; highlighting the pros, exposing the cons and giving our honest feedback for each.
We’ve presented the Cheapest Scuba Regulator first and list the rest in order of ascending price:
Cheapest: Palantic AS103
Second Cheapest: Aqualung Calypso
Third Cheapest: Oceanic Alpha 10
Combine Feature: Mares Air Control
Cold Water: Apeks MTX-R
Experienced Divers: Oceanic Delta
Travel: AquaLung Mirkon
Third Most Expensive: Mares Abyss 22
Second Most Expensive: ScubaPro MK25
Most Expensive: Atomic T3
#1 Cheapest
Palantic Scuba Regulator AS103
- Chromium-plated brass body
- Adjustable second stage
- Low-pressure port swivel assembly
- Five intermediate pressure ports, two high-pressure ports
- Insanely cheap!
A top seller on Amazon, the Palantic AS101 is the cheapest diving regulator out there! For a very low price, you get a high-quality yoke regulator with adjustable second stage. It includes environmental sealing which prevents internal corrosion, a 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, it most budget friendly regulator currently available.
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
#2 Second Cheapest
Aqua Lung Calypso
- 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 their reliable and budget friendly Calypso Regulator is no exception.
It’s easy-to-use, lightweight design makes it a good choice for beginners, it performs very well despite the low cost. This is the fifth generation of Calypso regulators, and we love it for its dependable, simple design.
One thing to note is that the Calypso is best suited to warmer waters – it doesn’t hold up so well in colder waters!
Pros:
- Great value for money
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
- Uses quality piston based technology
Cons:
- Not ideal for cold water diving.
#3 Third Cheapest
Oceanic Alpha 10
- Valve: Balance Diaphragm
- Triple Chrome Marine Brass
- Angled Ports for ideal house routing
- Nitrox Compatibility
- Environmental Protection
Sleek, affordable and reliable, the Oceanic Alpha 10 is extremely durable, being constructed from triple chrome marine brass with environmental protection – it will last you for years!
Weighing 2.5 pounds (just under a kilogram) it’s also exceptionally lightweight which makes it great to travel with.
It’s surprising that such a cool looking and reliable regulator is the third cheapest on this page!
#4 Combine Feature
Mares Air Control
Composite
Combine hose for octopus or inflator
Ergonomic shape
Pre orientated mouth piece for easier use
#5 Cold Water Regulator
Apeks MTX-R
Simple to use 2nd stage
Reversible
Patented heat exchanger
Comfortable mouthpiece
Braided flexi-hose
#6 Experienced Divers
- 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 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. It’s also extremely well priced! True, the controls area little confusing for newbies, but this regulator isn’t for newbies. It’s for pros. 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.
#7 Best for Travel
Aqualung Mirkon
- Newly added Auto Closure Device
- First stage is a balance diaphgram
- Pneumatically balanced second stage
- Comfo-Bite mouthpiece
The Mikron is the smallest and lightest regulator in the AquaLung connection with a total weight of just 550 grams and a streamlined, compact shape and dimension.
It’s equipped with the Aqua Lung patented auto-closure device (ACD) to prevent corrosion and a Comfo-BiteTM mouthpiece for extra comfort with a reusable mouthpiece clamp. Also supplied is a smaller Comfo-Bite mouthpiece for smaller mouths and a detachable silicone bridge which fits across the upper palate.
There is a pneumatically balanced second stage meaning you’ll be all set for a smooth and easy breathing experience.
Without a doubt the best travel regulator out there! Read more about travel regulators here.
#8 Third Most Expensive
Featuring an all-metal design, the Maes Abyss 22, approved by all US Navy standards, is a seriously tough regulator. There is an oil-filled environmental seal which helps to counteract the effects of cold water conditions.
This type of setup is ideal for cold water dives through its various thermal transfer properties but also works well in warmer waters.
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.
#9 Second Most Expensive
Scubapro MK25
- Uses Yoke
- Air balanced flow-thru-piston design
- Fully insulated internal parts
- Chrome-plated brass body
One of the most popular scuba regulators of all time is the ScubaPro MK25/ A700. It’s well suited for seasoned pros, frequent travellers and even beginners looking for a regulator that will never let them down and is straightforward to use.
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, the MK25 is a superb option.
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
#10 Most Expensive
Atomic T3
- 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!
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!
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