Rating of the best scuba gear for 2020

No diving enthusiast can do without high-quality and, most importantly, reliable scuba gear. Modern devices are open-loop units in which inhalation is carried out by scuba gear, and the oxygen used is released into the water. We owe the creation of such unique devices to French inventors.

Who invented scuba gear

Oddly enough, but we owe the invention to 2 French, who were the discoverers of this object. We are talking about Augusto Deneiruz, who was a lieutenant in the army and his friend Benoit Rouqueirole, an engineer. Their acquaintance was accidental, but without a doubt, fateful. They were responsible for developing the first prototype of the device, which was soon destined to be born. We are talking about scuba gear, which is based on the use of a membrane mechanism. It is able to influence the pressure indicator depending on the depth at which it is located.

Initially it was used for various rescue operations in mines. Auguste, having learned about the innovation, suggested using a structure for lowering people under water. This is how the prototype of modern scuba gear appeared.

The first prototype was not devoid of drawbacks: it could withstand a slight pressure, so the scuba diver could not reach significant depth or stay under water as long as required. Over the years, the apparatus has undergone significant changes. This happened largely thanks to Jacques Yves Cousteau, once a young French officer. It was this man who developed the automatic respiratory system, thanks to which oxygen is supplied. The process is similar to breathing, when a person consumes air masses from the environment. This made being underwater more comfortable and swimming longer.

The name "Scuba" comes from 2 words: "aqua", which is translated from Latin as "water", and "lung", translated from English as "light". The word "scuba" is patented by Air Liquid.

During the Second World War, the device was widely used by the military as a special device that allows you to swim underwater. In peacetime, this device is an integral part of equipment for those who like diving to a significant depth.

What are

Popular scuba diving models differ in breathing patterns, and therefore they are divided into the following types:

• With a closed circuit. The exhaled air is freed from carbon dioxide and, if necessary, is saturated with oxygen. Thus, the diver uses the same volume of air in the cylinder several times to breathe.At the same time, the swimmer, exhaling, does not create bubbles around himself, which allows him to calmly be among the sea inhabitants, without frightening them with his presence. It is considered the best option for professionals. Topping the rating of quality products. Advantages: the diver practically does not attract attention to himself, being for a long time at a considerable depth. The design is lightweight and lightweight. The disadvantage is that it is not suitable for beginners.
• With a semi-closed circuit. These devices differ from the previous version in that part of the exhaled air is regenerated, and part is released into the water.
• With an open circuit. Reuse of exhaled air is completely excluded. The scuba diver receives compressed air through a mouthpiece from a breathing device, exhalation is carried out directly into the water. The regulator is used as a conductor for air supply. It is located at the outlet of the balloon block. The pressure gauge helps the swimmer to verify the performance and the presence of air in the tank. The positive aspects include the simplicity of the design and reliability during use. Negative quality - not suitable for deep diving.

The best manufacturers produce units that differ in the device, and therefore they are divided into the following types:

• with separation of the stages of air mass reduction;
• without dividing the stages of air mass reduction;
• two-stage;
• single-stage.

Based on the number of cylinders, there are 3, 2 and 1-cylinder models. Differences are also in the breathing machine, therefore, devices are divided into the following types:

• with a counter-flow valve mechanism;
• with flow valve mechanism.

Design features

The main components of scuba gear are:

The elements	Description
Balloon	Special containers with compressed air inside. In most cases, they have a volume of 5 or 7 liters, but there are new items for 10 and 14 liters. In shape, they resemble a cylinder with an elongated neck, to which a tube or pipe is attached. Manufacturing material - carbon fiber, steel, aluminum alloys, titanium, etc. Materials differ in cost, wear resistance and weight, but they meet the main requirement - they can withstand significant compression (up to 300 atm.). As for steel structures, in order to avoid the appearance of corrosion, they are treated with a special anti-corrosion compound.
Regulator	Consists of a reducer and a lung demand valve. The reducer is designed to reduce the pressure of the compressed air coming from the cylinder to an average level. After that, the air with a medium compression level enters the hose, and then into the lung governed demand valve, where it gets the optimal value. The scuba diver uses it to breathe through the mouthpiece. The scuba tanks are equipped with main and reserve regulators. Their number varies depending on the model and manufacturer.
Buoyancy compensator	A device, the main task of which is to compensate for the variable buoyancy of a person during a dive and while on the surface.

How to choose and where to buy a device

Each person determines the selection criteria for himself independently, however, the recommendations of experts boil down to the following: it is worth paying special attention to the cylinders. Which one is better to buy depends on many factors, but above all on the quality of the material of manufacture.

The most common are aluminum and steel: aluminum is not afraid of corrosion, and steel has strength. The best option for professional divers is steel cylinders, which, when used and cared for correctly, have a long service life. But it is worth checking the presence of a special anti-corrosion coating.

According to scuba divers, the choice of the volume and number of cylinders must be carefully. It all depends on the depth and duration of the dive. The longer the voyage, the more air will be required.

Often, professional divers do not take cameras with them, but a compressor. It helps you to reload the cameras yourself. The average price of such a device is significant, so you can purchase a second-hand model. However, if finances permit, it is better to opt for a new compressor in which you will be completely confident. For novice divers, such equipment is optional and you can save on it.

Which company is better to buy, each is determined independently, based on personal preferences and money. The good ones are expensive, the budget options are more suitable for beginners. In order not to be mistaken when choosing, you need to familiarize yourself with the functionality, study ratings and analyze customer reviews.

It is best to visit specialized markets, get advice from a sales manager, choose the model you like by color and design. The kit can be ordered online from the online store. For the price it will come out cheaper, but there is no guarantee that it will not be possible to purchase a low-quality fake.

There is another option - do it yourself scuba diving. There are even step-by-step instructions on the Internet on how to make a device at home. Craftsmen use gas cylinders and gas masks for these purposes. The result is inexpensive products, but how reliable and durable are they? According to buyers, it is not worth saving on your own health and risking your life.

Rating of the best scuba gear for 2020

The most inexpensive scuba gear

BTS 230 bar 2 liters

The product is manufactured in Germany. In the manufacture, chromium-molybdenum steel is used, which is distinguished by wear resistance and durability. Scuba diving is not afraid of salt water and corrosion. Withstands a pressure of 230 bar. The kit does not include a cradle and a shoe. The main feature of the model is the rounded bottom. Weight - 4.7 kg, height - 35.5 cm, diameter - 11.4 cm.

The average cost is 13,025 rubles.

• high quality of the materials used;
• high assembly reliability;
• the thread is designed for European cranks;
• ease of use;
• affordable price.

• the set does not include a net, a handle, a cradle and a shoe.

XS Scuba, 1 L

The set is made of aluminum and manufactured at the Luxfer facility (USA). Main characteristics:

• weight - 1.2 kg;
• diameter - 8.1 cm;
• wall thickness - 1.16 cm;
• height including krantik - 36 cm.

Has a working pressure of 207 bar. Designed for 100 thousand use cycles.

The average cost is 19,440 rubles.

• the presence of a din-type crane;
• service life - 10 years;
• equipped with a yoke screw adapter;
• high assembly reliability;
• practical yellow color.

• not detected.

BTS, 0.85l

High quality products withstand pressures of 200 bar. The model is made of durable aluminum with a 0.85 liter body. The outlet is equipped with M18 thread. The scuba is not afraid of corrosion and is easy to use. It weighs 1.8 kg, is 27.9 cm long and 8.1 cm in diameter.

The product can be purchased in specialized stores at a price of 11,280 rubles.

• attractive appearance;
• the presence of anti-corrosion properties;
• insignificant weight and dimensions;
• high build quality;
• good strength;
• long service life;
• good value for money.

• the complete set does not contain a handle, net, shoe and crank.

BTS, 1,0l

The scuba is able to withstand a pressure of 200 bar and is equipped with an M 18 crank. The diameter of the tank is 8.25 cm, height is 28.3 cm, weight is 1.9 kg. It is widely used by both professionals and beginners.

How much does the product cost? You can buy it at a price of 12,560 rubles.

• convenient to operate;
• durable;
• reliable;
• inexpensive;
• easy.

• a small tank volume does not imply long dives.

The best scuba gear in the middle price segment

XS Scuba, 3l

The American-made model weighs 3.7 kg, has a height of 52 cm (including the crank) and a diameter of 11.1 cm. The scuba can withstand a pressure of 207 bar and is equipped with a ¾ - 14 NPSM thread.

It is sold at a price of 27,830 rubles.

• long service life;
• high build quality;
• the strength of the materials used;
• the presence of a yoke screw adapter and a din-type crank;
• a good shade is yellow.

• absent.

Vitkovice, 12l

It is a high quality scuba gear that is reliable and durable. It is made of chrome-molybdenum steel, which is not afraid of corrosion and mechanical damage. The substantial volume makes it possible to use it for a fairly long time. Working pressure - 232 bar. Product dimensions: height - 62.5 cm, diameter - 17.8 cm, weight - 13.5 kg. Implemented assembled. Zinc coated outside. The scuba is equipped with a standard M25 x 2 ISO valve. The pressure test was carried out at the factory, as evidenced by the date on the cylinder. Completely ready to use.

The average price is 25,000 rubles.

• easy to use;
• reliable;
• long service life;
• excellent wear resistance;
• the set includes a shoe and a valve.

• not identified.

Eurocylinder systems, 10 l

The manufacturer produces quality products using chromium-molybdenum steel, the main qualities of which are excellent corrosion resistance and strength. The diameter of the cylinder is 17.1 cm, the volume is 10 liters, and it weighs 12.2 kg when empty. Withstands pressure of 232 bar. The outside is covered with a galvanized coating and polyurethane or polyester film. The neck has a thread for the installation of an M 25 x 2 ISO valve. The line includes cylinders with a capacity of 18, 15, 12 and 10 liters. Crimping is carried out at the factory, with the date stamped on the product itself. The structure is completely ready for use.

The average price is 23,100 rubles.

• ease of use;
• durability;
• high assembly reliability.

• the set does not include a valve and a shoe.

XS Scuba, 6l

The model is made of high quality aluminum and manufactured at the Luxfer plant. It is equipped with a din valve and a yoke screw adapter. Main dimensions: diameter - 13.3 cm, volume - 6 liters, weight - 6.9 kg, height (including the valve) - 72 cm, walls 116 mm thick. The working pressure is 207 bar, although it can withstand 300 bar. A 5/8 valve thread is provided.

It is sold at a price of 31,860 rubles.

• long service life;
• practical;
• reliable;
• modern look - polished metallic.

• not identified.

The best premium scuba gear

Scubapro, 15l

It is a one-piece steel construction using chromium-molybdenum steel, considered to be the most reliable material used in the manufacture of scuba cylinders. Its use allows minimizing the thickness of the walls of the product, which has a positive effect on its weight (it becomes much smaller). As for alloying additives, thanks to them, the strength, corrosion resistance of steel is increased and the possibility of destruction is reduced to a minimum.

Compact modular valves can be easily and simply converted from a 1-outlet system to a 2-outlet system. The opposite is also possible. The use of any first stage is obtained thanks to the INT / DIN adapter. The main parameters are as follows: weight - 18.4 kg, volume - 15 liters, diameter - 20.4 cm, walls with a thickness of 4.7 mm, working pressure - 232 bar, height (including valve) - 71 cm.The device withstands the test pressure at 348 bar.

It can be purchased in specialized stores at a price of 43,130 rubles.

• enhanced antioxidant treatment;
• triple coating with epoxy paint;
• high assembly reliability;
• long service life;
• the convenience of use;
• availability of certification of both the cylinder and the valve;
• optimal combination of price and quality.

• absent.

Scubapro, 12l

The American company produces aluminum products with a volume of 12 liters. The kit includes a din valve and a yoke screw adapter, transport net and shoe. The manufacturer guarantees its uninterrupted use for 100,000 cycles or 10 years of continuous operation. Device weight - 14.2 kg, diameter - 18.4 cm, height with valve - 72 cm, wall thickness - 116 mm. Designed for 207 bar, although 300 bar test pressure has passed successfully.

The average cost is 35080 rubles.

• long service life;
• excellent durability;
• high quality of the materials used;
• high assembly reliability;
• ease of use;
• available in various colors: blue, red, purple, polished metallic, orange, green, black;
• a good combination of price / quality.

• not detected.

Vitkovice, 15l

The Czech manufacturer in the manufacture of its products uses chromium-molybdenum steel, which is considered the most reliable and durable. Many scuba divers choose this particular model because of such positive characteristics as durability and excellent corrosion resistance. The scuba has the following parameters: tank diameter - 20.4 cm, height - 64 cm, volume - 15 liters, weight - 17.4 kg, operating pressure - 232 bar. It is realized assembled with a valve and a shoe.

The outer part is covered with galvanized and polyester and polyurethane films. The neck is fitted with a thread for an M 25 x 2 ISO valve, which is the standard type. Pressing is performed at the factory, as evidenced by the stamping on the cylinder itself. The design is fully usable.

The average price is 39,000 rubles.

• a high indicator of reliability and durability;
• complete with shoe and valve;
• ease of use;
• high quality of the materials used.

• not identified.

XS Scuba Luxfer, 9.7l

High quality aluminum product of sufficient strength is produced by an American company. A complete set is provided, including a DIN valve with an adapter for YOKE regulators. In the manufacture of the used aluminum-silicon alloy 6061-T6, which is not afraid of external corrosion. Scuba gear is designed for 100,000 cycles. Structure diameter - 18.4 cm, weight - 12.1 kg, volume - 9.7 liters, working pressure - 207 bar.

Retailers offer products at a price of 34,730 rubles.

• comfortable in using;
• long service life;
• reliable;
• completely ready to use;
• complete with adapter, valve cover and valve itself.

• absent.

BTS 232 bar, 18l

The scuba is produced at the German plant Eurocylinders. In the manufacture of used chromium-molybdenum steel. It is corrosion resistant and can withstand a working pressure of 230 bar. The scuba has successfully passed the pressure test of 350 bar. It has an interesting design and a rounded bottom.

Parameters:

• height - 72 cm;
• volume - 18 liters;
• thread - M 25/2 (valves of European manufacturers can be used);
• weight - 20.5 kg.

The average cost is 45360 rubles.

• the set includes a valve and a shoe;
• withstands high pressure;
• high assembly reliability;
• long service life;
• comfort of use;
• high quality of the materials used.

• absent.

BTS 232 bar, 20l

The German manufacturer pays great attention to the durability and reliability of the manufactured scuba gear. The chromium-molybdenum steel used is highly resistant to corrosion. The model can withstand a fairly high pressure - 232 bar. A 350 bar test has shown that the structure can be used for substantial diving.

Parameters:

• diameter of the container - 20.4 cm;
• height - 78.5 cm;
• volume - 20 liters;
• weight - 22 kg.

The average price of products is 44,320 rubles.

• practicality;
• high quality;
• long service life;
• high assembly reliability;
• withstands high pressure;
• modern appearance.

• you will have to purchase separately a shoe and a 230 bar valve.

Conclusion

For those who prefer to explore the underwater worlds and admire their inhabitants, scuba gear is an indispensable component in general equipment. It is he who allows you to breathe under water, stay at a depth for a long time and swim close to the inhabitants of the underwater world, without fear of frightening them off.

The variety of scuba gear is impressive. They are mini and with significant volume, additional functions and without them, made of various materials. But their main structural element, on which the safety and duration of the dive depends, is the cylinder.

Regulators are fragile and complex. In order for these elements to serve faithfully for a long time, they need proper care. After each use, they must be rinsed out of salt. When drying the rubber components of the machine, you need to make sure that they are not exposed to direct sunlight, otherwise they may dry out and become unusable.