Rating of the best scuba gear for 2022

No diving enthusiast can do without high-quality, and most importantly, reliable scuba gear. Modern devices are open circuit units in which the breath is taken by scuba gear, and the oxygen used is released into the water. We owe the creation of such unique devices to French inventors.

Who Invented Scuba

Oddly enough, but we owe the invention to 2 Frenchmen who were the discoverers of this object. We are talking about Augusto Deneyrouze, who was an army lieutenant and his friend Benoit Ruqueirol, an engineer. Their acquaintance was accidental, but no doubt fateful. They were responsible for the development of the first prototype of the device, which was soon to be born. We are talking about scuba, which is based on the use of a membrane mechanism. It is able to influence the pressure indicator depending on the depth at which it is located.

It was originally used for various rescue operations in mines. Auguste, having learned about the innovation, proposed to use the design for lowering people under water. This is how the prototype of the modern scuba gear appeared.

The first prototype was not without flaws: it could withstand a slight pressure, so the scuba diver could not reach a significant depth or stay under water for as long as required. Over the years, the apparatus has undergone significant changes. This happened largely thanks to Jacques Yves Cousteau, once a young French officer. It was this man who developed the automatic respiratory system, thanks to which oxygen enters. The process is similar to breathing, when a person consumes air masses from the environment. This made being under water more comfortable, and swimming longer.

The name "Scuba" comes from 2 words: "aqua", which means "water" in Latin, and "lung", translated from English as "light". The word "scuba" is patented by the concern "Air Liquid".

During the Second World War, the device was widely used by the military as a special device that allows you to swim under water. In peacetime, this apparatus is an integral part of the equipment of lovers of diving to a significant depth.

What are

Popular scuba models differ in breathing patterns, and therefore they are divided into the following types:

• Closed circuit. Exhaled air is freed from carbon dioxide and, if necessary, saturated with oxygen. Thus, the diver uses the same volume of air in the tank for breathing several times. At the same time, the swimmer, exhaling, does not create bubbles around him, which allows him to calmly be among the marine life, without frightening them with his presence. It is considered the best option for professionals. Leading the ranking of quality products. Advantages: the diver practically does not attract attention to himself, being at a considerable depth for a long time. The design has a small weight and dimensions. The disadvantage is that it is not suitable for beginners.
• With a semi-closed circuit. These devices differ from the previous version in that part of the exhaled air is regenerated, and part is released into the water.
• Open circuit. The reuse of exhaled air is completely excluded. The scuba diver receives compressed air through a mouthpiece from a breathing device, exhalation is carried out directly into the water. The regulator is used as a conduit for air supply. It is located at the outlet of the balloon block. The pressure gauge helps the swimmer to verify the performance and the presence of air in the cylinder.The positive aspects include the simplicity of the design and reliability in the process of use. Negative quality - not suitable for deep diving.

The best manufacturers produce units that differ in device, and therefore they are divided into the following types:

• with separation of stages of reduction of air masses;
• without separation of stages of reduction of air masses;
• two-stage;
• single-stage.

Based on the number of cylinders, there are 3, 2 and 1-cylinder models. There are also differences in the breathing machine, so the devices are divided into the following types:

• with counterflow valve mechanism;
• with inline valve mechanism.

Design features

The main components of a scuba gear are:

Elements	Description
Balloon	Special containers containing compressed air. In most cases, they have a volume of 5 or 7 liters, but there are new items for 10 and 14 liters. The shape resembles a cylinder with an elongated neck, to which a tube or pipe is attached. Production material - carbon fiber, steel, aluminum alloys, titanium, etc. The materials differ in cost, wear resistance and weight, but they meet the main requirement - they can withstand significant compression (up to 300 atm.). As for steel structures, they are treated with a special anti-corrosion compound to avoid corrosion.
Regulator	Consists of a reducer and lung machine. The reducer is designed to reduce the pressure of the compressed air coming from the cylinder to an average level. After that, air with an average level of compression enters the hose, and then into the lung machine, where it receives the optimal value. The scuba diver uses it to breathe through a mouthpiece.The scuba gear is equipped with a main and a spare regulator. Their number varies depending on the model and manufacturer.
Buoyancy compensator	A device whose main task is to compensate for the variable buoyancy of a person during the dive and while on the surface.

How to choose and where to buy a device

Each person determines the selection criteria for himself, however, the recommendations of experts boil down to the following: you should pay special attention to cylinders. Which one is better to buy depends on many factors, but above all on the quality of the material used.

The most common are aluminum and steel: aluminum is not afraid of corrosion, and steel is durable. The best option for professional divers is steel cylinders, which, with proper use and care, have a long service life. But it is worth checking the presence of a special anti-corrosion coating.

According to scuba divers, the volume and number of cylinders should be chosen carefully. It all depends on the depth and duration of the dive. The longer the water journey, the more air will be required.

Often, professional divers do not take cameras with them, but a compressor. It helps to recharge the cameras on its own. The average price of such a device is significant, so you can buy a used model. However, if finances allow, it is better to opt for a new compressor in which you will be completely confident. For beginner divers, such equipment is not mandatory and can be saved on it.

Which company is better to buy, each is determined independently, based on personal preferences and money.The best ones are expensive, budget options are more suitable for beginners. In order not to make a mistake when choosing, you need to familiarize yourself with the functionality, study the ratings and analyze customer reviews.

It is best to visit specialized markets, get advice from a sales manager, choose your favorite model by color and design. The set can be ordered online in the online store. At a price it will come out cheaper, but there is no guarantee that it will not be possible to purchase a low-quality fake.

There is another option - to make scuba gear with your own hands. There are even step-by-step instructions on the Internet on how to make a device at home. Craftsmen use gas cylinders and gas masks for these purposes. It turns out inexpensive products, but how reliable and durable are they? According to buyers, saving on your own health and risking your life is not worth it.

Rating of the best scuba gear for 2022

The most inexpensive scuba gear

BTS 230 bar 2 liters

The product is manufactured in Germany. Manufactured using chromium-molybdenum steel, which is wear-resistant and durable. Scuba is not afraid of salt water and corrosion. Withstands a pressure of 230 bar. The kit does not include a fender and a shoe. The main feature of the model is the rounded bottom. Weight - 4.7 kg, height - 35.5 cm, diameter - 11.4 cm.

The average cost is 13025 rubles.

• high quality of the materials used;
• high assembly reliability;
• the thread is designed for European fenders;
• ease of use;
• affordable price.

• Net, handle, fender and shoe are not included.

XS Scuba, 1L

The kit is made of aluminum and is manufactured by Luxfer (USA). Main characteristics:

• weight - 1.2 kg;
• diameter - 8.1 cm;
• wall thickness - 1.16 cm;
• height including fender - 36 cm.

Has a working pressure of 207 bar. Designed for 100 thousand cycles of use.

The average cost is 19440 rubles.

• the presence of a din type fender;
• service life - 10 years;
• equipped with a yoke screw-in adapter;
• high assembly reliability;
• practical yellow.

• not detected.

BTS, 0.85l

High quality products withstand a pressure of 200 bar. The model is made of durable aluminum with a 0.85 liter case. Outlet equipped with M18 thread. Scuba is not afraid of corrosion and is easy to use. It weighs 1.8 kg, has a length of 27.9 cm and a diameter of 8.1 cm.

The product can be purchased in specialized stores at a price of 11280 rubles.

• attractive appearance;
• the presence of anti-corrosion properties;
• low weight and dimensions;
• high build quality;
• good strength;
• long service life;
• good value for money.

• the package does not contain a handle, mesh, shoe and fender.

BTS, 1.0l

The scuba gear is capable of withstanding a pressure of 200 bar and is equipped with an M 18 stopper. The diameter of the container is 8.25 cm, the height is 28.3 cm, and the weight is 1.9 kg. Widely used by both professionals and beginners.

How much does the product cost? You can buy it at a price of 12560 rubles.

• convenient in operation;
• durable;
• reliable;
• inexpensive;
• light.

• the small volume of the cylinder does not imply long-term diving.

The best scuba gear in the middle price segment

XS Scuba, 3l

The American-made model weighs 3.7 kg, has a height of 52 cm (including the valve) and a diameter of 11.1 cm.The scuba tank withstands 207 bar pressure and is equipped with a ¾ - 14 NPSM thread.

It is sold at a price of 27830 rubles.

• long service life;
• high build quality;
• the strength of the materials used;
• the presence of a yoke screw-in adapter and a din-type fender;
• A good shade is yellow.

• missing.

Vitkovice, 12l

This is a high quality scuba gear, characterized by reliability and durability. It is made of chrome-molybdenum steel, which is not afraid of corrosion and mechanical damage. A significant volume makes it possible to use it for quite a long time. Working pressure - 232 bar. Product dimensions: height - 62.5 cm, diameter - 17.8 cm, weight - 13.5 kg. Implemented in the collection. The outside is zinc plated. The scuba gear is equipped with a standard M25 x 2 ISO valve. The pressure test was carried out at the factory, as evidenced by the date on the bottle. Completely ready to use.

The average price is 25,000 rubles.

• convenient to use;
• reliable;
• long service life;
• excellent wear resistance;
• Includes shoe and valve.

• not identified.

Eurocylinder systems, 10 l

The manufacturer produces high-quality products using chromium-molybdenum steel, the main qualities of which are excellent corrosion resistance and strength. The diameter of the cylinder is 17.1 cm, the volume is 10 liters, and when empty it weighs 12.2 kg. Withstands a pressure of 232 bar. The outside is coated with a galvanized coating, as well as a polyurethane or polyester film. On the neck there is a thread for the installation of the valve M 25 x 2 ISO. The line includes cylinders with a capacity of 18, 15, 12 and 10 liters.Pressing is carried out at the manufacturing plant, while the date of pressing is stamped on the product itself. The design is completely ready for use.

The average price is 23,100 rubles.

• ease of use;
• durability;
• high assembly reliability.

• valve and shoe are not included.

XS Scuba, 6l

The model is made of high-quality aluminum and is manufactured at the Luxfer factory. It is equipped with a din valve and a yoke screw-in adapter. Main dimensions: diameter - 13.3 cm, volume - 6 liters, weight - 6.9 kg, height (including valve) - 72 cm, walls 116 mm thick. The operating pressure indicator is 207 bar, although it can withstand 300 bar. 5/8 valve thread provided.

It is sold at a price of 31860 rubles.

• long service life;
• practical;
• reliable;
• modern look - polished metallic.

• not identified.

The best premium scuba gear

Scubapro, 15l

It is a one-piece steel construction made using chrome molybdenum steel, considered to be the most durable material used in scuba cylinders. Its use allows minimizing the wall thickness of the product, which has a positive effect on its weight (it becomes much smaller). As for alloying additives, thanks to them, the strength and corrosion resistance of steel are increased and the possibility of destruction is reduced to a minimum.

The presence of compact modular valves allows easy and simple conversion from a system with 1 outlet to a system with 2 outlets. The opposite effect is also possible.The use of any first stage is obtained thanks to the INT/DIN adapter. The main parameters are as follows: weight - 18.4 kg, volume - 15 liters, diameter - 20.4 cm, walls 4.7 mm thick, working pressure - 232 bar, height (including valve) - 71 cm. The device withstands test pressure at 348 bar.

Can be purchased in specialized stores at a price of 43,130 rubles.

• enhanced antioxidant treatment;
• triple epoxy coating;
• high assembly reliability;
• long service life;
• Ease of use;
• availability of certification of both the cylinder and the valve;
• optimal combination of price and quality.

• missing.

Scubapro, 12l

The American company produces aluminum products with a volume of 12 liters. Includes din valve and yoke screw-in adapter, shipping net and shoe. The manufacturer guarantees its uninterrupted use for 100,000 cycles or 10 years of continuous operation. Device weight - 14.2 kg, diameter - 18.4 cm, height with valve - 72 cm, wall thickness - 116 mm. Designed for a pressure of 207 bar, although the test pressure of 300 bar has been successfully passed.

The average cost is 35080 rubles.

• long service life;
• excellent strength;
• high quality of the materials used;
• high assembly reliability;
• ease of use;
• available in various colors: blue, red, purple, polished metallic, orange, green, black;
• a good combination of price / quality.

• not detected.

Vitkovice, 15l

The Czech manufacturer in the manufacture of its products uses chromium-molybdenum steel, which is considered the most reliable and durable.Many scuba divers choose this particular model because of such positive characteristics as durability and excellent corrosion resistance. Scuba gear has the following parameters: tank diameter - 20.4 cm, height - 64 cm, volume - 15 liters, weight - 17.4 kg, working pressure - 232 bar. It is realized assembled with a valve and a shoe.

The outer part is galvanized, as well as polyester and polyurethane film. The neck is equipped with a valve thread M 25 x 2 ISO, which is a standard type. Pressure testing is carried out at the factory, as evidenced by stamping on the cylinder itself. The design is fully usable.

The average price is 39,000 rubles.

• high rate of reliability and durability;
• complete with shoe and valve;
• comfort of use;
• high quality of the materials used.

• not identified.

XS Scuba Luxfer, 9.7l

An aluminum product of high quality and sufficient strength is produced by an American company. A complete set is provided, including a DIN valve with an adapter for YOKE regulators. In the manufacture of used aluminum-silicon alloy 6061-T6, which is not afraid of external corrosion. Scuba gear is rated for 100,000 cycles. Construction diameter - 18.4 cm, weight - 12.1 kg, volume - 9.7 liters, working pressure - 207 bar.

Sellers offer products at a price of 34,730 rubles.

• comfortable in using;
• long service life;
• reliable;
• completely ready for use;
• complete with adapter, valve cover and valve itself.

• missing.

BTS 232bar, 18l

Scuba is produced at the German factory Eurocylinders.In the manufacture of used chromium-molybdenum steel. It is not afraid of corrosion and withstands an operating pressure of 230 bar. The scuba has successfully passed the 350 bar pressure test. It has an interesting design and a rounded bottom.

Options:

• height - 72 cm;
• volume - 18 liters;
• thread - M 25/2 (you can use valves from European manufacturers);
• weight - 20.5 kg.

The average cost is 45360 rubles.

• the valve and shoe are included in the package;
• withstands high pressure;
• high assembly reliability;
• long service life;
• comfort of use;
• high quality of the materials used.

• missing.

BTS 232bar, 20l

The German manufacturer pays great attention to the strength and reliability of manufactured scuba gear. The chromium-molybdenum steel used is highly resistant to corrosion. The model withstands a fairly high pressure - 232 bar. A pressure test of 350 bar showed that the design can be used for significant immersion.

Options:

• container diameter - 20.4 cm;
• height - 78.5 cm;
• volume - 20 liters;
• weight - 22 kg.

The average price of products is 44320 rubles.

• practicality;
• high quality;
• long service life;
• high assembly reliability;
• withstands high pressure;
• modern look.

• you will have to purchase a shoe and a 230 bar valve separately.

Conclusion

For those who prefer to explore the underwater worlds and admire their inhabitants, scuba gear is an indispensable component in the overall equipment.It is he who allows you to breathe underwater, stay at a depth for a long time and swim close to the inhabitants of the underwater world, without fear of frightening them.

The variety of scuba gear is impressive. They are mini and with a significant volume, additional functions and without them, made of various materials. But their main structural element, on which the safety and duration of the dive depends, is the balloon.

As for regulators, they are classified as fragile and complex. In order for these elements to serve faithfully for a long time, they need proper care. After each use, they must be rinsed from salt. When drying the rubber components of the machine, you need to make sure that they are not exposed to direct sunlight, otherwise they may dry out and become unusable.