Top 10 Best Scuba Regulators for 2024

[@ScubaDiverMagazine]

LINKS Best For Travel Mares Ultra 62X www.scubadivermag.com/affiliate/hkoj Best Budget Mares Rover 2S www.scubadivermag.com/affiliate/72c4 Best Cold Water Apeks MTX-RC www.scubadivermag.com/affiliate/vdyw Best All-rounder Scubapro MK25 S620ti www.scubadivermag.com/affiliate/yj7i Best Mid-range Aqualung Helix Compact Pro www.scubadivermag.com/affiliate/ft2c Best High end Atomic TFX www.scubadivermag.com/affiliate/vn6x Best Eco-friendly Apeks XL4 Ocea www.scubadivermag.com/affiliate/rqi9 Best Long term Atomic Aquatics T3 www.scubadivermag.com/affiliate/1au2 Best new regulator Scubapro MK19 EVO G260 www.scubadivermag.com/affiliate/77u8 Best side exhaust Mares SXS 62X www.scubadivermag.com/affiliate/9a3j

[@kentgorrell]

A side exhaust with a purge button in the middle. Just like the Tekna I've had for 30 years. The more things change... I own a range of regulators, mostly Scubapro but, of the ones I would actually use, my Jetstream is my fave. Can't say I've tried the X-Stream. How does the Atomic compare to the D300/400 series it was based on? I do have a Pilot (the very original of this design) but I ain't getting that wet.

[@Iceman231181]

I have the Apeks XTX 200 + DS4 in cold water and it does it's job very well. Few weeks ago I went ice diving with it. In my opinion it doesn't have to be always the newest fanciest regulator. Sure the MTX-RC is a really good one but is it worth the upgrade money? I don't think so...

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

Most cold water regulators are suitable for ice diving. The MTX range excels when two people are huffing and puffing from the same first stage at near zero while being way too deep. Do you need that? No. Is it cool to have? You betcha. I personally run MTX and MTX-R regs, but they are a little more work to breathe from than the MTX-RC or XTX range regs.

[@miks8]

MTX-RC is like the coolest toy on the block - do you ^really* need it? no. You are not going to 150m in a cold freshwater cave for 8h dive. But you cant stop wanting it :D

[@Iceman231181]

@@miks8 That's the point! 😂

[@sammoyers905]

Great review Mark. Still have to go with my Poseidon XStream regulator, as the go everywhere do everything regulator. You can't beat the breathing, depth rating, cold rating or just puttering on the reef rating. And they aren't as difficult to find service for as some think.

[@Mrveescuba]

Lol. Sold them after 1 year usage.. The absolute shi piece of equipment

[@sammoyers905]

@Mrveescuba I have been using Poseidon regulators as my primary for over 40 years... used many, many others, always prefer Poseidon. But everyone is entitled to their own opinion... Even if they are wrong... 😉

[@stevenwood1468]

Atomic ST1. Found no better regulator

[@davedive9453]

Scubapro retired the mk17??? It is still on their website though...why would they discontinue one of their best first stages?

[@ScubaDiverMagazine]

I know! The 5-port swivel design must have been popular enough to transition to the 19. Most 2nd stages seem to be paired with the 19 instead of the 17 in the 2024 catalog. It's only available with the S600 and the C370 by the looks of it now.

[@miks8]

I still use my MK17 evo and its absolutely kick ass workhorse! If you can somehow get a new unit still these days for the massive discounts they should be going for, that' would be an amazing deal.

[@kennethjmcarthur2428]

I have the Scubapro Mk25 & A700 for warm water recreational diving. Also have the Air2 on my Hydros pro BCD. Love these product videos. Allows me to stay updated on new gear that is not available normally as many of us divers deal with one dive shop only. Thanks, Mark.

[@lizajonsson]

Great video as always, thanks!

[@haru8789]

Hi! How would you compare Apeks XL4 with its XTX50/200 series??

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

I personally love the XL4+ because it has the same overmoulded environmental seal as the MTX series. I love the DST first stage that comes with the XTX-50 for the swivel turret and the ability to add a 5th port. The XTX-200 has a solid block first stage with a higher flow rate than the DST. The chrome accents on the second stages are a nice feature, but other than that the XTX-200 second stage is the same as the XTX-50 second stage. You could also go for the XTX Tungsten which is an XTX-200 but with a PVD coating. The XL4 and Ocea first stages are simpler and more compact, and more comparable to the DS4. No turret and no 5th port. If you're not considering moving into sidemount, twin sets, or long hose, the XL4 and DS4 are excellent regulators.

[@ScubaDiverMagazine]

They breathe much the same. Each have their own pros and cons so it depends what's important for you. XL4 is much more compact and only has venturi. It's also only usually paired with a DB4-style 1st stage. XTX are reversible and all but the 40 have breathing adjustment. You get a few choices of 1st stage. If size and weight are no issue then XTX are more customizable. If you prefer something smaller and without adjustments the XL4 is a good range.

[@miks8]

@@bloodymarvelous4790 Why would you not consider XL4 for tec setup? I picked and use my XL4s on my twinset with a long hose,

[@MatthewPearson-g2u]

Xtx 200 rig still one of my favs. I have mk17 and s600 again solid cold water reg set up. The mk25 would free flow in the cold the mk17 fixed that and I honestly can't tell difference on performance. Let's face it all the first stage does is drop the pressure for the 2nd stage to use.

[@js4120]

Just going to keep running these ds4's

[@eudaimonist90]

Was hoping for an updated review for regulators from you as I am actively searching for a set that fits my needs. Thanks a lot!

[@victorkochkarev2576]

For single-cylinder dives, I use the MK25 with S600 - it is a great kit. For side mounts, I have the Apex MTX kit. Both of them are great regulators.

[@toadou8127]

Scubapro G260 second stage has built in seat saver. Made my decision super simple. (Atomics have automatic seat saver, but you can not soak them unpressurized like Scubapro). Note: Throw away OEM Scubapro DIN dust cap and replace with threaded one that seals.

[@Chewbacca10]

Thanks for this! I feel more confident purchasing something you’ve recommended. I’m leaning heavily towards the SXS w/ the 62X first stage for my first set of regulators.

[@ananthans82]

I'm using an XTX Tungsten (2011). Ia there any MK 25 with the best perfect second stage for warm water diving less than 50m I just want something slightly lighter. Thanks

[@KamKhan]

How about the Scubapro mk 25 with the D420?

[@ScubaDiverMagazine]

The D420 is a lovely 2nd stage. It's an unconventional design but, technically it has a lot of benefits over a more traditional design

[@okieadventures8548]

New diver here. If I want to just change out my primary second stage, can I just use my existing 1st stage and keep my hoses and octo as they are?

[@ScubaDiverMagazine]

Sort of... Most 1st & 2nd stages work in a similar way and have similar InterStage Pressures. What you might find is that when you pressurise the new combination the 2nd stage will hiss or the purge button won't function properly. It may work just fine but, there's a chance the 2nd stage will need to be adjusted to make it work properly.

[@cerakek1085]

hi there, i plan to get my 1st reg , would you recommend XL4+ or atomic B2? For ladies. For long lasting and more durable

[@ScubaDiverMagazine]

Both are really nice regulators. Personally, I would probably choose the Atomic B2. The 1st stage has better hose routing options and the 2nd stage has extra features such as the AFC. The B2 also has a 2 year service interval which is great. Just be sure that you can get them serviced near you whichever you choose.

[@MostlyDiving]

How does the Atomic M1 compare to these? Also, wish the video had mentioned which of the recommendations are certified for >40% O2. I grabbed the M1 for tec readiness and convenience - 100% O2, smooth breathing at any depth, 2yr service schedule, reasonable cold (not freezing) performance, and plenty of ports on a nice swivel turret - but not sure how it compares to these, and it seems to get less love on recommendation lists than I expected. Does it have downsides I'm not aware of? FWIW I've got over 100 dives on it and zero complaints so far. Mostly in socal, water temp 50-60ish. A couple lake dives in the low-mid 40s.

[@Zeesh009]

Where would you put Aqualung Legend? It was really famous recently and now it's not even here

[@miks8]

Had the exact same thought. Was expecting to see Legend on the list along with some Dive Rite gear

[@xfishman123]

I have the legend first and second stage. Amazing breathing

[@pascalforget2015]

@@xfishman123 I have a Titan regulator (love it) and I am now looking at the Legend for cold water. But I am worried about serviceability long term should Aqualung/Apeks completely go belly up.

[@travlnchaz239]

#askMark... I was wonder, I'm 6'3" and I have a backplate, but it seems to be pretty short. I have a hard time reaching for my manifold. I have looked for a tall version of backplate but not having much luck, so I'm hoping you can help point me in the right direction in possibly finding one.

[@richrailton7006]

I'm 6'2" and looking for a first bpw. I found the scubaforce black devil heavy long plate which seems a good size. I think my lack of experience is pushing me to buy a full pre-set kit, but thought that plate might interest you.

[@ScubaDiverMagazine]

Halcyon also make "long" backplates. I'd start off by checking if it's your suit or shoulder motility that's restricting your movement and that your shoulder straps aren't too tight. A bit of slack in the shoulder straps can allow a little movement so that you can reach the valves.

[@joethong726]

i owned mtx-rc for twinset and mk19/g260 for sidemount, mtx-rc is a bit heavier and bigger, but the looks are really cool

[@NoggerBollen]

I personally still use Apeks DS4 First Stage xtx 50 and as second Stage xtx 40 and i love this :D and thx for a Great review :)

[@ScubaDiverMagazine]

DS4 is a great 1st stage, tried and trusted by many divers for years

[@dcbloomer]

I got my first regulator recently. I went with the Mk25 EVO D420 and S270 octo

[@bodee1994]

Do you like it?

[@dcbloomer]

@bodee1994 Yes, it breathes nice, no problems so far

[@bodee1994]

Thanks

[@Racersbase]

Is it correct that the sxs is only good for going up to EAN22? I somehow like the sleek design but this sounds like a real drawback to me...

[@ScubaDiverMagazine]

No, that's not true. Every single regulator I've known is good for Nitrox up to 40% straight out of the box. The Mares Regulator Manual confirms this: Mares regulators, auxiliary emergency breathing systems and all components of the gas delivery system are compatible with and exclusively designed for use with open-circuit SCUBA equipment that uses compressed air or oxygen-rich mixtures (Nitrox) with oxygen content not greater than 40%. They do not require additional cleaning or servicing.

[@Racersbase]

Thanks for the info😊 👍

[@melbournaut]

What constitutes cold water here?

[@ScubaDiverMagazine]

The industry generally classifies any below 10°C as cold water.

[@melbournaut]

@@ScubaDiverMagazine, cheers for the prompt and concise reply

[@RCAirogrip]

#askMark Hi Mark, I always purge my regulators once I have tested them before a dive so that I can see at a glance if my tank is turned on or not because it is showing 0. What do you think about this?

[@ScubaDiverMagazine]

Yeah, it's fine to purge your regs in warm climates to check if your valve is fully open and the 2nd stage is functioning properly. In colder climates it can lead to a freeflow so be ready to close the valve. And you only need a quick blast, too many divers hold down the purge which wastes gas and make a lot of noise. Also be sure to watch the needle while you purge to check that the valve isn't slightly open.

[@RCAirogrip]

I do it when I close the valve after testing my regs so it shows zero and there can be no confusion as to whether the valve is open or not. I see many divers test their regs then close the valve without purging so it still shows pressure.

[@ahmet.cankaya]

What do you suggest mk25 or mk19? It is going to be my first and only reg :)

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

The Mk25 is a piston first stage, which makes it bombproof and easy (and cheap) to service. The Mk19 is an environmentally sealed diaphragm regulator, which makes it easier to maintain and more user friendly., but more complex and more expensive to service. Both are excellent regulators, you can't go wrong with either of them. (You pay extra for the BT coating, so the Mk19BT is more expensive than the Mk25).

[@ScubaDiverMagazine]

Both are great 1st stages. For recreational diving the differences will be marginal. The main one for me though would be that the Mk19 is environmentally sealed and will help to keep contaminants out and improve cold water performance.

[@ahmet.cankaya]

I thought the Mk25 BT version would be enough to eliminate the harmful effects of the ocean on regulators but seems like it is not that simple. And best is to have environmentally sealed reg for long time usage. Thank you all for your replies.

[@JOSEKSILLASS]

@@ScubaDiverMagazine

[@Mrveescuba]

Did you test thwm out your self and its personal opinion?? Or you just read online?? For will be wise if you try them your self for long period of time 😊

[@PeteMarshall-tp3ih]

Whatever happened to your Simply Scuba store...miss it

[@ScubaDiverMagazine]

Long story short: the company that bought Simply went into administration and was purchased by Brand Alley who have little to no interest in scuba diving. Luckily for me I jumped ship before it happened. You can read more here: www.scubadivermag.com/simply-scuba-into-administration-for-a-second-time/

[@catchbay]

It's funny that the Helix Compact Pro got mixed up with other Helix models. When I was looking for information about it about a year ago, I always came across reviews of another model and the reactions were negative. Only after I had bought the set in question did positive videos start to appear on KZbin.

[@ekun87]

So did you got the helix compact pro? If u did, whats your experience on it? I realise the official aqualung website even got some of the info on the Helix compact pro wrong. I'm really interested with this model n feels that it ticks most of the boxes that i look for in a regulator

[@catchbay]

@@ekun87Pro is small and light. It is neither the smallest nor the lightest, but it has excellent features. There are now unbiased videos praising it on KZbin. Second Stage is good but smaller would be better. The mouthpiece is excellent. Likewise, I'd like the Octo to be flat, not traditional. I might have to get new ones and make the package a mixed bag. The hoses are Miflex, but I changed them to Metalsub hoses. The 2nd Stage hose is too long and the Octo hose is too short. Miflex hoses are too stiff. I don't understand why they are praised. Metalsub is more flexible. You can't get a third HP port on the regulator. If you want it, you have to use a splitter. I want a second Transmitter and an analog SPG, so three ports would be good nowadays. I'm still happy with the set after I slightly improved it. It's a shame that the hoses come with the package, they have no use.

[@bodee1994]

Do you think aqualung is going out of business?

[@catchbay]

@@ekun87 i answered but the comment is removed ?!? probably because i mentioned something against the big companies …

[@catchbay]

@@bodee1994 ??? But my reply to @ekun87 ( i subbed his channel ) was remowed.

[@toadou8127]

Where is Cressi?

[@fridericogatti1213]

The MK25 remains the market reference as the best-in-class option to reach

[@ScubaDiverMagazine]

It's a solid 1st stage. I think I saw one being used in a submarine to regulate the pressure in the cockpit

[@ananthans82]

Yes I agree. But what's the perfect 2nd stage? Many arguments between the S620ti, G260 and A700

[@fridericogatti1213]

​@@ananthans82 I tried many (including the G260 and S620ti). For me, the A700 is the best, and I'll never change. But I know others prefer different second stages

[@shuntao3475]

I have dove to 255 on many types of regs. I have felt NO Difference from these high end priced models, as I have on the Inexpensive DIY Rebuild able Hog Regs.

[@00bikeboy]

How much was Scuba Diver Magazine paid for these recommendations by the manufacturers?

[@bodee1994]

Has anyone purchased the Aqualung Reg and is it any good?

[@davidwebber2888]

I dive between 2-5 times a day, pretty much everyday of the year here in Koh Tao Thailand…….I personally use a Apex xtx200 tungsten, I like the hard wearing finish, easy of breathing, solid feel and most importantly………..ease of servicing……. XL4’s are just a headache for servicing with over 90 parts in the 1st stage………I wouldn’t say there was anything special about them……. For a budget reg Aqua Lung Calypso are just about the most popular among the 60 or so dive schools here……….why hard wearing, reliable and easy to service……….downside that unbalanced 1st stage, you can feel a bit starved of air with a student panting on the primary on shared air skills…

[@catchbay]

I have spent about a week three times on the same island in two years. I'm in Thailand now, with the necessary personal equipment in my bag, but it looks like I won't be able to get to Ko Tao :-( I chose Helix Compact Pro over xtx200. The price was about the same, but Helix is lighter.

[@davidwebber2888]

@@catchbay easy to service to👍👍👍👍

[@ariefpoerniawan]

anyone ever review OMS regulator airstream ?

[@LOESCHORIX]

no poseidon ?

[@ZeAlphaV8]

Mares SXS = Dacor Viper

[@willwesley4708]

I love my hog regulators

[@ScubaDiverMagazine]

I haven't played with HOG Regs yet, you don't see them very much outside of the US

[@NetGateway]

Complete bullshit the T3 marketing a standard Scubapro MK2 evo makes easily 300 hundred dives retaining the intermediate pressure stable and working like a charm and it’s the most basic piston regulator you will ever find. Marketing a lot of marketing in these models presented

[@jonnieinbangkok]

Wow...Apeks made the first woke scuba regulator; it's almost enough to make me trash my RK3s (but they're not woke so I won't).

[@provuksmc6619]

Eco friendly has become woke? What?

[@jonnieinbangkok]

@@provuksmc6619 If you wanna be "eco-friendly," but a used regulator and don't mine the metals and burn the fossil fuels to manufacture and ship a new one!