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There are many different breathing devices on the market with varying designs and features suited for a range of specialised diving activities.
The information, evaluations, and customer reviews listed below will help divers (especially beginners) choose the best dive regulator to suit their needs and price range.
You can rent a diving regulator from most dive schools. But, there are several valid reasons for owning a personal reg set.
After all, the pressure regulator is a vital component that controls the pressure of your breathing gas underwater.
Here's the thing:
It's fair to say that some rental regs will be troublesome. You may also find them difficult to breathe through, and putting a 'dirty' mouthpiece inside your mouth may feel downright unhygienic.
Whereas, experienced divers will have some preferences for a specific brand, be it for scuba regulator servicing, ease of breathing, reliability, style, or an affordable price range.
Of course, it makes sense that beginners do not overspend. Likewise, you want to avoid buying a scuba regulator that needs replacing after using it for only a few years.
It's also important to understand the benefits you may get from a balanced vs. unbalanced regulator. Do you want the first stage to be diaphragm-based or piston? Which is best suited to your area, DIN or yoke?
The gear testers at Private Scuba Divers in Thailand are always excited to evaluate and review different makes and models of scuba regulators within a given price range (even the cheap brands).
Overseen by our PADI® Master Instructor, the staff based this buyer's guide and scuba regulator appraisals on the following factors:
Pro Tip: The list of best regulators for scuba diving that we reviewed is meant to be a helpful guide. We have not based it with any particular bias towards any specific makes or models. Please "send us an email" if you have any questions or comments.
Having a total weight of 851 grams (DIN) is the primary reason why the best travel regulator could be the Mares Ultra 62X.
Besides that, the Ultra 62X scuba diving regulator provides superior controlled airflow for divers who value the most important feature of a scuba regulator - ease of breathing.
Divers can use the Twin Power system to change airflow based on the local diving conditions. Hence, this is a handy feature if you'll be diving in cold water and wearing thick diving gloves.
"If you compare the price-to-quality ratio as noted on most scuba regulator reviews, it's hard not to consider the Mares 62X as being the best scuba regulator on the market, maybe excluding the Mares Rover 2S."
If you're a diver that prefers using a long hose configuration the MTX-RC single cylinder set could be a good choice for you.
Here's why:
Our plan was to determine whether the Apeks MTX-RC Single Cylinder Long Hose set is a worthy contender for the best cold water regulator.
Without doubt, it combines rugged, military grade engineering with a smooth breathing experience. It also features the freeze-resistant technology that drysuit divers expect from the MTX-R range.
"I'm into ice diving so I wanted to be sure the MTX-RC would resist a freeflow in the coldest of temperatures. One of the best features is the innovative design of the first stage that protects the reg from freezing. It definitely meets the grade for my diving style."
It is fair to say that most dive centres offer free equipment rental to students. As a consequence, they are always looking for the best scuba regulator for the money.
This was the main consideration for our gear testers when they conducted our dive regulator review of the Mares Rover 2S.
And the outcome...
It is one of the lightest on the market. It's reliable and super easy to maintain. Plus, the sandblasted finish increases scratch resistance.
Moreover, the patented Vortex Assisted Design (VAD) system and Fluid Dynamic Deflector (FDD) facilitates natural breathing at a range of depths.
"So, I scoured the internet trying to find the best scuba regulator under $300 and the Mares Rover 2S is definitely one of the cheapest that fits my budget."
Many would rate the SEAC PX100 as being a 'budget' priced, strong, entry level scuba regulator set. Thus, it could be ideal for new divers.
The durable first stage assembly combines with a light and comfortable second stage. It comes available with DIN or INT 230 bar connection and an octopus PX OCTO.
Furthermore, the design of the second stage is simple and functional with a large diaphragm to ensure the feeling of natural breathing.
"Met my expectations perfectly. Breaths smoothly at depth. Would order again."
"The item is exactly as described and pictured. It is a top regulator, there is nothing to complain about. I would only have wished that an LP hose would also be attached. Unfortunately not like that. So remember to order a suitable hose, otherwise you will have to wait a second time."
"I used an Aqua Lung Titan in my Class. Mine had an adjustable venturi. I didn't notice a difference between High and Low settings."
Our scuba regulator reviews analysed several devices that are extremely light and compact. But, we have to say the Mares Dual ADJ 62x is one of the lightest - ideal for divers who travel with their gear.
In addition, scuba diving for kids is a lot easier for small divers because of this lightweight unit (weighing less than 780 grams).
Note: Another section contains more information about scuba regulator styles and features, including the general parts that make up a reg set.
Note: The short video presented by Simply Scuba explains what to look for when buying a new regulator with tips on how to assemble the separate parts together.