Best Scuba Diving Regulator 2020

This is an equipment and buying guide for the Top 11 Best Scuba Diving Regulator 2020 and a +1 surprise!

A scuba Diving regulator is a device that lets you breath underwater. It is connected to a high pressurized air tank which you carry on your back and it does downgrade the high pressure comes out of the tank into a breathable intermediate pressure.

I will spare you all the boring technical Details and explanations but there are a few things you’ll need to know before buying a Regulator.

There are 2 main different Regulators on the market

The Membrane and the Piston Regulators.

So whats the difference?

Piston Regulator

Piston Regulator are the simple and cheaper Regulators and as long as you only dive in warm Water above 12°C Water temperature these ones are fine. You are able to dive in cold water with a Piston Regulator but it is not recommended.
The general advantage of a piston-based first stage lies in its reliability and reduced maintenance requirements, due to an effective but simpler mechanism with less moving parts. More importantly, no other design can reach the high air delivery rate of a balanced piston controlled first stage.

Membrane Regulator

The Membrane Regulators can be used in warm water but are also for cold water diving even ice diving is possible with these regulators but there are considerably more expensive than Piston Regulators.
Diaphragm-based first stages are environmentally sealed so that water cannot enter the inner mechanism. Bearing in mind that regulators generate temperatures up to minus -30 °C due to the fast moving air and the high pressures involved, it is imperative that sensitive moving metal parts avoid contact with cold water.
Therefore, diaphragm first stages have been the favored choice of cold-water divers.
But it also has higher maintenance cost due to more moving parts inside the regulator.

Many people claim the Membrane Regulators can’t freeze but that’s not true they can but do not freeze as quickly as a piston regulator.

Regulators are on the market since 1942 but didn’t change that much.

What is the difference between INT and DIN?

DIN and INT is the attachment of the first stage to the Tank valve. The Valve is either a DIN or an INT mount so is the Regulator.

Which is the better connection?

Clearly the DIN version because the O-ring is larger and is screwed into the inside of the valve, making it much less susceptible. Unfortunately, the DIN version is also the less common version.

Adapter

There are always Adapter available to make sure your regulator fits on the tank no matter what mount.

Octopus or Alternate Air Sourse (AAS)

The Octopus or Alternate Air source is a second 2nd stage on your regulator in case the main Regulator fails or your buddy runs out of air you can easily supply air to your buddy with the AAS and not using your main Regulator.
It is recommended to have the same brand as your first stage.

The Octopus is mostly yellow to be able to be seen easily in an emergency.

Gauges

There is at least one gauge which is a necessary must! It is the Tank pressure Gauge or submersible pressure gauge (SPG). Some are filled with oil. You can combine them in a console with other gauges like a compass or a dive computer or install them as a single part.

Pressure gauges are different in Imperial showing PSI and Metric showing tank pressure in bar some are showing dual Scala.

Care and cleaning

After a salt water, fresh water or swimming pool dive, you should always rinse the regulator thoroughly with fresh water, you should never operate the purge button while rinsing without pressure on the regulator, otherwise water can get through the regulator and the hose into the first stage. It is also important to have the dust cap placed back on the first stage in a watertight manner, otherwise water can also get into the first stage.

If the regulator has been rinsed with fresh water, it is a good idea to reconnect it to a scuba tank and blow it dry. Simply press the purge button for a few seconds and shake it at the same time.

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My List of the Top 11 Best Scuba Diving Regulator 2020

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Number #11

of my top 11 Best Scuba Diving Regulator 2020

Cressi MC9 Scuba Diving Regulator

• The MC9-SC/Compact Pro is designed and certified (according to the European standard) to be used in cold water, making it versatile to be used anywhere on any trip.
• It combines a balanced diaphragm 1st stage with a Sealed Chamber (SC) cold water system and a light and compact second stage, which offers high performance in water with temperatures below 10° C | 50 F.
• 1st stage made of a light compact structure in chromium-plated brass with inner components in stainless steel, chromium-plated brass, and state-of-the-art thermoplastic resins.
• The hyper compensation of the mechanism guarantees a slight increase in the intermediate pressure as the pressure in the cylinder decreases. It provides its highest level of performance in the final phase of the dive, the most critical phase.
• In order to achieve extremely high performance in low-temperature environments, the Compact Pro 2nd stage, is designed with the special Thermoconductive Thermoplastic Neopolymer to dissipate heat. Thanks to this material and a specially conceived safety valve, it can pass all the tests for use in cold water with flying colors. Service pressure: 232 BAR | 3365 PSI. Calibration pressure: 10 BAR | 145 PSI.
• Available in both INT and DIN version. Complete INT regulator weight: 943 g | 33.3 oz. Complete DIN regulator weight: 803 g | 28.3 oz.
• The MC9-SC/Compact Pro is designed and manufactured in Italy by Cressi, an Italian brand pioneer in scuba diving, snorkeling and swimming equipment since 1946.

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Number #10

of my top 11 Best Scuba Diving Regulator 2020

Sherwood Scuba Blizzard Pro Cold Water and Ice Diving Regulator

• Specifically designed for cold water and ice diving, the Blizzard Pro is one the most dependable regulators in colder waters.
• Completely Dry and Environmentally Sealed 1st Stage. No cold water gets introduced into the regulator.
• Nitrox Ready up to 40%. Out of the Box.
• Free Parts For Life Warranty Program. (Restrictions apply).
• The Blizzard Pro is made by Sherwood Scuba, an American dive brand specializing in Life Support, Masks, Snorkels, and Fins since 1955

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Number #9

of my top 11 Best Scuba Diving Regulator 2020

Apeks XL4+ Regulator

• Breakthrough, innovative over-moulded first-stage endcap and environmental diaphragm help prevent ice build-up that can cause first stage free flow in extreme circumstances. Also protects the first stage from impact damage
• Large surface area heat exchanger diaphragm clamp helps increase the gas temperature inside the 1st stage, resulting in improved cold water performance
• Unique over-balanced diaphragm design as the diver descends, the over-balancing feature allows the medium pressure gas in the hose to increase at a faster rate than ambient. This results in superior performance at depth
• Compact and lightweight 2nd stage improves comfort and helps reduce jaw fatigue on long duration dives, High-performance, pneumatically-balanced, lever-operated poppet valve,
• Large, over-moulded, self-flushing and controllable purge button
• Ergonomic Venturi lever is easy to use and locate,
• Flexible nylon braided hose has better cold water performance than traditional rubber hose, Standard metallic hose connection for interchangeability, Comfo-bite mouthpiece has a unique bridge that fits across the upper palate and does not require bite pressure to stay in place

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Number #8

of my top 11 Best Scuba Diving Regulator 2020

Oceanic Zeagle F8 Scuba Regulator

• 1st stage has dry-sealed spring chamber to stop freezing at water temperatures below 40 degrees F
• New inhalation diaphragm provides superior tear strength and improved response time to breathing
• Seat-saving orifice retracts when not in use – extending the life of the breathing tube seat
• Zirconium-plated inlet tube and heat sink for superior corrosion resistance
• Co-molded silicone mouthpiece for better fit and less jaw fatigue

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Number #7

of my top 11 Best Scuba Diving Regulator 2020

Scubapro MK11/C370 Dive Regulator

• Air-balanced diaphragm first stage design delivers constant and effortless airflow unaffected by depth, tank pressure, or breathing rate.
• Marine grade brass body has sealed internal parts to prevent water and pollutants from fouling the inner mechanism while enhancing cold-water performance.
• Two high pressure, two low pressure and two high-flow LP ports maximize hose routing options.
• External Intermediate pressure adjustment enables technicians to fine-tune performance quickly and easily.

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Number #6

of my top 11 Best Scuba Diving Regulator 2020

Oceanic Zeo FDXi DIN Regulator

• Second Stage ZEO – Pneumatically balanced second stage automatically maintains consistent inhalation effort throughout dive
• Diver adjustable inhalation effort allows the diver to control a desired level of airflow at any time.
• Patented Dynamic Adjustment automatically maintains inhalation effort throughout the dive Adjustable
• Venturi Switch (A.V.S.) for simple dive/pre-dive adjustment
• Inline ball swivel reduces jaw fatigue

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Number #5

of my top 11 Best Scuba Diving Regulator 2020

Scubapro MK17 EVO/G260 Diving Regulator

• High-flow performance is available from all four LP ports which are configured for optimum hose routing.
• External intermediate pressure adjustment enables technicians to fine-tune performance quickly and easily.
• Available in a 3364psi/232bar INT configuration.
• Weight: INT 232 – 30oz/850g.
• Airflow at 2900psi/200bar: 6900 l/ min – 230 SCFM.

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Number #4

of my top 11 Best Scuba Diving Regulator 2020

Mares Abyss 22 Navy II Regulator

• First Stage Features: CWD Kit for Extreme Temperature, High Performance in Cold Water
• Balanced Diaphragm First Stage, Tri-Material Valve Technology, Dynamic Flow Control (DFC)
• Chrome Plated Marine Grade Brass, Environmentally Sealed Design
• Second Stage Features: Heavy-Duty for Demanding Dives, Nickel and Chrome-Plated Brass Case
• Fluoropolymer Resin Finish, Cold Water Design, Vortex Assisted Design (VAD) Downstream Valve

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Number #3

of my top 11 Best Scuba Diving Regulator 2020

Hollis 200LX DCX Regulator

• Pneumatically balanced PVD plated brass valve results in smooth, easy breathing
• Reversible demand valve, can be converted from right-handed hose configuration to left-handed hose configuration
• Diver adjustable inhalation knob, allows diver to customize inhalation effort
• Adjustable Dive/Pre-Dive switch: Large Venturi lever has a soft rubber grip, which makes it easy to locate and use
• Ergonomic exhaust channels bubbles away from field of view and reduces exhaust effort

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Number #2

of my top 11 Best Scuba Diving Regulator 2020

Atomic T3 Titanium Regulator

• Nitrox ready for mixtures up to 40%
• All titanium diving regulator
• Dependable system makes it good for travel
• The most reliable seat system in the industry
• Durable with low maintenance requirements

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Number #1

of my top 11 Best Scuba Diving Regulator 2020

SCUBAPRO MK25 EVO/A700 Black Tech Scuba Regulator

• Air balanced flow-through piston
• Chrome plated brass body
• Anti-Freeze protection
• Externally adjustable intermediate pressure
• Low pressure ports: 5 on swivel turret

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Number #1+

of my top 11 Best Scuba Diving Regulator 2020

If you are all about weight the MK25 is also available in a light weight Titanium Version.

SCUBAPRO MK25T EVO/S620 X-Ti Dive Regulator Titanium

• Machined titanium body is lightweight, highly resistant to corrosion and ultra-durable.
• Air balanced flow-through piston provides effortless airflow unaffected by depth, tank pressure, or breathing rate.
• Patented exits (extended thermal insulating system) thermally insulates the inner mechanism from the environment, improving cold-water resistance and delaying ice formation in extreme cold-water conditions without compromising breathing performance.
• Two opposing high pressure ports allow the first stage to be positioned either up or down.

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Additional Regulator Equipment

Console with air integrated Dive computer. So instead of a analog submersible pressure gauge you get a digital one with a dive computer integrated.

Scubapro G2 Air integrated Dive Computer

• Cell phone-style screen is very familiar and easy to read at depth. Simple 3-button control system and diver-friendly functions make the G2C extremely easy to use.
• Customize your data presentation with Light, Classic, Full or Graphical screen options to suit your individual style. You can also customize the menu listings — utilize as much or as little technology as you need — your choice. Huge 485MB memory stores pictures, tables, tissue loading status, and 1,000 hours of dive profiles. Maximum operating depth. 394ft/120m.
• Convenient quick-disconnect fitting allows you to detach the computer from your regulator system for easy data downloading, travel and storage. Huge 485MB memory stores pictures, tables, tissue loading status, and 1,000 hours of dive profiles.
• Predictive Multi-Gas ZHL-16 ADT MB algorithm programs up to 8 nitrox/trimix mixes to handle any recreational or technical diving scenario. Improved, full tilt digital compass includes a full compass rose and bearing memory, and the rechargeable battery provides up to 50 hours of dive time per charge.
• Fiberglass-reinforced thermoplastic casing is ultra-durable & UV resistant. Rugged skeleton-form casing boot protects against bumps. Also includes hose protection to safeguard the quick-disconnect fitting. USB cable or Bluetooth Low Energy interface lets you easily download dive data wirelessly to your phone or handheld device. Download dive data to a PC/Mac using LogTRAK software

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Scubapro 3 Gauge in-Line Console

Pressure Gauge, Depth Gauge and Compass all you need for Scuba Diving in one console.

Scubapro 3 Gauge in-Line Console

• Pressure Gauge, Depth Gauge, Compass, HP Hose, Console Boot
• Scubapro 3 Gauge In-Line Console
• Lightweight and Compact Console Durable Impact Resistant Boot
• Primary or Back-Up Instrument for Recreational or More-Experienced Divers

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Dry Suit inflator hose

• Miflex BC Quick Disconnect Hose
• XS Scuba MiFlex BC Quick Disconnect Hose:
• Patent Pending Double Nylon Safety Braiding Designed
• Inner Liner Layer of Polyester and Polyurethane Compound Liner
• Designed to Outperform and Outlive Traditional Rubber Hoses

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This was my Equipment Guide and list of the Top 11 Best Scuba Diving Regulator 2020! I hope you enjoyed it and if you did so and don’t want miss any of my next Equipment guides sign up for the Newsletter here.

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