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What's the Best Scuba Regulator
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.
Which Regulators are Good for New Divers?
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?
Some of the Key Features We Tested
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:
- Using a handheld gauge to test the intermediate pressure of the first-stage assemblies.
- Assessing the 'cracking' pressure of the second stages to determine the minimum upstream pressure required to open a check valve (e.g. how easy was it to get a breath).
- Breathing through the regulators in a swimming pool, followed by a deeper dive in open water (following the dive limits for recreational divers).
- Judgments were made on (all):
- Comfort
- Ease of breathing
- Technological advances
- Price
- Overall performance
- Would we recommend this piece of dive gear to a learner diver if they were looking to buy a scuba regulator for the first time? If not, why not?
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.
Mares Ultra 62X Regulator Review
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.
Technical Features and Specifications
1st Stage
- Pearl chrome finish with the Dynamic Flow Control (DFC) system and low pressure port for high airflow at any depth.
- Auto Sealing Technology (AST) for a dry first stage.
- Balanced diaphragm with pre-oriented LP and HP ports.
- Weight:
- DIN 525 grams (18.5 ounces)
- International: 742 grams (26.2 ounces)
2nd Stage
- Twin Power System provides a choice between natural breathing and assisted breathing with increased airflow. Thus, the best scuba regulator for travel is also recommended for cold water dives.
- Second stage made in ultralight, durable technopolymer with a wide, pivoting purge button and microinjected labels for a unique appearance.
- Lightweight Superflex hose measures seventy five (75) centimetres and ensures comfort during use.
- Weight:
- DIN 190 grams (6.7 ounces)
- International: 1068 grams (37.7 ounces)
Customer Review
"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."
APEKS MTX-RC Regulator Review
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.
Technical Features and Specifications
1st Stage
- Satin plated brass body with heat exchanging ribs for maximum thermal performance.
- Ribbed diaphragm clamp for improved heat exchange in cold water conditions.
- Over-moulded first-stage endcap and environmental diaphragm helps prevent ice build-up.
- Temperature range: 0.5° - 55° Celsius
- Weight (DIN Set): 1.193 kilograms (2.63 pounds)
2nd Stage
- Ergonomic and simple to use venturi lever with protective bumpers to protect the second stage from impacts and scratches in the most vulnerable places.
- Diver Changeable Exhaust system (DCE) gives the diver the ability to change from a small exhaust tee to a large exhaust tee.
Customer Review
"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."
Mares Rover 2S Regulator Review
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.
Technical Features and Specifications
1st Stage
- The Rover 2S is robust with a compact piston first stage.
- It is equipped with a dedicated seat for radio-frequency identification (RFID) chips.
- Weight:
- DIN 432 grams (15.2 ounces)
- International: 608 grams (21.4 ounces)
2nd Stage
- High performance from the second stage was notable and the durable rubber material can withstand more than 113,000 venting cycles.
- The "dynamic hinge" design on the extra large purge button means it's easy to activate (e.g. with one finger) and it helps to prevent free flow in a strong current.
- Weight:
- DIN 190 grams (6.7 ounces)
- Hose length: 80 centimetres
Customer Review
"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."
SEAC PX100 Regulator Set
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.
Key Features and Specifications
- Hoses with M 3/8 "" connection with braided lining.
- EAC PX100 is also optimal for colder waters
- Simple Piston First Stage
- No. Of Hp Ports: 1. No. Of Lp Ports: 4
- Adjustable Venturi Effect (Dive / Pre Dive)
- Second Stage Is A Simple And Functional Design
- Braided Coated Hose
- All components are Made in Italy
Customer Comments
"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."
Mares Dual ADJ 62X Regulator (DIN)
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).
Key Features and Specifications
Hose: 3/8 inch thread high flow superflex 29.5 inches (75 cm)- Max working pressure: 300 bar/4350 psi (DIN): 232 bar/3364 psi (yoke)
- Weight: 27.5 ounces (779 grams) with hose
- Nitrox ready up to 40% oxygen
- First Stage: Balanced diaphragm
- Material: Pearl chrome plated marine brass
- 4 LP and 2 HP Ports
- Second Stage: Downstream demand valve
- Vortex Assist Design (V.A.D.) system
- 77% Increase Flow Cross Section & Double Curvature for Smoother Flow (delivery rate of gas from natural breathing to power breathing)
- Soft hypoallergenic, techno polymer construction silicone mouthpiece (e.g. provides less jaw fatigue)
- Pneumatically Assisted Designed (P.A.D.) with adjustable breathing knob for ultimate breathing comfort and oversized silicone purge button
Note: Another section contains more information about scuba regulator styles and features, including the general parts that make up a reg set.
Related Information and Help Guides
- Beginners Guide to Scuba Regulator Parts and Gauges
- How Does a Scuba Regulator Work Underwater?
- What is the Most Important Feature of a Scuba Regulator?
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.