Ranking of the best diving regulators for 2020

Diving is considered a dangerous sport. A pressure regulator is required for diving. There is a lot of information on the Internet about this device. It is very difficult for a beginner to deal with such large volumes of different materials. There is nothing surprising here, because regulators come in different parameters and characteristics. A quality item will not only allow the diver to feel comfortable, it can save his life in an extreme situation.

What are they for

A control valve is required to reduce the oxygen pressure. The air from the cylinder is supplied under high pressure. The regulator normalizes the pressure to the values ​​necessary for life. It is located in the first node. It is of particular importance for diving equipment.

The first component is a reducer. It reduces the pressure of the gas leaving the cylinder 6-12 bar above the ambient atmosphere. The second stage normalizes the air entering under pressure to an optimal state for a person. There is also a redundant stage. It is an alternative oxygen source. There is a low pressure hose. It controls buoyancy. The high pressure hose is connected to the panel pressure meter.

Separate devices combine a backup stage with a low pressure hose, which controls buoyancy and unites everything into one whole. Additional low pressure hoses can also be installed. This is usually done for dry suits.

There are open and open type devices. In this case, the air exhaled by a person enters the water, and not back into the system. This design is considered the cheapest. There are also devices with closed circuits. Such systems are most often used for business purposes. In the army, these devices are also widely used. The regulator must be selected correctly, as safety and convenience during use will depend on it.

Regulator types

Manufacturers present a wide range of various devices. The choice of a regulator should be based on several factors. It is necessary to determine what the person will do in the reservoir. Consideration should be given to the location of the dive and what kind of vest the diver will be wearing. Everything is purely individual. When selecting a pressure regulating device, pay attention to the following:

• Is the regulator compatible with the vest (in the sense of combining the low pressure sleeve with the inflator).
• The oxygen tank connection is of two types: DIN or YOKE. A person needs to decide what exactly he needs.

Regulators are made of several types:

• YOKE (cylinder connection).This is the most common combination of oxygen tank and regulator. This type of connection is simple and convenient. The connectors can be disconnected and reconnected very quickly. However, the difference between DIN and YOKE is not very big.
• DIN (connection with oxygen tank). This bundle provides for the location of the first regulator stage inside the chamber valve. Experts consider such a device to be more reliable, because in this case the seal of the first stage, located inside the cylinder valve, practically does not wear out when connected. That is why the device will last a long time. The probability of breakage tends to zero. If the air pressure in the cylinder exceeds 300 bar, only the DIN connection is used. A large number of all kinds of adapters for regulators and air containers are sold in stores. They enable any diver to make their own DIN and YOKE connections.

Subtleties of choice

When buying a device, you need to pay attention to some aspects.

Identifying needs

A regulator is necessary so that a person can breathe freely under water. A properly selected system will help the scuba diver act effectively. To evaluate the diving equipment, a special characteristic was invented. This is the magnitude of the work of breathing. In accordance with the EN 250: 2000 standard, the value must exceed 3 J / l. Modern devices can produce 0.6 J / L.

Everyone chooses their own characteristics. It all depends on the expected loads. When immersed to a depth of 25 meters, the body does not experience much overvoltage. If you plan to swim in calm and warm water, then you can safely buy an ordinary regulator with minimum characteristics up to 3 J / l. The system will provide the human body with everything it needs. The user will feel comfortable underwater.

When diving under ice or diving in cold water, you will have to choose equipment with higher parameters. Also, when diving to great depths and in other extreme situations, you should focus on the little things. The smallest miscalculation can have a negative impact on security.

A beginner diver should only dive with an instructor. He knows which device is better and which is worse. Scuba divers who have been trained and have done a lot of dives are well aware of all the intricacies of the matter.

In conclusion of this section, we can say that when choosing a breathing device, you need to take into account the loads and conditions of diving. It is necessary to think over everything well and calculate all the risks. After that, you can buy a regulator with the desired characteristics.

Specifications

The characteristics that regulators have are of great importance. You need to look at resistance to negative temperatures, weight, assembly, principle of operation and price. It all depends on the environment in which the equipment will be used.

If the diver decides to dive under the ice, then it is necessary to study the frost resistance equipment. Simple fixtures are not designed for use in icy water. A liquid is cold if its temperature is below 10 degrees. This is spelled out in special standards.

Regulators for cold season operation must be equipped with heat exchangers. Also, the product must have a Teflon coating and an insulated chamber. You also need to pay attention to the firm. Unknown brands often make products for use in harsh environments, but this does not mean that the product will withstand low temperatures.

If the water is warm, but it is planned to descend to a decent depth, then brands with qualitative characteristics of the magnitude of the work of breathing should be considered in detail. For many divers, the first stage valve gear is adjusted. This product will cost a lot more, but it will make immersion in water as safe as possible.

You cannot draw conclusions based on advertising, because not all beginner scuba divers understand the principle of operation of a particular system. It is better to ask experienced divers about everything in detail.

Service

Any equipment periodically requires maintenance and regulators are no exception. If the condition is not checked, the product will eventually become unusable.

There are a lot of fixtures from different manufacturers. Everyone has a different complexity of service. You should find out the frequency of customer calls to the service center. You can ask the seller about the presence of an office for service and its nearest location. It will be inconvenient to travel far.

According to statistics, the maintenance of the regulator takes about 6-7 thousand rubles a year. These are, of course, average figures. Expensive brands are very difficult to maintain, but they rarely break.

Best models of 2020

Most inexpensive

Aqua lung calypso

Price: 14333 rubles

This diving regulator is lightweight and compact. The device will appeal to novice divers and dive centers.

The stylish design of the second stage isn't the only plus. Now it is lighter and more compact. In addition, the system connecting the hose and the second stage is quick-release. This feature helps to quickly reset the second stage from right to left. It is an excellent choice for ponies and stage rigs.

Conventional piston-action regulator, suitable for EN250A * (<10 ° C). Only this regulator of this category has passed this test.

• easy to learn;
• has high performance;
• easily and quickly serviced;
• suitable for EN250 cold water service.

• not found.

Mares Rover 15X, up to 40% O2

The cost is 19,000 rubles.

The model is considered one of the best in this price range. It is preferred by people who regularly dive in water. The regulator is liked by consumers for its ease of use and excellent quality. The fixture belongs to the budget segment. It is made by the Italian company Mares. This is a fairly well-known brand. The product has its own peculiarity. The Rover 25 features a balanced diaphragm in the first stage. The system also has a built-in oxygen supply VAD. The equipment makes the diver's breathing underwater as comfortable as possible. The products were developed by the best specialists, who equipped the model with an enlarged oxygen supply button. Now it can be easily found in thickened gloves.

• the membrane was developed using new technologies;
• the device is easy to use;
• the button that forcibly supplies air is large.

• not found.

Mares Instinkt 12ST

The cost is 20454 rubles.

The second stage of the device has many advantages. The air outlet is located on the side to allow air bubbles to escape past the diver's face. Now they do not block his view. The diaphragm has curved contours. It is combined with the VAD system. When paired, they provide reliable operation of diving equipment in any position of the regulating device. Compensation holes help any diver with strong water movement.

The DFC system completely eliminates interruptions in the supply of air to the scuba diver. The composite valve is made using the most modern technologies. The development of Tri-Material makes it possible to operate the equipment for a long time. The system is equipped with 4 low pressure ports. They are configured in such a way that the hoses are easy to use.

• DFC system completely eliminates interruptions in air supply;
• the ability to operate the equipment for a long time.

• not found.

Mares Prestige 12T, DIN, up to 40% O2

Price: 15500 rub.

The first stage has received an update. The Mares Tri-Material 4 valve is patented. It is designed for a low pressure port.The hoses are located in the most convenient places, they have the necessary lightness and softness. The second stage is made of special plastic, which is durable and lightweight. Users like the system for the ease of breathing.

• convenient;
• lasting;
• easy.

• not found.

Middle price segment

Aqua lung legend

Price: 27800 rubles

The device is a modernized light version of the popular and proven Legend. The regulator uses new design solutions. The lightness and compactness of the steps in comparison with the previous model are not inferior to her in performance.

The type of regulator, like the previous model, is overbalanced, which makes it possible to increase the pressure, which will be applied to the first stage, with a higher intensity in comparison with balanced models with diving to depth. This feature of the regulator compensates for the dense mixture for breathing and allows breathing easily.

• the presence of a special button that protects the front cover from unwinding in a spontaneous manner;
• connection of the protective cap and the connector, which prevents the cap from being lost;
• an increase in the volume of the internal chamber that regulates the intermediate pressure compared to previous devices (absolute symmetry allows the medium pressure ports to deliver the same flow rate and performance);
• the presence of lightweight braided Mifkex hoses with high strength;
• the cover in the system can be installed only in one position, which will be correct, and for this you do not need special devices and tools;
• the second stage deflector has improved bubble removal from the field of view due to its streamlined shape;
• availability of "Venturi" adjustment;
• installation of any transmitter is possible due to the convenient location of the ports;
• the new flywheel has a triangular shape and large teeth, which makes it easy to unscrew it, even in frosty weather with gloves on.

• not found.

Aqua Lung (Titan Series) LX Supreme

Price: 23600 rubles

This unit belongs to the Titan series and a type of balanced diaphragm gearboxes that have an Air-Turbo mechanism. The mechanism provides easy inhalation. When using the device, a Yoke bracket or a DIN fitting is used.

The Titan LX Supreme series regulator, a modification of the Titan LX, is used in cold environments. This device differs from other regulators by the presence of a snowflake icon, which is implemented in the form of engraving on the surface of the machine.

The Aqualung LX Supreme is a winter diving modification designed for diving in cold conditions. Like all winter diving devices, Aqua Lung has a special marking - the Snowflake badge.

With the help of the Venturi system, it is possible to optimize the air delivery mode, regardless of the conditions in which the device is used. Free air transport may stop. During freezing, you can clean off the ice deposit formed on the 2nd stage mechanism.

Cooling is carried away by a special patented Aqualung heat exchanger system. The presence of such coldness is due to expansion when breathing air is supplied. With the help of the system, the 2nd stage valve mechanism is heated by supplying heat from the external environment to prevent adiabatic hypothermia.

The forced air button is easy to press despite the thick gloves on the hands. This is facilitated by the lid located on the front part and has good softness. The presence of openings in the side parts prevents spontaneous delivery of air, quickly sinking or moving against the direction of the current.

• the mechanism is easily removed, it is easy to maintain (it is possible to disassemble and assemble such a mechanism without special devices and tools);
• there is a special insulated mouthpiece with which you can immerse yourself in very cold water;
• the presence of a special dry chamber, which is isolated from the external environment, will protect against the appearance of ice and the penetration of foreign particles into the mechanism;
• the mouthpiece has good wear resistance due to the compactness and lightness of the 2nd stage;
• a special adjustment has been made to meet the stringent requirements of the European standard for equipment used in cold conditions.

• not found.

Premium class

Tungsten new din

The price for this model is 54,600 rubles.

It has wide functionality. The product has a modern design and works reliably in extreme conditions.

All products in this series have a special feature: the regulator can be moved both on the right and on the left. It all depends on the preference of the diver. In any service center, in a short period of time, the device will be re-equipped to fit the right hand.

The XTX200Tungsten is equipped with a changeable valve system that discharges waste gas. A diver with their own hands can exchange a small choke for a large one. Depending on the function, the diver can supply a larger valve that minimizes the amount of air bubbles during underwater photography.

A small choke will make the regulator compact and easy to use. With its help, it is comfortable to make underwater walks.

The purge button is made with the latest technology. The developers made its design open, which made it possible to endow it with a self-cleaning function. Now the button does not accumulate any kind of pollution and it turns out that it has improved the entire blowing system.

The regulator has a front cover. It is designed with new technologies. It contains high quality plastic. This increases the wear resistance of the weakest points of the oxygen supply valve. The product has a chrome insert made of metal. Its presence indicates that the device is a top-class product.

• there is a front cover;
• the purge button is made using the latest technology;
• compact and easy to use.

• not found.

Scubapro MK25 EVO / G260

The product costs 40,000 rubles.

The installation has high productivity. This result is achieved due to the fact that the first piston component of the MK25, paired with the second stage G260, is perfectly balanced. The product is intended for professional divers. It is also bought by those who are very fond of diving to the bottom of reservoirs. Scubapro has been considered a leader in the manufacture of piston stages from the very beginning of their production.

All products of the company are patented. The company gives a guarantee for the operation of the product. Due to the intermediate pressure, the MK25 ensures the reliable functioning of the system. The air supply is reliable and smooth.

Regulators are equipped with many metal parts. This significantly increases thermal conductivity, which in turn has a positive effect on the durability of diving equipment. The second stage is highly efficient. Her work will suit the most scrupulous divers. The equipment is allowed to be used in difficult conditions, since the hose can be converted from one side or the other.

• the body is made of carbon fiber and high-tech polymers;
• the input gain can be adjusted;
• protection against ice in the cold season;
• VIVA regulation system;
• the product can be used in warm and cold water.

• expensive.

Conclusion

Novice divers can purchase simple regulators. You don't have to buy a well-known brand. All products are subject to mandatory certification. They all work reliably under normal operating conditions.

Size and weight should be kept small.The lightweight model is perfect for beginners. Titanium is considered the best material, but products made from it have a high price. The fixture should be compact. Many sellers offer universal regulators, but a beginner doesn't need to. Only a professional scuba diver can evaluate such a thing.

The mouthpiece occupies an important place in diving equipment. The comfort and convenience of the diver directly depends on the quality of this part, so you need to buy a regulator, from which the mouthpiece itself straightens out to the shape of the oral cavity. Otherwise, some novice scuba divers develop a bad habit: they hold the device with their hand all the time, since it can fall out of the mouth.