You have been renting scuba equipment from dive centers and now it is time to invest in your own to enjoy this fantastic hobby even more. All scuba gear is essential but a scuba regulator has to be at the top of your shopping list. After all, without a regulator and a scuba diving mask you wouldn’t get very far.
When you take up scuba diving it is quite an investment, we recommend that you start off with essential scuba diving accessories only. Computers for diving are great, but not essential, the cheaper option is a scuba dive compass. Although wetsuits for diving are important there are times when a rash guard can sufficient.
There are so many different regulators on the market it can be difficult to choose the best one for your needs. Check out how a scuba regulator works to help in making your decision.
Don’t be tempted to choose one by price or brand alone just to have one in your scuba gear kit. Doing this could leave you in hot water and waste your money. A diving regulator must fit the mouth with ease to ensure you can breathe with little effort, in comfort, and without straining your jaws.
It doesn’t need to be difficult, you just need to know what you’re looking for and what makes a good regulator. We are here to help by highlighting some of the best scuba regulators available right now.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Best Diving Regulators Reviews
Don’t buy one that is too advanced for your ability and experience or not suitable for the waters you plan to be diving in. Be sure to pick one that meets your needs and budget. Check out how to assemble a regulator yourself to avoid any problems that may occur at the dive site.
Apart from the 10 best scuba regulator reviews, you will also find a buying guide that covers all factors to be considered. While you are here why not check out our regulator cleaning tips to help keep yours in tip-top shape.
Let’s not waste time and dive right into our top pick of scuba regulators!
1. Mares Rover 15X Scuba Regulator
Mares is popular with divers and a respected manufacturer of scuba diving equipment and accessories, a brand featured on Ocean Scuba Dive many times before. Built for ease of use, comfort in your mouth, and overall quality and safety.
The Mares Rover is available in two designs, with the same second stages but different first stages, we’re focusing on the 15X. Although costing more than the 2S, it offers a first-stage balanced diaphragm and a lightweight yoke. Making it perfect for various diving conditions.
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There’s some flexibility with regards to the configuration of hoses due to the 2 HP and 4 LP ports being pre-oriented. Adjustment of airflow and durability is aided by the inclusion of the patented Mares technology with the first stage having DFC – Dynamic Flow Control. This DFC minimizes any intermediate pressure drop during inhalation, maximizing the gas flow for delivery, especially in adverse conditions.
The second-stage is also balanced including a mesh grid and an oversized purge button. For the higher price point and with an approved technician, you can expand the Rover 15X to suit colder water.
2. Scubapro MK11 C370 Scuba Regulator
One of the most popular regulator sets in the world has to be the Scubapro’s MK2 R195 full metal option. Available at a relatively low price, an excellent choice for beginners. The much newer combination of the MK11 with the stunning C370 all-purpose second-stage offers more without breaking the bank.
The MK11 has a balanced diaphragm ideal for colder waters. With two of the LP ports (there are four in total) classified as high flow delivering 15% more air than the other two. Definitely a diving regulator 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 also has an inhalation effort adjustment knob plus an easily activated large purge button.
The C370 is just 171g and the MK11 only 490g, the combination of the two is perfect for travel and one of the lightest kits on the market. This choice screams quality and is a great piece of dive equipment for any diver.
3. Mares Abyss 52 Scuba Regulator
The second Mares product on our list, the Mares Abyss 52X, with the second-stage constructed entirely from metal and featuring a lot of the spec of the Rover series, including 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 with a slick appearance and a balanced diaphragm along with the Mares patented NCC or Natural Convection Channel providing 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 Scuba Regulator
For many years Scubapro’s first stage MK25 has been a go-to for technical and recreational divers, and this recent upgrade is no different. The first stage balanced piston does not benefit from being environmentally sealed, the company has included patented anti-freeze protection along with a thermal insulating system.
Giving you the confidence of efficient performance regardless of how extreme temperatures are. Mounted on a swiveling turret are five ports all are LP, high airflow ports. There are two HP ports on either side and the new exhaust tee increases performance while directing bubbles out of the field of view avoiding any bubble interference.
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The S600 was always a reliable second stage, but with the S620Ti upgrade, it is not only better but lighter and more compact. 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 are the Venturi assist lever and easy adjustment knob for ease of inhalation effort. Another dive gear piece that any diver will love.
5. Apeks ATX40 DS4 Scuba Regulator
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.
The 2nd stage features a reliable and high-performance heat exchanger, considering the price, it’s perfect for diving in colder waters.
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Since the release of this model in 2002, there has been a more advanced system released, the XTX range, released, but with good reason people still look to the ATX range.
We are impressed with the performance of this model, and for such a high-quality product, the low price tag also entices us as well!
6. Atomic Aquatics Z2 Regulator
Zirconium 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. With seven LP ports and two HP ports, a lot more than you get with most, particularly at a similar price point.
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The LP ports are on a fixed cap that 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, which in turn, extends the periods of time between servicing (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 with a compact case design and the option of either right- or left-hand configuration and features a mouthpiece specially designed to limit jaw fatigue, along with 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, the 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 dive 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, 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.
The newly added auto closure device (ACD) 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 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 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.
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
When you hear divers referring to scuba regulators, they normally mean a full set consisting of a first stage, second stage, the redundant second stage (scuba octopus), and the instrument console, featuring a compass, depth gauge, pressure gauges, and maybe a dive computer.
It is possible to buy these dive regulator components separately, but manufacturers combine appropriately matched pieces offering pre-arranged packages 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, from a maximum of 300 bar, down to around 10 bar quickly and safely for a consistent flow rate. 
There will be one to two bypass ports supplying the air pressure gauge (or dive computer) monitoring the cylinder for the amount of air left.
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 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, due to recent improvements in the manufacturing process, materials and design diaphragm is actually more popular, with most mid-range and high-end models featuring it. The biggest advantage of the diaphragm first stage is that it can easily be fitted with an environmental sealing for use in colder waters.
First Stage Fitting
There are two basic kinds of fittings used in connecting cylinders to regulators. The A-Clap, also known as the Yoke valve regulator, for up to 232 Bar and the 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 safer connection to the cylinder, trapping the O-ring with the valve. Permanent converters can be fitted at a later date if necessary. When converting from A-Clamp to DIN, the additional benefit of DIN fittings is the screw-on adaptors available to 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.
Water conducts heat better than air and divers will become cold over the duration of their dive, wearing a wetsuit in warmer waters will counter this. However, in cold waters, a dry suit is used, providing enhanced thermal protection but needs an inflator hose so another LP port will be needed, bringing the total number of ports to one HP and four-LP.
Environmentally Sealed
Being environmentally sealed is a feature most cold water first stages regulators have to ensure that the surrounding water does not affect 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
Similar to the first stage, the second stage is either balanced or unbalanced and offers the same benefits and drawbacks. While unbalanced second-stage systems will be unable to keep consistent flow rates and performance as depth increases, the balanced systems will.
Venturi Control
Whether the second stage is balanced or unbalanced the venturi controls is a way of controlling airflow inside the housing to produce a vacuum or LP behind the second stage diaphragm, helping the valve open easily. Within this control, there will be a vane that directs airflow allowing the diver to breathe easily.
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 already covered for the second stage can be applied to an Octopus. However, there’s a choice to think about when choosing a regulator as there are 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 easy.
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 less 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 answered some frequently asked questions. 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 planning to dive within the normal recreational parameters i.e during holidays in tropical waters, you do not need demanding choice as someone diving to depths of 50m in temperatures several notches below 10 degrees Celsius, or what is considered as cold-water diving.
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 scuba regulator mouthpiece is the most important feature to get right. To Getting the right size for complete comfort is essential as this can affect how easy it is for the diver to breathe comfortably.
You control this by cracking pressure adjustment manually allowing 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.