Ranking of the best diving regulators for 2022

Diving is considered a dangerous sport. A pressure regulator is required for diving. There is a lot of information on the Internet about this device. It is very difficult for a beginner to deal with such large volumes of different materials. There is nothing surprising here, because regulators come with different parameters and characteristics. A high-quality thing will not only allow the diver to feel comfortable, it can save his life in an extreme situation.

What are they for?

A control valve is needed to reduce the oxygen pressure.The air from the cylinder enters under high pressure. The regulator normalizes the pressure to the indicators necessary for life. It is located in the first node. It is of particular importance for diving equipment.

The first component is the reducer. It reduces the pressure of the gas leaving the cylinder by 6-12 bar above the ambient atmosphere. The second stage normalizes the air entering under pressure to an optimal state for a person. There is also a backup step. It is an alternative source of oxygen. There is a low pressure hose. It controls buoyancy. The high pressure hose is connected to the panel pressure gauge.

Separate devices combine the backup stage with a low pressure sleeve that controls buoyancy and combines everything into one. Additional low pressure hoses can also be installed. This is usually done for dry suits.

There are devices of open and open type. The air exhaled by a person in this case enters the water, and not back into the system. This design is considered the cheapest. There are also devices with closed circuits. Such systems are most often used for business purposes. In the army, these devices are also widely used. The regulator must be properly selected, since safety and convenience during use will depend on it.

Regulator types

Manufacturers present a wide range of various devices. You need to choose a regulator based on several factors. It is necessary to determine what a person will do in a pond. Consideration should be given to the dive site and the type of vest the diver will be wearing. Everything is purely individual.When choosing a pressure regulating device, you need to pay attention to the following:

• Is the regulator compatible with the vest (in the sense of combining a low pressure sleeve with an inflator).
• There are two types of oxygen tank connection: DIN or YOKE. A person needs to decide what exactly he needs.

There are several types of regulators:

• YOKE (connection to the cylinder). This is the most common combination of an oxygen tank with a regulator. This type of connection is simple and convenient. Connectors can be disconnected and connected very quickly. However, the difference between DIN and YOKE is not very big.
• DIN (connection to oxygen tank). This bundle provides for the location of the first stage of the regulator inside the chamber valve. Experts consider such a device more reliable, because in this case the first stage seal, located inside the cylinder valve, practically does not wear out when connected. That is why the device will last a long time. The probability of breakage tends to zero. If the air pressure in the cylinder exceeds 300 bar, use only the DIN connection. The stores sell a large number of various adapters for regulators and air tanks. They allow any diver to independently make both DIN and YOKE connections.

Subtleties of choice

When buying a device, you need to pay attention to some aspects.

Definition of needs

The regulator is necessary so that a person can breathe freely underwater. A properly selected system will help the scuba diver to operate effectively. To evaluate diving equipment, a special characteristic was invented. This is the work of breathing. According to the EN 250: 2000 standard, the indicator must exceed 3 J / l.Modern devices can give out 0.6 J / l.

Everyone chooses their own characteristics. It all depends on the expected loads. When diving to a depth of up to 25 meters, the body does not experience much overstrain. If swimming is planned in calm and warm water, then you can safely buy an ordinary regulator with minimum characteristics up to 3 J / l. The system will provide the human body with everything necessary. Under water, the user will feel comfortable.

When diving under ice or diving in cold water, you will have to choose equipment with higher parameters. Also, while diving to great depths and in other extreme situations, you should focus on the little things. The smallest miscalculation can adversely affect security.

A beginner diver should only dive with an instructor. He knows which device is better and which is worse. Scuba divers who have been trained and made a lot of dives are well aware of all the intricacies of the matter.

In conclusion of this section, we can say that when choosing a breathing device, one must take into account the loads and conditions of diving. It is necessary to think over everything well and calculate all the risks. After that, you can buy a regulator with the desired characteristics.

Characteristics

The characteristics that regulators have are of great importance. You need to look at resistance to negative temperatures, weight, assembly, principle of operation and price. It all depends on the environment in which the equipment will be operated.

If a diver decides to dive under the ice, then it is necessary to examine the equipment for frost resistance. Simple devices are not designed for operation in ice water. A liquid is cold if its temperature is below 10 degrees.This is written in special standards.

Regulators for operation in the cold season must be equipped with heat exchangers. Also, the product must have a Teflon coating and an insulated chamber. You need to pay attention to the company. Unknown brands often make products for use in harsh environments, but this does not mean that the product will withstand low temperatures.

If the water is warm, but it is planned to descend to a decent depth, then brands with qualitative characteristics of the value of the work of breathing should be considered in detail. For many divers, a device with an adjusted first stage valve train is suitable. This product will cost much more, but it will make immersion in water as safe as possible.

It is impossible to draw conclusions on the basis of advertising, because not all novice scuba divers understand the principle of operation of a particular system. It is better to ask experienced divers about everything in detail.

Service

Any equipment periodically requires maintenance and regulators are no exception. If you do not check the condition, then the product will eventually become unusable.

There are many devices from different manufacturers. All have different levels of difficulty. You should find out the frequency of customer calls to the service center. You can ask the seller about the availability of an office for service and its nearest location. Traveling far will be inconvenient.

According to statistics, maintenance of the regulator takes about 6-7 thousand rubles a year. These are, of course, average numbers. Expensive brands are very difficult to maintain, but they rarely break.

The best models of 2022

The most inexpensive

Aqua Lung Calypso

Cost: 14333 rubles

This diving regulator is lightweight and compact.The device will appeal to novice divers and dive centers.

The stylish design of the second stage is not the only plus. Now it has lighter weight and more compact dimensions. In addition, the system connecting the hose and the second stage is quick release. This feature helps to quickly reset the second stage from right to left. It is an excellent choice for rigging for pony balloons and stages.

Conventional piston action regulator conforming to EN250A* (<10°C). Only this regulator of this category passed this test.

• easy to know;
• has high performance;
• easy and fast service;
• conforms to the EN250 standard for operation in cold water.

• not detected.

Mares Rover 15X, up to 40% O2

The cost is 19000 rubles.

The model is considered one of the best in this price range. It is preferred by people who regularly dive into the water. The regulator is liked by consumers for its ease of use and excellent quality. The device belongs to the budget segment. It is made by the Italian company Mares. This is a fairly well known brand. The product has its own peculiarity. The Rover 25 is equipped with a balanced diaphragm in the first stage. A VAD oxygen supply is also integrated into the system. The equipment makes the diver's breathing under water as comfortable as possible. The products were developed by the best specialists who equipped the model with an enlarged oxygen supply button. Now it can be easily found in thickened gloves.

• the membrane is developed according to new technologies;
• the device is easy to use;
• the button that forcibly delivers air is large.

• not detected.

Mares Instinct 12ST

The cost is 20454 rubles.

The second stage of the device has a lot of advantages. The air outlet is located on the side, which makes it possible to release air bubbles past the diver's face. Now they do not block his view. The diaphragm has curved contours. It is combined with the VAD system. Together, they provide reliable operation of diving equipment in any position of the adjusting device. Compensation holes will help any diver with strong water movement.

The DFC system completely eliminates interruptions in providing the scuba diver with air. The composite valve is made according to the most modern technologies. The development of Tri-Material makes it possible to operate the equipment for a long time. The system is equipped with 4 low pressure ports. They are configured in such a way that the hoses are easy to use.

• the DFC system completely eliminates interruptions in air supply;
• the ability to operate the equipment for a long time.

• not detected.

Mares Prestige 12T, DIN, up to 40% O2

Cost: 15500 rubles.

The first stage has received an update. The Mares Tri-Material 4 valve is patented. It is designed for low pressure port. Hoses are located in the most convenient places, have the necessary lightness and softness. The second stage is made of special plastic, which is durable and lightweight. Users like the system for ease of breathing.

• comfortable;
• lasting;
• light.

• not detected.

Middle price segment

Aqua Lung Legend

Cost: 27800 rubles

The device is a modernized light version of the popular and time-tested Legend. The regulator uses new design solutions. The lightness and compactness of the steps compared to the previous model are not inferior to it in terms of performance.

The type of regulator, like the previous model, is super-balanced, which makes it possible to increase the pressure that will be exerted on the first stage with greater intensity in comparison with balanced models. This feature of the regulator compensates for a dense breathing mixture and allows you to breathe easily.

• the presence of a special button that protects the front cover from unwinding in a spontaneous manner;
• connection of the protective cap and connector, preventing the cap from being lost;
• an increase in the volume of the internal chamber that regulates the intermediate pressure compared to previous devices (absolute symmetry allows the medium pressure ports to deliver the same flow rate and performance);
• the presence of lightweight Mifkex braided hoses with high strength;
• the cover in the system can be installed in only one position, which will be correct, and this does not require special tools and tools;
• the deflector of the second stage has an improved removal of bubbles from the field of view due to the streamlining of its shape;
• the presence of regulation "Venturi";
• installation of any transmitter is possible, thanks to a convenient arrangement of ports;
• the new flywheel has a triangular shape and large teeth, which makes it easy to unscrew it, including in frosty weather with gloves on.

• not detected.

Aqua Lung (Titan Series) LX Supreme

Cost: 23600 rubles

This machine belongs to the Titan series and is a type of diaphragm balanced gearbox with an Air-Turbo mechanism. The mechanism provides an easy breath. When using the device, a Yoke bracket or a DIN fitting is used.

The Titan LX Supreme series regulator, which is a modification of the Titan LX, is used in cold environments. This device differs from other regulators by the presence of an icon with a snowflake, which is implemented as an engraving on the surface of the machine.

The Aqualung LX Supreme is a winter diving modification for diving in cold conditions. Like all winter diving devices, the Aqua Lung has a special marking - the "Snowflake" badge.

With the help of the Venturi system, it is possible to optimize the mode of air delivery, regardless of the conditions under which the device is operated. It is possible to stop free air transport. During freezing, you can clean off the ice coating that has formed on the 2nd stage mechanism.

Removal of cold is provided by a special patented Aqualung heat exchanger system. The presence of such a cold is explained by expansion when breathing air is supplied. With the help of the system, the mechanism of the 2nd stage valve is heated by supplying heat from the external environment to prevent adiabatic hypothermia.

The forced air button is pressed easily, despite the thick gloves on his hands. This is facilitated by a cover located on the front and has good softness.The presence of holes in the side parts prevents spontaneous delivery of air, quickly sinking or moving against the direction of the flow.

• the mechanism is easily removed, it is easy to maintain (it is possible to disassemble and assemble such a mechanism without special tools and tools);
• there is a special insulated muff with which you can dive into very cold water;
• the presence of a special dry chamber, which is isolated from the external environment, will protect against the appearance of ice and the penetration of foreign particles into the mechanism;
• the mouthpiece has good wear resistance due to its compactness and lightness 2 steps;
• specially adjusted to meet the stringent requirements of the European standard for equipment used in cold environments.

• not detected.

Premium class

Tungsten New Din

The price for this model is 54,600 rubles.

It has wide functionality. The product has a modern design and works reliably in extreme conditions.

All products of this series have a feature: the regulator can be rearranged both on the right and on the left side. It all depends on the preferences of the diver. In any service center, in a short period of time, the device will be re-equipped to the right hand.

The XTX200Tungsten is equipped with an interchangeable valve system that evacuates the exhaust gas. A do-it-yourself diver can change a small throttle to a large one. Depending on the functions performed, the diver may choose to supply a larger valve that minimizes the amount of air bubbles in underwater photography.

A small throttle will make the regulator compact and easy to use.With it, it is comfortable to make underwater walks.

The purge button is made using the latest technology. The developers made its design open, which made it possible to endow it with a self-cleaning function. Now the button does not accumulate any kind of pollution and it turns out that it has improved the entire blowing system.

The regulator has a front cover. It is designed with new technologies. It contains high quality plastic. This increases the wear resistance of the weakest points of the oxygen supply valve. The product has a chrome insert made of metal. Its presence indicates that the device is a high-class product.

• there is a front cover;
• the purge button is made using the latest technology;
• compact and convenient to use.

• not detected.

Scubapro MK25 EVO/G260

The product costs 40,000 rubles.

The installation has a high performance. This result is achieved due to the fact that the first piston component of the MK25, paired with the second stage of the G260, has an ideal balance. The product is intended for professional divers. It is also bought by those who are very fond of diving to the bottom of reservoirs. Scubapro has been a leader in piston stages since the very beginning.

All products of the company are patented. The company gives a guarantee for the work of the product. Due to the intermediate pressure, MK25 ensures reliable operation of the system. The air supply is reliable and smooth.

Regulators are equipped with a large number of metal parts.This significantly increases the thermal conductivity, which, in turn, has a positive effect on the wear resistance of diving equipment. The second stage is characterized by high performance. Her work will suit the most scrupulous scuba divers. The equipment is allowed to be used in difficult conditions, since the hose can be converted both on one side and on the other.

• the body is made of carbon fiber and high-tech polymers;
• gain can be adjusted at the input;
• protection against ice in the cold season;
• VIVA adjustment system;
• The product can be used in warm and cold water.

• expensive.

Conclusion

Beginner divers can purchase simple regulators. It is not necessary to buy a famous brand. All products undergo mandatory certification. Under normal operating conditions, they all work reliably.

The size and weight should be small. For beginners, a lightweight model is perfect. Titanium is considered the best material, but products made from it have a high price. The device must be compact. Many vendors offer universal regulators, but this is not necessary for a beginner. Only a professional scuba diver can appreciate such a thing.

An important place in diving equipment is occupied by a mouthpiece. The quality of this part directly affects the comfort and convenience of the diver, so you need to buy a regulator, from which the mouthpiece straightens itself according to the shape of the oral cavity. Otherwise, some novice scuba divers develop a bad habit of holding the device with their hand all the time, as it may fall out of their mouth.