When you love extreme sports, you want the best equipment. If you’re a regular scuba diver, you’ll understand the importance of having good quality gear. When it comes to clothes and apparel, you typically pay more for the brand itself.
However, when it comes to extreme sports like scuba diving, you’re paying for quality that could save your life. When you’re in high-risk situations, you don’t want to take any chances. It’s always worth paying a bit more for good gear that’s going to last the distance.
Table of Contents
Find the Best Scuba Regulator that Fits You
These days, there are endless options to choose from when it comes to scuba regulators. It can be hard to know which ones are worth your time and money. Let’s take a look at our top eleven list of the best scuba regulators currently on the market.
Best Scuba Regulator: Scubapro MK25 A700
No products found.
Let’s start at the beginning of our list and look at one of the best scuba regulators money can buy.
The Scubapro MK25 A700 is a great high-quality mechanism that will save you money in the long run.
The reason why this is one of the best scuba regulators is that of its build quality. The Scubapro MK25 A700 provides you with continuous low-effort air delivery, regardless of how deep you’re diving or how hard you’re breathing.
The Scubapro MK25 A700 is one of the best scuba regulators because of its extensive thermal regulating system. This patented system isolates all mechanical elements in the regulator itself from outside temperatures, helping to prevent wear and tear.
This scuba regulator also features an anti-freeze breathing system, allowing you to take consistent, regular breaths no matter what temperature the water is around you.
There are two separate pressures ports. This means that you can have the first stage of the regulator positioned either up or down, depending on your position. The swivel turret itself features five pressure ports, allowing for the air flow to be uninterrupted.
The second stage is contained in the metal casing with cutting-edge air-valve technology.
The Best Scuba Regulator for Compactness: Sherwood SR2
No products found.
The Sherwood SR2 Regulator is the perfect design if you’re looking for something a little more compact. When you’re diving, you don’t want your equipment to be heavy and bulky. The Sherwood SR2 Regulator is the answer to this.
The Sherwood SR2 Regulator is one of the best scuba regulators because it’s thought about style and appearance as well as production value. You want to be safe, but you also want to be comfortable as well. Sherwood SR2 Regulator combines contemporary style with cutting-edge technology to deliver a modern take on the scuba regulator.
The first stage comes with five low-pressure ports on a swivel as well as two high-pressure ports for incoming air flow. The two-piece piston of the Sherwood SR2 Regulator helps to control pressure and maintain a good balance.
The second stage of the Sherwood SR2 Regulator comes with a one-touch adjustment, making it easy to alter should you need to. The flexible hose on the second stage allows for plenty of airflow while keeping a high level of stability.
The Sherwood SR2 Regulator is one of the best scuba regulators on the market because of its innovative design and high levels of safety.
The Best Scuba Regulator for Cold Water: Mares Abyss 22 Navy
No products found.
You may be someone who is used to more extreme environments when scuba diving. When it comes to scuba gear, you have to think about the situation you’re going to be in – not all scuba gear is suitable for every environment.
That’s why the Mares Abyss 22 Navy scuba regulator is ahead of the game. It’s the best scuba regulator for extreme environments, mainly freezing water temperatures. What’s more, it’s US Navy approved, which means it must be good.
It’s also one of the most expensive scuba regulators on our list – not surprising, considering the US Navy would use it. The Mare’s cold water dry kit is used in the first stage to protect the internal equipment, while the metal second stage is coated in resin to help keep the components from freezing over.
The second stage design of the Mares Abyss 22 Navy helps to direct air through a bypass valve into the mouthpiece, reducing breathing resistance.
The mesh design cover over the second stage is excellent for minimizing free-flow while eliminating the need for a manual adjustment. The Mares Abyss 22 Navy scored high on industry tests, which is why it makes our list.
Best Scuba Regulator for New Features: Zeagle F8
No products found.
Technology is always updating, which means that your current scuba regulator may be out of date and ready to be replaced. While it might still work okay, you never know what can happen down there under the surface.
The Zeagle F8 scuba regulator is one of the best currently because of its commitment to improvement. The team at Zeagle manage to design the old flathead and come up with the Zeagle F8.
The results were impressive. The Zeagle F8 has twenty different improvements to the interior and exterior of both the first and second stages. The first stage of this scuba regulator features a dry-sealed spring chamber. The hydrostatic diaphragm of the first stage also works hard to keep salt and water out.
The two high-pressure hoses are located either side of the first stage, keeping them well and truly out of the way. The conical high-pressure valve itself is a newer version of the conventional model. This time, it focuses on reliability and longevity.
The responsiveness and performance of all breathing rates are improved through the new features found on the Zeagle F8.
Best Scuba Regulator Made from Titanium: Atomic Aquatics T3
No products found.
The materials that are used to make your favorite scuba regulator matter. When diving in all types of different environments, your equipment needs to accommodate for this.
The Atomic Aquatics T3 is one of the best scuba regulators because they were the first to design a scuba regulator using titanium. The reason why they have used this exotic metal is that of its high resistance to ocean water corrosion, its strength, and how light-weight it is.
The high-pressure pistol system of the Atomic Aquatics T3 is self-lubricating for low maintenance and presence of friction. The jet seat system has no sharp edges which are often found on first stages, which can end up damaging the seat over time.
The seat system is so secure in the Atomic Aquatics T3 that you can use it for three years and not get it serviced.
The freeze protected first stage effectively keeps out silt and sand. The second stage has a linear flow design, allowing for effortless breathing. The second stage body is built out of titanium, which means that it is made to last.
If you’re someone who gets attached to their dive equipment, try the Atomic Aquatics T3.
The Best Scuba Regulator for Lightness: APEKS Flight
No products found.
When scuba diving, you’re under a lot of pressure – water pressure, that is. This means that the last thing you want is to be lugging around heavy equipment. If you’re using a breathing apparatus like a scuba regulator, you want it to be light and easy to use.
The APEKS Flight regulator is designed with weight in mind. Its one of the best scuba regulators because it has been manufactured with advanced composite materials. These materials have an ideal strength to weight ratio while remaining easy to use.
The APEKS Flight scuba regulator has excellent breathing performance, especially considering how lightweight it is. It’s also a great option if you prefer to scuba dive in warmer climates – it can withstand temperatures higher than 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
The first stage has a durable brass body that features four medium pressure ports and two high-pressure ports. The braided flexi-hoses are made for effortless movement. They are the most lightweight option available.
The second stage is pneumatically balanced for easy, smooth breathing. The Venturi system allows for good bubble diversion and minimizes the chance of free flow.
Best Scuba Regulator for New Divers: Cressi XS Compact AC2
No products found.
Just because you’re new to diving doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have the best equipment. However, scuba diving does take practice, as does learning how to use the gear. Our next best scuba regulator is great for divers new on the scene.
The Cressi XS Compact AC2 regulator is just that – compact.
The first stage of the Cressi XS Compact AC2 has one high-pressure port and four low-pressure ports. The marine grade brass its made from extends the life of the mechanism, helping to protect it from seawater.
The filter that sends air through the first stage is conical, creating a greater surface area for higher air flow characteristics. The durable non-corrosive polymers coat the second stage in a protective layer.
The demanding valve mechanism of the second stage allows for effortless downstream air flow, which you can depend upon for easy breathing.
The air flow itself is channeled to the first stage by a pressurized injection. This creates the venturi effect, enhancing the overall performance.
While it might sound technical, it’s easier than you think. The Cressi XS Compact AC2 does all the work for you, allowing you to concentrate on your diving skills.
Best Scuba Regulator for Recreational Diving: Hollis 500SE DC7
No products found.
Whether you enjoy a technical dive once a month or just love it for the sport of it, having the best diving equipment will enhance your experience.
The Hollis 500SE DC7 is one of the best scuba regulators if you’re looking for equipment to suit your recreational excursion.
The pneumatically balanced two-stage valve of the Hollis 500SE DC7 means that you can control the mechanism with just one small sip.
The first stage of this scuba regulator showcases an unbalanced design, with the hose located on one side. This overbalanced diaphragm design allows for greater intermediate pressures as you go deeper and the density of the gas increases.
The first stage features four low-pressure ports and two high-pressure ports. While the configuration of the ports is fixed, unlike other models, they’re perfectly in place to allow for the hoses to be precisely where they are needed.
The second stage is manufactured from high-grade plastic and polymer. It features the balanced valve system. A small pad located behind the exhaust port purges this second regulator. The exhaled gas bubbles travel towards the rear of the regulator and away from your face.
The Best Economical Scuba Regulator: Oceanic Alpha 9
No products found.
If you’re looking for scuba gear that’s economical as well as practical and high-performing, look no further than our next scuba regulator. The Oceanic Alpha 9 scuba regulator is the best for being economical.
It’s also simple, yet dependable.
Surprisingly, this standard downstream demand valve out-performed other high-end scuba regulators. The Oceanic Alpha 9 is another scuba regulator that has impressed the Navy.
It’s pleasantly inexpensive to maintain, too. Its lightweight, flexible hose design is manufactured with longevity in mind – it’s explicitly designed to outlive conventional hose models.
The orthodontic mouthpiece means that you can dive comfortably without sacrificing your jaw muscles. This may be down to how much it weighs, coming in at a minuscule six ounces without the hose.
The compact design of the Oceanic Alpha 9 is extremely tough yet easy to service and maintain. The integrated purge button is easy to locate and keeps things nice and simple.
This scuba regulator is quite possibly one of the most underrated standard regulators on the market. Its design mechanism and performance has made it stand out as one of the most economical, quality scuba regulators on the market.
Best Scuba Regulator for Tried and Tested: Aqua Lung Calypso
No products found.
We know that scuba regulators are always updating their mechanisms, which is essential when it comes to safety equipment. However, sometimes if something isn’t broken, it doesn’t need fixing.
The Aqua Lung Calypso is the best scuba regulator for combining the old with the new. This new scuba regulator from Calypso comes from a decade’s worth of heritage. However, it brings with it some impressive new upgrades.
The first stage looks as if it hasn’t even been changed, apart from the graphics. It still has a single HP port.
However, the second stage looks completely different. The soft diaphragm cover has been matched with a streamlined profile that gives it a more modern look. Venturi control has replaced the previous quick release hose.
The inner mechanisms are all new as well, which is one of the most critical parts. The latest, upgraded Aqua Lung Calypso shows high levels of performance when it comes to easy breathing.
When the Aqua Lung Calypso was tested in a number of different environments and depths, its diversity in breathing rates came out on top.
While you may be used to the old Calypso way, the new model won’t take long to impress you.
The Best Scuba Regulator for Versatility: Tusa RS1001
No products found.
Everyone has a different diving technique. This means that your diving equipment needs to cater to your specific needs and be customizable, depending on what these needs are.
The Tusa RS1001 is the best scuba regulator for this. Its balanced diaphragm and lightweight style yoke help with every diver’s unique preferences.
The first stage of the Tusa RS1001 is compact, lightweight and tuned for precision. The first stage features four low-pressure ports that help to increase airflow by up to fifteen percent.
The second stage of the Tusa RS1001 includes the Venturi flow adjustment. This helps to control the direction of the air as it travels through the mouthpiece. As you dive, you can choose the most comfortable direction for easy breathing and smooth air delivery.
The flexible material and ridges of the mouthpiece itself make for a comfortable dive. This means that there’s no need to add any bite pressure to the mouthpiece. This can help to reduce tension in the jaw.
Choose the Tusa RS1001 for a great option that’s diverse and accommodating in nature.
Looking at the Best Scuba Regulators
Diving doesn’t have to be uncomfortable.
It’s hard enough being hundreds of feet below the surface of the ocean. When you’re under this type of pressure and experiencing extreme water temperatures, you need high-quality equipment that you can rely on to keep you comfortable and safe.
Finding the best scuba regulators on the market can be the difference between a mediocre and memorable dive experience. Whether you like to dive in warmer temperatures or freeze in cooler ones, there is a scuba regulator that can suit your needs.
Choose one of the best scuba regulators to take with you on your next diving excursion. If you’ve only settled for less so far, you’ll be able to notice the difference.