If you enjoy scuba diving, but thus far have been borrowing or renting equipment from the dive centers, investing in your own scuba equipment will help you to enjoy this hobby even more and a scuba regulator is no exception.
Although all scuba gear is obviously essential the regulator is one of the most important pieces you need for your safety while diving, along with scuba diving masks, wetsuits, and dive computers.
The issue is that because there are so many different on the market these days, you could find it difficult to choose the best one for your needs. Do you know how a scuba regulator works?
Don’t be tempted to just choose an incredibly expensive one or a dirt-cheap one so that you have one with your scuba gear because this could leave you in hot water and waste your money. This piece of gear must fit the mouth with ease to ensure you can breathe with little breathing effort and comfort, without straining your jaws, mouthpiece comfort is so important for safety and if you feel safe you are going to get the result you have paid out for.
It really doesn’t need to be that difficult, you just need to know what you’re looking for and what makes a good regulator and that is what we aim to do with this post. We’re going to highlight what we believe are the best scuba regulators available right now.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Best Diving Regulators Reviews
Rather than buying one that is far too advanced for your ability and experience or not even suitable for the type of waters, you’ll mostly be diving in, so you do need to pick out the best one that meets your needs and budget. After all, you may need to assemble your regulator yourself.
As well as reviews of each of the 10 best scuba regulators, you will also find a buying guide and all the factors that you need to consider when doing so. Once you’ve decided which one is best for you, check out our regulator cleaning tips to help keep it in tip-top shape for your scuba diving!
Let’s not waste any more time and get stuck right into looking at these great scuba regulators!
1. Mares Rover 15X Regulator
Mares is very popular with divers and a respected manufacturer of a whole range of scuba diving equipment and accessories and one we’ve featured on Ocean Scuba Dive many times before. Built for ease of use, comfort in your mouth, and overall quality and safety.
Although the Mares Rover is available in two varieties, with the same second stages and different first stages, we’re going to focus here on the 15X. It may cost more than the 2S, but it offers a first stage balanced diaphragm and a lightweight yoke that makes it perfect for supporting you in various diving conditions.
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There’s also a degree of flexibility with regards to the configuration of hoses thanks to the 2 HP and 4 LP ports that have been pre-oriented. Adjustment of airflow and durability is aided by the inclusion of exclusively patented Mares technology with the first stage having DFC – Dynamic Flow Control that will minimize any intermediate pressure drop during inhalation, therefore, maximizing the gas flow for delivery, especially in adverse conditions.
The second-stage is also balanced and includes a mesh grid and an oversized purge button. For the higher price point and with the assistance of an approved technician, you can even expand the Rover 15X to suit colder water.
2. Scubapro MK11 C370 Regulator
One of the most popular sets in the world undoubtedly has to be the Scubapro’s MK2 R195 full metal option. As it’s available at a relatively low price, it’s an excellent choice for anyone just taking up diving. However, the much newer combination of the MK11 and the stunning C370 all-purpose second-stage gives you even more without breaking the bank.
The MK11 has a balanced diaphragm that is ideal for colder waters, and the fact that two of the LP ports (there are four ports in total) are classified as high flow and deliver 15% more air than the other two, this is one of the regulators diving gear you should give serious consideration to.
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The second stage is the C370 that’s been air-balanced and designed to be both lightweight and compact, but robust and rugged. The Hi-Flow mouthpiece improves the breath supply pressure for airflow and gives the mouth comfort you need, this option has an inhalation effort adjustment knob plus an easily activated large purge button.
When you factor in that the C370 is just 171g and the MK11 only 490g, the combination of the two is perfect for travel and one of the most lightweight kits on the market. This choice screams quality and is a great piece of dive equipment for any diver. One of the best travel scuba gear items.
3. Mares Abyss 52 Scuba Regulator
With the second Mares product on our list, the Mares Abyss 52X, you get a second-stage constructed entirely from metal and featuring most of the same spec as the Rover series, such as the VAD tube for air bypass that balances the second-stage no matter what depth you’re diving for easier and more sensitive breathing.
The first stage has been designed to handle diving in cold water and has a very slick appearance with a balanced diaphragm and the Mares patented NCC or Natural Convection Channel provides a greater surface area for enhanced heat exchange.
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Of the pre-oriented four ports included, two are DFC or Dynamic Flow Control ports that, during your breathing cycle lower the intermediate drop in pressure, with ideal hose configuration.
The first and second stages are connected using an incredible light super flex hose. This scuba diving regulator is a great choice for cold-water divers as it is known to be able to achieve very high performance in cold water.
4. Scubapro MK25 EVO/S620Ti Diver Regulator
For many years now Scubapro’s first stage MK25 has been a go-to for technical and recreational divers alike, and this recent upgrade to it is no different. While the first stage balanced piston does not benefit from being environmentally sealed, the company has included patented anti-freeze protection and its own thermal insulating system.
This gives you the confidence that this will perform efficiently regardless of how extreme the temperatures are. Mounted onto a swiveling turret is a total of five ports that are all LP, high airflow ports. With the new exhaust tee that increases performance while directing bubbles out of the field of view avoiding any bubble interference.
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There are also two HP ports on either side too. The S600 was always a reliable second stage, but with the S620Ti, it’s been upgraded and made it not only better but lighter and smaller. The titanium-barrel system uses the same size of a diaphragm and has been reinforced to bring the work of breathing rate by 37% compared to the S600.
Included in this kit as standard is the Venturi assist lever and easy adjustment knob for ease of inhalation effort. Another one of the dive gear pieces that any diver will love with all the factors they have considered in the design.
5. Apeks ATX40 DS4 Diver Regulator
Although considered to be an entry-level option, the Apeks regulator ATX40 DS4 definitely offers a lot more than you’d expect. The first stage DS4 has an over-balanced diaphragm design and has been environmentally sealed.
As the 2nd stage features a reliable and high-performance heat exchanger, considering the price, it’s perfect for diving in colder waters. As Apeks is a British-based company, you can imagine that this is something of a specialist area for them.
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Since the release of this model in 2002, there’s been a more advanced system, the XTX range, released, but it’s with good reason that people still look to the ATX range.
Not only are we impressed with the performance of this model, but we have to say that for such a high-quality product, the low price tag also entices us too!
6. Atomic Aquatics Z2 Regulator
As it has been used extensively as plating for this yoke regulators brass body to enhance its resistance against corrosion, it makes sense that the Z refers to Zirconium.
The first stage is piston-based balanced and has a special factory-fitted environmental seal and utilizes Atomic’s own Jet Seat as additional extras, if necessary. A whopping seven LP ports and two HP ports is a lot more than you get with most t are available, particularly at a similar price point.
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The LP ports are not on a swiveling body, but instead a fixed cap, which gives you the option of the hose routing. In the balanced 2nd stage the company’s own AFC or Automatic Flow Control is utilized to allow for a consistent level of breathing with minimum effort.
The titanium-coated seat-saving orifice prevents wear and tear on the valve seat when used repeatedly. This, in turn, extends the periods of time between necessary servicing for this to up to 300 dives or 2 years.
7. Tusa RS-1001 Dive Regulator
One of the most recent additions to Tusa’s growing collection is the RS-1001 with the balanced R-1000 diaphragm first stage is lightweight and compact.
While it does not benefit from environmental sealing, this option does utilize Tusa’s very own cold-water insulator. Four LP ports are included with two of those being high flow and providing 15% more air for every breath.
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The S-0001 second-stage is unbalanced and has a compact case design with the option of either right- or left-hand configuration, mouthpiece specially designed to limit jaw fatigue experienced, and the Venturi adjustment level.
All these features help make it a favorite piece of dive gear for the professional scuba diver.
8. Zeagle Envoy II Scuba Regulator
Zeagle’s philosophy towards Tech and Rec diving is very clear with their entry-level choice, this Envoy II. This underwent a redesign back in 2015 offering a brass-bodied, balanced diaphragm first stage with two HP pots and five LP ports.
Thanks to the precision engineering involved in the manufacturing of these scuba regulators, the high-quality port performance, and the balanced 2nd stage, the Envoy II has a great reputation of providing easy, consistent breathing.
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The compact and nicely presented package comes complete with a simplistic predive/dive Venturi adjustment. Claimed by the manufacturer to be the only regulator in its price range to earn perfect simulator scores, even during the most demanding RMV/ Depth, we think it’s worth a look!
With one of the best in-water performances of scuba regs currently on the market, the Zeagle Envoy II is one of the best choices available.
9. Aqua Lung Mikron Diving Regulator
This is an incredibly high performing choice which has been specifically designed with hose routing optimization firmly in mind. Designed with compact dimensions and low weight this diving regulator provides flexibility, comfort, and excellent transportability.
With a newly added auto closure device (ACD) that keeps the corrosive water out of the first stage, this scuba regulator is a lot safer for elevated percentages of oxygen and also prevents internal lubrication from washing away.
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The first stage is a balanced diaphragm that sports 2 HP ports (7/16) and 4 MP ports (3/8). The pneumatically-balanced second stage allows for smooth and easy breathing and features an adjustment knob to optimize the opening effort.
Equipped with Aqua Lung’s Comfo-Bite mouthpiece with a reusable mouthpiece clamp its an all-round great scuba diving regulator. We love how light it is making it the perfect regulator to travel with.
10. Aqua Lung Legend LX ACD Supreme Dive Regulator
It may seem rather forward-thinking and slightly presumptuous to name your product Legend and Supreme, but Aqua Lung was first established by Jacques Cousteau, and let’s face it if anyone ever knew anything about diving, it was that man.
For the last 15 years, the company has constantly proven that the Legend name is apt for these scuba regulators. With the LX supreme, you get an over-balanced diaphragm first stage that is environmentally sealed and utilizes the exceptional ACD or Auto-Closure Device that seals off the unit when it’s being disconnected from a tank.
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The second- stage is pneumatically balanced and features the company’s own MBS or Master Breathing System which uses one adjustment knob to control the cracking pressure and Venturi assist.
It’s a very durable dive regulator that is well worth the money.
For a recap of our products, here are our 3 most popular scuba regulator picks:
- High-Performance
- NCC System
- Double DFC System
- Balanced Diaphragm Design
- State-of-the-Art Design
- Effortless Airflow
- Titanium Inlet Tube
- Superb Inhalation Sensitivity
- Vortex Assisted Design
- DFC System
- Lightweight & Reliability
- Great All-Around Regulator
Scuba Regulator Buying Guide
Generally speaking, when you hear divers referring to scuba regulators, they normally mean a full set that would consist of a first stage, second stage, the redundant second stage (or scuba octopus) and some form of the instrument console, often featuring a compass, depth gauge, pressure gauges, and some divers also like to have a dive computer.
While it’s obviously possible to buy these dive regulator components separately, manufacturers combine appropriately matched pieces together to offer pre-arranged packages that are designed to meet the needs of technical and recreational divers. Let’s discuss them in detail below.
First Stage
The first stage is the real worker of the package, this converts tank pressures, to a maximum of 300 bar, down to around 10 bar quickly and safely so that you have a consistent flow rate of tank gas. 
There will also be either one to two bypass ports that supply the air pressure gauge or dive computer for monitoring the cylinder and keep an eye on the all-important amount of air that you have left and giving divers this information.
Piston and Diaphragm
The first stage is divided into two different types, piston, and diaphragm. Piston, because it has fewer moving parts, is higher performing and more efficient, and is simplistic in the design normally found in flagship models and entry-level models.
While piston first stage dive regulators are not generally used in cold water diving, with new developments in environmental sealing, insulation, and coatings on the high-end models, it has become increasingly popular for use by divers when lower temperature diving.
Diaphragm systems are more complicated parts of a scuba regulator and have lower level performances.
However, again, due to recent improvements to the manufacturing process, materials and design diaphragm is actually more popular as the first stage with most mid-range and high-end models featuring it. Perhaps the biggest advantage of diaphragm first stage is that it can be fitted easily with an environmental sealing for use in colder waters.
First Stage Fitting
There are two basic kinds of fitting used in connecting cylinders to regulators. A-Clap, which is also known as Yoke valve regulator for up to 232 Bar and DIN regulator for up to either 200 or 300 Bar. Of the two, DIN is newer and gaining steady popularity, especially with technical divers.
DIN fittings provide a much safer connection to the cylinder, trapping the O-ring with the valve. Though permanent converters can be fitted at a later date if necessary, for converting from A-Clamp to DIN, the additional benefit of DIN fittings is that there are screw-on adaptors available that convert the fitting easily for areas where only cylinders suitable for A-Clamps are available.
Ports
The number of first stage ports required will depend on the diving environment, whether it’s cold or warm water. For warm waters, a scuba regulator will normally consist of a gauge (or console), Diving Octopus, BCD pressure inflator hoses, and an actual regulator. One HP or high-pressure port and three-LP ports (or low-pressure ports) are needed for this setup.
As water conducts heat better than air does, divers will become cold over the duration of their dive. This can be countered though when you are in warmer waters by wearing a wetsuit of an appropriate thickness. However, in cold waters, a dry suit is used, as it provides enhanced thermal protection. As a dry suit needs an inflator hose, another LP port will be needed for diving in colder waters, bringing the total number of ports to one HP and four-LP.
Environmentally Sealed
Environmentally sealed is a feature that you’ll find in most cold water first stages regulators. It is used to stop the surrounding water from having an effect on the scuba regulator parts.
Second Stage
In the second stage regulator, intermediate pressure, of 10 bar approximately from the first stage is converted and lowers it even more to an ambient pressure level to allow the diver to breathe.
Balanced or Unbalanced
Similarly, to the first stage, the second stage comes in either balanced or unbalanced variations and offers benefits and drawbacks as they did in the first stage systems. While unbalanced second stage systems will be unable to keep consistent flow rates and performance as depth increases, balanced systems will.
Venturi Control
It doesn’t matter whether the second stage is balanced or unbalanced because there will be some way of controlling airflow inside the housing. The airflow is usually there to produce a vacuum or LP behind the second stage diaphragm, to help open the valve open more or to just keep it open without you needing more breathing effort through the mouthpiece. Within this control, there’s normally a vane that is moved by a lever and directs airflow based on its location.
In ordinary diving conditions, the level will usually be set to Dive or + to offer the best level of performance. The pre-dive or – is often only used when entering the water or with a redundant second stage, like the Octopus diving equipment, where the vane is used to channel the flow directly towards the diaphragm, thus helping to close the valve.
Inhalation Adjustment
Inhalation adjustment control is normally found in balanced second stage systems and is used to adjust the effort required for opening the valve of the regulator. This supply pressure control is specifically practical when you are diving at deeper depths where a comfortable amount of resistance at the depth results in a free flow up at the water surface.
Octopus – Redundant second Stage
The points we already covered for the second stage can be applied to an Octopus. However, there’s also another choice you need to think about when choosing a regulator. There’s actually a number of different octopuses to choose from.
A normal octopus will feature a front cover in high visibility yellow and similarly colored hose to make locating it easier and the hose is much longer to ensure its donation reaches you, the diver.
In the majority of circumstances, the preferred or best option is a model with a lower or equal performance level to the main second stage dive regulator.
You will find that there’s also something called AAS or Alternative Air Sources available which combines a BCD Buoyancy control and redundant second stage in one complete unit. The advantage of this kind of unit is that requires one fewer Low-Pressure ports and is easy to find and readily available.
The disadvantages, however, are that you have to donate your primary second stage (in other words, swap your supply for AAS) and your movements are much more restricted thanks to the short length of the primary second stage hose.
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that you might still have questions during your quest to finding the best scuba regulator on the market, so we’ve put in more time and answered some frequently asked questions about them. The main consideration you need to make when choosing regulators is the type of diving you will be doing and where you will be diving.
For instance, if you are only going to dive within the normal recreational parameters during holidays in tropical waters, you do not need as demanding choice as someone divers that go to depths of 50m in temperatures several notches below 10 degrees Celsius, or what is considered as cold-water diving where the best cold-water regulators would be used.
What does a scuba regulator do?
A scuba regulator reduces the pressure of the compressed purified air (this normally contains 20.9% oxygen) in a scuba diving tank to ambient pressure for the diver to breathe safely underwater.
What is the most important feature of a scuba regulator?
The most important feature of a scuba regulator is probably the comfort and size of the regulator diving mouthpiece as this can affect how easy it is for the diver to take a breath of the breathing gas.
With diving regs, you can control this by cracking pressure adjustment manually which then allows you to increase or decrease the amount of effort required and with the Venturi adjustment airflow can be sent toward or away from the diver’s mouth.
Balanced or unbalanced or over-balanced regulators?
First stage scuba regulators can be further divided into balanced and unbalanced. Balanced systems provide consistent performance levels, regardless of the cylinder pressure or depth, while unbalanced systems are affected by changes in depth and cylinder pressure. This makes the breathing effort greater as the cylinder depletes and depth increases. Although modern designs have corrected this somewhat, balanced systems are still better in this regard.
Over-balanced systems are similar to balanced systems with the difference being that they increase airflow more as there is an increase in depth. The downside to this type of system is that you need to be more aware of free flow potential because of the regulator’s sensitivity.
4 comments
Great info, thanks for sharing.
My OMS Airstream Evoque is the newest part of my gear and I can’t fault it. The best dive regulator I have had by far!
Great Dive Regulator buying guide, some really useful tips and advice here.
Thanks for putting this list of the best regulators together. I am looking at updating mine and love the look of the Scubapro MK11 C370 Regulator.