Everything about this regulator is built quality. The Aqualung Leg3nd Elite Regulator is one of the new generation Legend has recently been upgraded with many innovative features and new appealing aesthetics. I think you'd be happy either way. Who knows how old rented regulators are or when the last time they have been serviced. The average breathing effort is 1.35 J/l. Top 9 Best Scuba Regulators of 2022 The Adventure Junkies The second stage has a tough nylon case and has a seat-saving orifice, zirconium-plated inlet tube and heat sink for superior corrosion resistance, and a new inhalation diaphragm. Maybe look toward the MK 25/19/17 and a G260 for the future, Im not much of an Aqua lung fan but they are good regulators. If you have short listed aqualung for yourself, I am sure you must have done a fair bit of research. Wireless air integrated dive computers use a transmitter attached to your first stage that relays tank pressure to a wrist-mounted screen. This is one of the more-expensive regulators on test, but it has plenty of features of merit, and it has a fantastic performance to match its eye-catching good looks. This regulator is preferred by wreck, cave, and cavern divers . Second, the o-ring seal on a DIN tank is within the regulator and typically has fewer issues than yoke tanks external o-rings. CRACKING RESISTANCE:No |VENTURI:Yes |VERDICT:The Hollis DC7 / 150LX is a great package - the compact first stage has excellent cold-water performance but is still quite lightweight, and the second stage has a large purge and venturi lever, and a comfortable mouthpiece. It looks good too, in an understated way, with the 316 stainless steel elements, and I like the red-and-black colour scheme. Its also easy breathing at every depth and temperature. The DIN valve is different in that the sealing o-ring is mounted into the first stage itself, not the tank valve. Working at a dive shop I have seen several tanks that ended up with significant water in them because the tank pressure was emptied during a dive. When it comes to cold water regulators, the ScubaPro MK25 EVO/A700 is the best of the best. It is extremely robust with its PVD finish, and the solid first stage is perfect for all conditions. Second, the regulator dangling could damage coral or damage the regulator. Blackburn-based Apeks Marine Equipment has been around for over 40 years, and since that time the companys regulators have found a special place in the hearts and kit bags of many divers. The Mares Rover 15X is an entry-level unit from this well-known Italian brand, and it doesnt break the bank. This model comes standard with high-end features like a turreted first stage and swiveling joints for easy hose routing and comfort. CRACKING RESISTANCE:Yes |VENTURI:No|VERDICT:The renowned MK25 in its latest EVO guise is a fine first stage, and with the XTIS thermal insulating system, it is great in cold water. This is a plug adapter that threads into a DIN scuba tank. Yoke valves have a working pressure up to 232 bar. The large purge is easy to locate and depress, and the Venturi, while fairly small, can be operated even with thick gloves. The F8s first stage is sealed and insulated, with a watertight exterior to prevent corrosion. CRACKING RESISTANCE:Yes |VENTURI:No|VERDICT:The MK21 is a robust air-balanced piston first stage, and paired up with the C370 makes for a great reg package. The AL Legend can be tuned to breathe quite easily, even a little easier than the G250. Aqualung Leg3nd MBS - good or bad? vs Elite? | ScubaBoard The first stage is made with nickel-plated brass. The C370 second stage body is made from fibreglass reinforced nylon and now features a balanced valve and new exhaust tee. The oval face has a decent-sized purge, and a swivel aids comfort in use. Great all-round regulator. Make sure to not fill the tank above 3000 psi as that is the pressure rating for most yoke regulators. The depth gauge is available in imperial units which are feet and metric which are in meters. While it is a very reliable second stage modern second stages have been improved on. It retains its good looks, though when SubGear was still in existence, the earlier incarnation of this was their regulator for the next price bracket up. It is important to breathe out of the nose when descending to equalize the pressure in the mask. It also has a low noise rigid case, with a cam-lock. CRACKING RESISTANCE:Yes |VENTURI:No|VERDICT:The Epic Adj 82x is Mares top of the line regulator, and it is easy to see why. It has dry chambers that reduce the potential for ice build-up. Well worth checking out as an entry-level reg. It is installed with an 8mm hex Allen key tool that is not included. It does come nitrox ready up to 40 percent. It is also known as an A-clamp, as it puts an A-shaped frame over the tank valve, which is then tightened by a knob-handled screw which pushes the first stage against a sealing o-ring on the face of the tank valve itself. It has a soft, comfortable mouthpiece, and utilises Mares Fluid Dynamic Deflector, which receives and properly directs the airflow from the Vortex Assisted Design bypass tube to the mouthpiece. As you expect, all of the regulators in this price bracket performed well, but the MTX-RC was ultra-smooth in all orientations and however you are breathing through it, making it a clear favourite. SCUBAPRO MK25 EVO D420 | SRP: 695.00 Scubapro has brought back the venerable D-series of regulators. What temperature? The regulator has a three year 300 dive service interval. You must log in or register to reply here. What piece of equipment should never be allowed to dangle freely? The C370 second stage body is made from fibreglass reinforced nylon and now features a balanced valve and new exhaust tee. She has been living on the road full-time since 2014 and has taught scuba diving in a variety of environments worldwide. The exhaust is fairly compact, but the routing is sound and it disperses exhaled bubbles efficiently. The diaphragm is located in the lower section which makes breathing easier in the upright position. Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions. The body of the second stage is reminiscent of the lightweight Flight reg, except this has a large purge on the front, and an easy-to-operate venturi lever. The compact second stage looks great, and is lightweight in your mouth, so no jaw fatigue. As with all Oceanic products, it comes with a lifetime warranty and free parts for life, making that price even more attractive. Turreted regulators are also compatible with technical and sidemount diving. The large purge is easy to locate and operate even with thick gloves, and the same goes for the venturi lever. Having a compressor that fills a higher value requires a more complex system and the risks that lower pressure tanks will accidentally be filled to a higher value. Scuba tanks need to be visually inspected every year and have a properly dated VIP sticker to be filled. The adapter threads onto the regulator and have a yoke valve that can attach to the scuba tank. The yoke valve is easily recognisable as it utilises a clamp set-up to hold the first stage onto the pillar valve. If you want to get a high-performance DIN regulator the T10 SC is a great option. The second stage stands out from the crowd thanks to its chrome surround on the front, and distinctive triangular-shaped purge valve. Good-looking, great-performing regulator. They're both outstanding regs, and they'll both give you a long useful lifespan. I just replaced my glacier with an LX and love it! It is known for easy breathing regardless of depth. These are important factors when diving deep and in cold water areas. Aqualung Legend vs Legend LX vs Legend LX Supreme | ScubaBoard The AC2 first stage is a simple, reliable, and robust unbalanced piston design. It is made with marine-grade brass. So Debra Sue, what type of diving do you intend to do? All of these brands have high-end and low-end models. Our team of experienced scuba divers and volunteers have tested the latest scuba regulators from the leading manufacturers for comfort, functionality, ease of use, and price! However, the Epic also has a cracking resistance control knob for further fine-tuning of the breathe. The aqualung legend regulators are known for being good cold water regulators. Technical divers, cave divers, and wreck enthusiasts prefer this style because it is so secure. For those who are regularly diving, these scuba regulators will meet your needs and last a lifetime. This is especially important if youll be diving in extreme cold and using thick gloves. No doubting the performance of the F8, though the breathe was nice and smooth in all positions, the cracking resistance control is large and easy to use, as is the venturi lever, and the mouthpiece is comfortable. I have a Mk19/D420 as well as a G260 and 620Ti second stage (I also have a Mk25 evo) Anyway I have yet to dive the D420 and rsingler tuned both the Mk19 and the D420 for me. The second stage is pneumatically balanced resulting in a low and consistent breathing effort. The first stage, with its black finish, neatly sets it off. There are several types of scuba tanks that have different pressure ratings. Second stages today offer something the G250 doesnt have, a micro adjust that allows the service tech to fine tune it. Other pro-friendly features include a self-warming second stage (to prevent freezing and keep your lips comfortable) and oversized knobs that are easy to operate while wearing gloves. A lot of scubaboarders will argue it is the best breathing reg to there. The second stage is made of a durable polymer that is lightweight. The Test Team comprises Editor in Chief Mark Evans and a squad of volunteers, whose dive experience ranges from a couple of hundred dives to well over 8,000 in all conceivable diving conditions and temperatures. For non-technical diving, many people use a wrist computer with the standard analog air gauge. This can be done by spraying the regulator or dunking it into a tub of fresh water. Yoke valves are more common but only work with tanks filled to less than 3000 PSI. A balanced first stage adjusted the low-pressure output to be consistent at deep depths and varying tank pressures. The first stage will also reduce the tanks pressure to around 140 psi for low-pressure ports that can be used at the second stage regulator, octopus, BCD inflator, and drysuit. CRACKING RESISTANCE:No |VENTURI:No|VERDICT:The MK21 is a robust air-balanced piston first stage, and paired up with the C370 makes for a great reg package. It is not a balanced system and does not have a high heat transfer rate for cold water diving. The Aqualung Legend Supreme comes in at $1150, including the second stage and octopus. It is well priced, and a decent performer all-round. The Zeo certainly stands out from the crowd, thanks both to its unique oval-shaped second stage and its bold white finish (a black version is also available). You may prefer this setup, as it is more comfortable and ergonomic for routing your hoses, especially if you are diving with a dry suit. The 15X first stage has pre-oriented ports two high-pressure and four low-pressure, including one DFC port (Dynamic Flow Control), which minimises intermediate pressure drop during inhalation, thus maximising gas delivery for optimum routing, yet retains a compact, travel-friendly size and weight. It has at least one high-pressure output port to measure the pressure in the tank with a manual gauge or a dive computer. It is equipped with a factory sealed first stage, huge purge button, comfort swivel, and no less than seven low-pressure ports and two high-pressure ports. An auto closer device on the first stage keeps corrosive water from entering the regulator when it is removed from the tank. DIN regulators can be rated to a higher pressure value than a yoke valve which is also called an A-clamp. The Legend also features Aqua Lungs unique first stage auto-closure designed to close your dust cap in case you forget to do it manually, so youll never flood your filter while washing gear. For the diver that wants a little more performance than the AC2, the MC9 is a great option. This is a durable regulator with good airflow performance. The first choice needed to be made when purchasing a regulator is whether to get a DIN or a yoke regulator. It is equipped with Scubapros X-TIS (Extended Thermal Insulating System), which fully insulates the international mechanism from the environment. Finally, there is a comfortable orthodontic mouthpiece with a good grip. In the video below I am scuba diving a wreck in the Florida keys with some friends and encounter a large great white shark. For this price point, this is exceptional value for money. Log in or Register now! We accept advertising from many of the brands featured, but in no way does that have an effect on the overall review we give a product. The dive/pre-dive lever is mounted on the top, and is easy to find and operate even when wearing thick neoprene gloves. Cody strives to provide detailed information about the best fishing gear and tactics to help both novice and experienced anglers have a more productive and enjoyable time on the water. But, in cold climates that might not be the case. The super-comfy mouthpiece, which is soft but has harder inserts in the bite, is very reminiscent of Atomic Aquatics. The first stage is made the chrome coated marine brass. This regulator is rated number one because it is a low cost, durable regulator that requires little maintenance. The 150LX features a braided hose and large venturi lever, and has a big purge. Once installed the DIN tank will fit a yoke scuba regulator. The Scubapro MK17 EVO C370 is a high-performance regulator with an environmental seal that prevents impurities from entering the first stage and makes it more suitable for cold water diving. Each month, the Scuba Diver test team assembles to rate and review a selection of dive equipment from a range of manufacturers. There are external fins on the brass regulator which help prevent it from freezing when diving in cold weather conditions. The second stage is very lightweight, and it has a purge that lurks behind a flexible mesh grid on the unit, which helps eliminate freeflow in currents. It's rated for extreme dive environments like freezing water, caves and caverns, and shipwrecks. Do not submerge the first stage of the regulator into the water for a long period because water could get past the dust cover. Aqua Lung Leg3nd is the third generation Legend octopus and is a top-quality secondary regulator. Joining is quick and easy. The 52X also has an NCC (Natural Convection Channel), which increases cold-water performance by creating a flow of water across the regulator. The MK25 EVO and the D420 make a solid pairing. The Rover has subtle styling, but its performance is outstanding at this price point. A comfort-fit silicone mouthpiece is soft and has tear-resistant bite tabs. This regulators first-stage has the auto closer device and a pneumatically balanced diaphragm for consistent breathing at different depths and tank pressures. The first stage is chunky but quite compact, while the second stage is extremely small and lightweight you almost dont feel it in your mouth. The MK25 is a overbalanced piston first stage whereas the Aqualung is a overbalanced diaphragm first stage. When using a wrist computer even if it transmits pressure should have an SPG that is directly connected to the regulator. If you stick with diving, this regulator will make an excellent backup and is a top pick for deco tanks, too. Growing up in Pennsylvania Cody has also done extensive freshwater fishing including bass fishing tournaments. It features an oversized purge button, Superflex braided hose, and a chunky knob on the side for adjusting the cracking resistance of the inhalation effort. This is a unique swivel, mounted on the face of the first stage instead of the top. The second stage is pneumatically balanced and maintains the same breathing effort even as depth and tank pressure changes. The Scubapro MK2 EVO/R195 is ideal for newly certified divers exploring in cold climates. The regulator also needs a pressure gauge or have an integrated dive computer. A pre-dive switch allows you to reduce your regulators flow to prevent this issue while entering the water or waiting to begin your descent. JavaScript is disabled. The first stage of a regulator set-up comes in two guises DIN valve, and yoke valve. An environmental seal is a protective outer casing around your regulators first stage. It is made with sound-absorbing plastics and corrosion-resistant titanium. The Onyx II blends an environmentally sealed balanced diaphragm brass first stage equipped with two high-pressure ports and five low-pressure ports with a thermoplastic second stage via a flexible braided hose. Gauges do not have to be from the same company as the regulator but it is common to have matching gear. The MK25 offers plenty of ports for all your accessories on an ergonomic swiveling turret, compatible with traditional and sidemount configurations. It looks as good as it performs too, with the subtle grey finish on the moulded parts. It is also now smaller and lighter for a more comfortable dive. The overall work of breathing past legend models was .74 J/l but is not listed for the third generation. . Examples of high-end regulators are the Scubapro MK25 Evo A700, the Mares Fusion 52x and the Aqualung Leg3nd. Zeagle is a US brand that has built up a strong following for its robust, well-made BCDs, and it looks set to follow suit with its regulators. But, this sturdy and reliable option isnt only for taking pretty pictures. All the features and breathing performance of the MK25 EVO/A700 with the addition of a Black Tech coating that protects both stages against the ravages of salt water and corrosion. CRACKING RESISTANCE:Yes |VENTURI:No|VERDICT:xDeep have carved a solid reputation with their wings, and it continues here. This third-generation model is no different. The yoke valve, also known as an A-clamp, was at one point the industry norm, until the arrival of the DIN (Deutsche Industrie Norm) valve from Europe, which was embraced by technical divers thanks to its improved safety, and the option of increased tank pressure. Its rated for extreme cold and can be used safely for demanding immersions like ice diving. Keep in mind that a regulator rated for extreme cold will perform just as well in tropical climates. A balanced first stage makes it easier to breathe when at deep depths and when the tank pressure is reduced. The redesigned front cover and cracking resistance control use co-molded components that provide high levels of grip. That first stage is certainly an eye-catcher. And, its large easy-to-grip knobs (to customize airflow) were designed for divers wearing thick gloves. The D420 is suppose to excel once underwater so as soon as the ice melts I will give it a whirl. My advice would be if you know you are only going to be doing basic warm water diving in the USA then buy a yoke regulator. In the picture, I am diving with a Cressi XS compact regulator in the Florida Keys. It is required to have a secondary regulator when scuba diving. It is paired with the trusty 52X balanced diaphragm first stage. But, this can make them slightly more prone to freeflow. The colder the conditions, the more likely our second stage is to freeflow on the surface. The comfobite mouthpiece is nice when diving for long periods. A great little reg and dont forget that superb limited lifetime warranty. It is up to divers with DIN regulators to have this adapter. This is a good octopus for most Scubapro regulators. The first state is an overcompensation diaphragm design. Features of the second stage and octopus include a mesh grid to reduce the impact of water on the diaphragm, vortex assisted design for easy consistent breathing, and dynamic flow control to help maintain pressure during inhalation. I have the MK25/S600 and really enjoy it. It is made with marine brass and has an exterior chrome coating. Again, regardless of the thickness of exposure protection on the hands, the controls were easy to use, especially the cracking resistance control knob. Scubapro has brought back the venerable D-series of regulators. The first stage and second stage components are milled from a solid bar of Titanium. The difference between piston and diaphragm regulators is the mechanism by which your air is delivered. This is the number one rule of scuba diving to never hold your breath. The adapter above allows for a DIN scuba regulator to be used on a scuba tank that is set up for a yoke valve. If the LUX catches your eye, that 1st stage has a PVD coating. There are 2 other comparably priced regs you might look at: MK25/G250V, and the Apeks XTX100. The DC7 is rated for cold climates and technical diving, and weighs far less than similarly designed models. In the secondary regulator, there are large ribs that act as a heat exchanger to protect internal mechanisms. Many divers use multiple gauges for redundancy in challenging environments. The Legend line of regulators is the best-performing regulator manufactured by Aqua Lung. The DIN valve is increasingly growing in popularity thanks to the fact that the first stages are smaller, more compact and lighter than the equivalent yoke valve, so a better option for travelling divers, plus they are more secure when diving in an overhead environment, such as a wreck or a cave, due to the long screw-in thread into the tank valve, and weve already mentioned the increased tank pressure making DIN valves the go-to reg style for techies. Both the first and second stages have an eye-catching PVD coating, which not only looks great but also adds another degree of protection. The simulator pressurizes the chamber to simulate depths of 132 feet of seawater, 165 fsw and 198 fsw. The second stage is also pneumatically balanced. And, its rated for even the coldest of climates. This change in flow can serve as a good reminder to check your pressure gauge and can prevent out of air emergencies while diving in warm water. It comes with two high pressure and four low-pressure ports. Always check the owners manual for the maintenance schedule of the regulator. Most regulators built for warm water include 4 low pressure ports (for second stages, BCD inflator hoses, and dry suits) and 1 high pressure port (for pressure gauges and computers with wireless transmitters). If the tank pressure ever falls below around 300 psi the tank should also be visually inspected as seawater could have entered the tank. The mouthpiece is very comfortable, and the exhaust sends exhaled bubbles up the side of your head.
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