Scuba Regulator Staff Picks for 2021** Best Regulator For You

We take a look at the Scuba Regulator staff picks for 2021 and what may be the best regulator for you and your budget...
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[@ChadSherman]

I bought the hog second stag and have about 50 dives on it. Don’t really know a lot about regulators but I’m happy. I’ve used it in Lake Tahoe in 40 degrees water to Roatan and 86 degrees water.

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Thanks Chad appreciate the ccomment. Regards Bob C

[@joakimdiver1120]

I’ve had my scubapro MK 25 evo+G260 for 4 years and just love it. Works perfect even if zero degrees celcius here in swedish winter🥶

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Great Regulator system....

[@diveaddict6885]

Legend great regulator been diving mine for 15+ years never missed a dive. This year I upgraded my 1st stage to Apeks MTX R with legend 2nd breathing is effortless

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Wow I bet that's a great combo. Love the look of the MTX.. Thanks for the note.

[@markgrohman3014]

I dive ScubaPro S600 titanium and Being Instructor love this set up.

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Sweet Reg Mark !

[@michaelgalietti4490]

I have the Apek's xtx50 Reg, breaths fantastic shallow and deep. I do not feel and more resistance at depth. I feel on the price there is not a better reg out there.

[@DiversSupplyYT]

You know Michael we sell a lot of Apek units, especially the XTX-50. My son is a fan of the XTX-200... Thanks for taking time to comment. Bob C

[@wowfreaker]

The nice thing is that the xtx50 is the exact same as the 200 without the chrome. So at a fraction of the price you get the same breathing and quality.

[@recreationalvehicle5212]

@@wowfreaker doesnt the 50 have the possibility have free flow in current compared 200 wont do that?

[@paulgee8253]

Got one too and agree.

[@softgrapes]

I’ve been diving a DIN mk25 evo/620ti for a little over 3 years and I love it. I also just purchased a Cressi AC25M master cromo for my girlfriend. All from you guys. Love the videos, keep up the good work!

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Great Regs thanks Ronny for posts your thoughts !

[@AKM53987]

I have dove MK25/S600 2nd edition since around 2007. Never had a real problem with it. But found it better to tune down the 2nd stage to avoid excessive air flow. The later editions came with chrome plated brass barrel to improve cold water performance vs the plastic barrel in 1st and 2nd edition. But I generally dive dive in tropical conditions and this is not a factor.

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Thanks Andrew, an important note for folks looking at new and used gear buying factors.

[@detroitsurvivor4989]

Do you guys carry zeagle? If so can you do a video on the F8 regular and Zeagle Covert XT?

[@eugeneschreiner2859]

I have a mk 25 S600 and an aqualung legend lx. Prior to those I dove the second generation legend lx and conshelf se2. Frankly they are all good. Even the se2 from 1990 is high quality. Only issue with the se2 is it’s not adjustable and the 2nd stage is a little bigger. The legend 2nd stages have better bubble clearance than the s600. I’ve been diving since 1990 and I find the most important thing is the maintenance. You’re shop has done a better job than others I that I used for service, and I have had problems at several shops. Diaphragm vs piston is irrelevant if the reg isn’t tuned properly. Also, proper rinsing and maintenance are important. Salt water is highly corrosive. As far as manufacturer it is personal choice and nothing more. I am a big fan of the legend. One thing to keep in mind is parts availability. I can still have my se2 Serviced with original parts from aqualung. Isn’t the hog reg from China? I would rather buy European or US made products than China products made in sweat shops.

[@electricalsociety5593]

Hog I believe is made in Taiwan and I own a D1 with classic second stage. I also own a Scuba Pro mk17 g260 combo and as much as I love that regulator the hog breaths a bit better in my opinion. My scuba pro and hogs are in DIN and I currently have a hog D3 Zenith package coming in yoke just to have as a yoke ready travel set. That is my favorite feature of hog. I can buy a first and second stage for around the same price as a scuba pro or aqua lung second stage. The next hidden feature of hog is the TDI maintenance class. If you take the class and buy the repair manual you have the ability to service your own regulator set if you feel comfortable with that.

[@xfishman123]

Hey Eugene what Octo do you have on your legend setup? I just picked up a legend lx first and second stage

[@imsw1550]

i dive with the HOG and love it. Best bang for the buck

[@diveaddict6885]

Love my Poseidon Xstream

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Lots of folks enjoy the Xstream reg..

[@diveaddict6885]

It’s cool on the xtx 50 is you can add a 5th LP port. Great regulator

[@DiversSupplyYT]

So right DA ! The Apeks regs are very adaptable for various uses, Regards Bob C

[@sprokkel30]

Hi Bob, It would be great if you could do the same video but now with newer regulators since we are 2 years further now! Thank your for your work! Kind regards, Dennis

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Great suggestion Dennis, I'm working on this but waiting on a couple of the newer regs to come in so we can get a look at them. Regards Bob C

[@sprokkel30]

Thank you, I am in the process to buy my first regulator set. Money is not really a problem. Currently I am leaning towards an apeks xt50. Are there better ones that I should look at?

[@DiversSupplyYT]

@@sprokkel30 Hi Dennis, The XTX50 is a very good reg, lots of Tech divers love them. The Enviro seal, the Turret and the braided hose are great features. Kinda hard to beat. - other would be AQL Leg3nd or SP Mk19/S620 or D420. Thanks for the question. The 2023 Staff Reg picks are in process. Regards Bob C

[@sprokkel30]

@@DiversSupplyYT thank you, I will wait for your staff picks 2023 before I buy! I love your content!

[@patryka11]

Hello my dear. I am just about to buy my regulator and thinking of two only Mares Epic 82x or Aqualung Legend MBS. What can you please advise and why? I kind of prefer Mares but only because I have Mares Bolt bcd so not much of a deal. Thanks very much.

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Thank you so much for your question and the answer is not a short one, So I have decided to do a video to help answer it. Take a couple days but stay turned. If it’s just budget then the 82x is $$ and Leg3nd is $$$. But there’s much more to it…. Bob c

[@patryka11]

@@DiversSupplyYT Ha! In that case thanks and looking forward to see your new video clip. Money is not a deal only the quality of breathing. I had opportunity to check top model of Apeks and I know it is great tech reg with lots extra features but in terms of breathing only, Mares is much better for sure. Smooth and do not make your mouth dry. I wonder of Aqualung Legend MBS.

[@utistudent099]

I was a little surprised to learn that my Apeks TEK 3 regulators for my doubles setup were actually XTX50. I have had those down to 150 feet and they are just fantastic. I also have the Apeks XTX 200 and it is just the same as the 50's. Tough and breathe so nicely. However , I was very surprised that my Aqualung Core is just as good as all my Apeks. Breathes just great at 130 feet. I will give Aqualung a big two thumbs way up. Not sure how involved AL is inside Apeks , but there must be a strong engineering affiliate by know.

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Tight very tight !

[@ketsuno4914]

I dive with Cressi regs, MC9 and T10 first stages. I absolutely love Cressi regs easily the easiest regs to breath with. I have tried Scubapro regs but they just didn't match the Cressi regs in anyway.

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Thanks Ketsu for your comments on the Cressi regs. You know it's hard to find a really bad reg these days. Regards Bob C

[@campertimes8413]

Can I ask if there is meaning behind your sea turtle tattoo? Loved your video! Thank you!

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Hey CT sure not a problem. I Wintered Over 87-88 at McMurdo Station in Antarctica and had the chance to spent a few days in New Zealand. We had a few Kiwis in our team and found the people and country very memorable. My Sea Turtle tattoo actually has a number of the wildlife I came in contact with during this 14 months of my life. There’s a Gecko, Manta, Orca, Toucan and Maori mask that make up the figure. Thanks for asking, that means a lot to me that you noticed. Bob C

[@fridericogatti1213]

Which regulator you would bring underwater? S620TI, A700 or G260?

[@DiversSupplyYT]

What 1st stage are you offering with these 2nd Stages ??? Bob C

[@fridericogatti1213]

@@DiversSupplyYT mk25

[@micagas]

Bob! thanks for the video! was wondering if the Hog Reg could work for work as insitructor , thanks!

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Hey Micagas, I mainly use the HOG D3/ Zenith as my teaching rig. I added the Cressi Digi 2 Gauge and a AquaLung ABS Side Octo... Gives me all the air I want in a difficult situation...

[@micagas]

@@DiversSupplyYT Thanks for you answer! sounds a good combo! Any thoughts About the TDS Gullz ?

[@gray_wolverine63]

vibration noise comes from my second stage regulator when breathing it on dry land when hooked up to a scuba tank is this something normal ? I just brought a new kit, does this happen because it's not under water that it vibrate ? Thank you.

[@DiversSupplyYT]

That’s correct, some diaphragms vibrate if the 2nd is used out of the water, not really a big deal.

[@gray_wolverine63]

@@DiversSupplyYT Thank you 🇺🇲👌🏼

[@397coney7]

Regarding Scubapro, is it correct, that you only get the “free parts for life”, when you buy a regulator, BCD and computer together?

[@DiversSupplyYT]

*Here's Scuba Pros program.* Starting January 1, 2012 one must purchase a new complete set of SCUBAPRO/SUBGEAR equipment: a SCUBAPRO regulator and SUBGEAR or SCUBAPRO BC and Computer from an Authorized Dealer to receive the PFL Program. Any Tech divers purchasing their set of XTEK gear will receive PFL for all of their newly purchased regulators. We have a simple registration form to be filled out, listing all components and serial numbers. They will then be on Parts-for-Life for their regulator (AIR2 or octopus if purchased) associated with that system. All current regulators on Parts-for-Life and ones sold throughout calendar year 2011 will, of course, continue on the current program. *NOTE: LABOR COSTS AND PARTS COSTS outside of the program, are solely at the Authorized Dealer's discretion.*

[@troop1026]

Do you Carry any Sherwood, Oceanic, Hollis or Atomic. I ask because every dive shop I have visited they carry these brands in addition to your in some shops. No scuba pro in a lot of western states. Sherwood scuba always gets over looked.

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Heey Troop, You know Sherwood has begun introducing some good gear. Our Atl store carries a pretty good range of Sherwood items as well as Atomic. The Jax store not so much and No Atomic because of distribution agreements. Check the website it's the best source.

[@JcJohns13]

I dive the base Aqua Lung Leg3nd with a DIN first stage. Even the base model is a thing of beauty.

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Oh Yes, Aqua Lung does a great job on their design and finish.. and are great performers too

[@spencerjay6501]

Why would you get the MK25 if it isn't environmentally sealed?

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Same reason lots of folks buy Non-Sealed Regulators...

[@397coney7]

@@DiversSupplyYT I've been out of diving for a long, but now looking to dive again and buy gear again. What is the benefit to evironmentally sealed? My first setup in the late 80's included a MK25 and G250. I used that setup for ten years with no problems and was going to purchase the MK25 again. Thanks!

[@DiversSupplyYT]

@@397coney7 Hi Coney, Hey the Mark25/ G250 was and is still a great unit. Today you'd get a MK25evo and G260.. these have some slight upgrades over what you had. So when you consider an Enviro Sealed first you are getting extra protection for the area of the 1st stage that adjusts the parts inside the 1st, that raises/lowers your Intermediate Pressure (some folks just call this Low Pressure) as you go deeper, resulting from more ambient pressure. Keeps your IP stable and ease of breathing from your 2nd. Normally you will see an opening/hole(s) on the 1st that allows water in. Pretty easy to see them. On a sealed system you don't see those. Best example is say an Apeks XTX-50 1st. See that thing that looks like a little domed disk.. This feature keeps things like COLD water, Dirty Water and Salt water out. This is a benefit to any scuba regulator. Hope this helps ! and thanks for the idea for another video. Regards Bob C

[@397coney7]

@@DiversSupplyYT ; I appreciate the explanation. Thanks!

[@johnwilliamsscuba6487]

What about Hog?

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Hi John, thanks for the question. HOG (Highly Optimized Gear) is one of those little secrets that the big dogs don't like talking about. Personally I dive a HOG D3/Zenith reg set. I buy my gear, it's not given to me, so I want value. They breathe really good, great features and the price is right. Bob C

[@akmal138pj]

Hi, may I know if you have any experience or views on Poseidon Xstream? Thanx!

[@DiversSupplyYT]

The Xstream is very popular with military and Public Safety units. The balanced 1st has impressive build features and the unique 2nd’s side breather/reversibility design has benefits not seen in the normal design of most 2nd stages. Service is not available at many shops but Divers Supply does have qualified techs for the Poseidon Xstream and product line.

[@akmal138pj]

@@DiversSupplyYT thank you for your feedback!!

[@detroitsurvivor4989]

@@akmal138pj thanks a lot...😒. Just as I thought I picked out what regulator to buy, I read your comment and now have to throw this in the mix! 😆 really like the look of the Cyklon.

[@Tito1984]

I am just completing my open water certification and intend to dive on long distance dive trips only. Does a regulator really need service once a year even it it was used just one or twice?A lesser cost regulator like the Hog mentioned catches my interest. I wonder if I should be using a piston rather than a diaphragm because of ease of service. You didn't mention anything in that category. Anybody have any help for me on my choice of regulator?

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Well I would not exactly agree with your statement of Pistons are easier than Diaphragm type. There's are difference and it does not always lean in one direction. Take what people say with a big dose of salt, especially if they are sales people vs Techs.

[@Tito1984]

@@DiversSupplyYT I ended up buying your HOG Pro combination package and upgraded to D3 with Zenith 2nd stage. Your sales help was superb. Have gone through many of your videos to educate myself. Thanks Mucho.

[@DiversSupplyYT]

@@Tito1984 Congrats Matt, When you combine price, comfort and foremost performance, that’s what you’ve got with the kit you purchased. Regards Bob C

[@marcuss2956]

@@Tito1984 how have you liked this setup??

[@Tito1984]

@@marcuss2956 setup works wonderfully. Been on 3 trips now. Probably 30 dives. Don’t know how any system could perform better. I did run across a gal with an older Apex who could not get service or parts in Cozumel. That might be an issue with HOG but not for a while. That caused me to buy an Aqualung setup for my daughter.

[@NoRegret08]

Bought MK 25T Evo 620 XTi Titanium and did my first dive in Cozumel 2 hours ago. I hate it. The 2nd stage hose is too short and it pulls to the right. The mouthpiece is uncomfortable and I do not like the quality of breathing. I miss my Mares Abyss from 2006 with 800 dives on it that finally broke. I can’t believe I dropped $3200 on this junk of a setup and now I am stuck with it. I don’t like how the first stage attaches to the cylinder as well. Since I will be in Cozumel for 3 weeks, I guess I am stuck breathing through an octo- for my $3200 spent. I will put this on eBay as soon as I get back to the states. I liked cheap rentals better than this regulator. I have 14 years experience of diving with over 1000 dives

[@DiversSupplyYT]

*I normally don't reply to this type of comment because there's way too many variables to answer directly. But I'm willing to reply.* First and for most, a few minutes ago when I read this, I walked out to the sales floor and took this same unit, put it on a tank and breathed through it myself. *My thoughts;* AND ONLY MY .02 *Pros:* This and many others... This reg, breathing effort depends on the 2nd stage adjustment. It will breath like a Ferrari really flowing air or be restrictive to some extent, all in how you adjust it. So as far as breathability goes, I love it. - I'm a big fan of Turrets, mount them up or down, there's different hoses mounting required for each. Not fun if mounted to tank wrong. Con 1: ** I personally am NOT a fan of the super stiff rubber hoses SP uses on their regs. * Yes I know all you Techies with Rubber-Rubber Black-Black everything mentality. Like NoReget says, "too short and pulls right". *Me:* Change the hose, Braided 32" and a swivel if you like. World of difference. Con 2: Those SP mouthpieces, UGH, they are wonderful for some folks, not me. A Seacure moldable MP is the ticket. END OF MY TEST. #1 Where did you buy this reg? #2 $3200 is not the price of the MK25T/S620T so there must be an Octo and Gauges Console added to the Reg (1st-hose-2nd). Did you buy this unit sight unseen ? Did you see that it has a Turret, and that it can be mounted either Turret Up or Turret down. Did you have it assembled or do it yourself? Did you tell them you wanted T. up or down? As someone who's been diving since 2006 how much research did you do before "dropping" $$$. If you'd like to contact me to help you get this reg sorted, call me at 904-646-3828 that's the JAX store. I'm usually here 10-6:30 est. Regards Bob C

[@baabaablacksheep6693]

Any one here tried Atomic?

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Yes sir.

[@BurhanMuntasser]

Where's Atomic????? Atomic and Scubapro are the top choice for me.

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Atomic is good equipment but not carried at the Jacksonville store. Priced on the higher side as is Scuba Pro and with nice quality. I’ve owned both brands in the past and am currently considering updating my Reg to the SP Mk19/D420. I can’t fault your choice at all. Regards, Bob C

[@BurhanMuntasser]

@@DiversSupplyYT The MK19/D420 is sooo sexy. I want to have one too.

[@user-yf3ix7nu6t]

Здравствуйте вышла новая модель MK19EVO G260 CARBON BLACK . Выйдет флагман MK19EVO A700 CARBON BLACK????

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Мне очень нравится новый mk19/D420 Спасибо за комментарий

[@user-yf3ix7nu6t]

@@DiversSupplyYT я хочу MK19EVO A700 для холодной и грязной воды годен будет в сочетании с А700???

[@DiversSupplyYT]

@@user-yf3ix7nu6t Лично я не большой поклонник a700, но многим нравится его размер и конструкция.

[@user-yf3ix7nu6t]

@@DiversSupplyYT понятно . По каким причинам А 700 вам не нравится?! Вторая ступень вить корпус из метала для улучшение в холодной воде не так ли?

[@user-yf3ix7nu6t]

@@DiversSupplyYT а что вам нравится?!

[@matthiasmaiwald8236]

@DiversSupplyYT -- One of the things that interests me when it comes to regulators is medium- to long-term serviceability. Although that may not be an extent that is necessary in practice, let me give you an example. I bought my first regulator set (from a major brand) second-hand in 1988 (i.e. predating 1988), and it is still serviceable today, i.e. the service technicians can still easily get the parts, more than 34 years later. It is also a regulator set that I would still dive today without hesitation, although the breathing is not as good as today's top regulators. Nevertheless, it is still comparable to today's budget sets. Conversely, I purchased second-hand a ~20-year-old regulator set from another reputable manufacturer, quite a nice set, and what interested me was the design of the 2nd stage, only to find out that there are no more service parts available, and it cannot be serviced any more. In other words, regulators from certain manufacturers become mere trash after a certain while, while others have a track record of long-term serviceability.

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Matt, The reality of parts availability and the continuation of models is a mystery to the mass majority of us in the industry. Company suppliers change, get bought out and profitability margins tend to make that whole world go around. and you are correct, some older regs parts are still able to be ordered, some not ? Regards Bob C

[@matthiasmaiwald8236]

@@DiversSupplyYT -- Hi Bob, thank you so much for your kind reply! I like your channel and your instructional and educational videos! That being said, and other things being (nearly) equal, I tend to gravitate towards the brands with a proven track record of serviceability, in this case the brand of my 1988 regulator.