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Best Scuba Regulators 2024

Best Scuba Regulators 2024

Posted by Elma Tarr on June 22nd, 2024

Best SCUBA Regulator 2024 banner

Our Top Choices for Every Diver

Choosing the best scuba regulator in 2024 is essential for safe and enjoyable underwater exploration. A scuba regulator is the key component that allows divers to breathe compressed air underwater, making it your primary life support system. It consists of two main parts:  


  • a first stage regulator, which is connected to your air tank to reduce tank pressure to an intermediate pressure (1st stage of pressure reduction).
  • a second stage regulator (mouthpiece) which drops the intermediate pressure to a breathable enviorment (2nd stage of pressure reduction).  


One of the most important things a scuba regulator does is adjust the intermediate pressure based on the pressure of the water around you (ambient pressure). This makes it easy to breathe comfortably as you go deeper. Without this, a simple hose to the surface, for example, wouldn't work because it wouldn't adjust for pressure changes at different depths.


As diving technology improves, today's top regulators are designed to meet different diving needs. Whether you're a recreational- or technical diver who needs extreme reliability and performance, most regulators now come with advanced features, including octopus setups for safety and backup and some kind of anti-freezing technology.


Most scuba diving 1st stage regulators fit in one or the other category:

  • A Piston 1st stage regulator uses a simple piston mechanism to control the intermediate pressure. It's known for delivering high performance, especially in warm waters, and has fewer moving parts, making it reliable but more prone to freezing in cold water.
  • A membrane (diaphragm) 1st stage regulator uses a flexible diaphragm to keep internal parts sealed from water and contaminants, which makes it better at protecting against cold or dirty environments. It's more complex but performs consistently in extreme conditions


In this guide we'll explore bluewaterphotostore.com picks for the best scuba regulators of 2024, chosen for their performance, durability and safety features. 


The Best Travel Scuba Regulator

$
549.95
 
$
579.95

Mares Ultra 62X scuba regulator boasts an impressive set of technical specifications that cater to the needs of discerning divers. The first stage is the lightest that the market has to offer. With a first stage weight of 525g (DIN) or 742g (INT/YOLK), and a second stage weight of 190g, the regulator strikes a perfect balance between lightweight portability and robust construction. The high-pressure ports (2 HP 7/16" UNF) and low-pressure ports (4 LP 3/8" UNF) ensure a seamless integration with your dive gear, while the 75cm Superflex hose provides the flexibility and comfort you need during your dives.


  • Compact and Lightweight: The Mares Ultra 62X is one of the most compact and lightweight diaphragm first stage regulators that Mares offers.
  • Easy Breathing: It features a Twin Power System that allows divers to switch between natural breathing and assisted breathing with increased airflow. The vortex assisted design reduces the "punch" you might feel from breathing a lower end regulator.
  • Cold Water Compatibility: The EN 250 certification ensures it is suitable for cold water diving.
  • Durable Construction: The second stage is made from a techno polymer material that is both lightweight and durable.


The Best Budget Scuba Regulator

$
295.95
 
$
367.95

Mares Rover 2S is considered one of the best budget regulators for scuba diving, known for its great mix of performance, reliability, and affordability. This regulator is durable and well-designed - providing consistent airflow and comfort in various diving conditions. With its balanced diaphragm first stage and dependable second stage, it ensures smooth and easy breathing, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced divers. Plus, it requires little maintenance, which adds to its cost-effectiveness. Its sturdy construction and user-friendly features make the Mares Rover 2 S a top choice for divers who want quality without breaking the bank. The Rover 2S has 1 high pressure port (7/16" UNF) and 4 low pressure ports (3/8" UNF) with a first stage weight of 608g (Yolk) or 432g (DIN).


  • Easy to maintain: The Mares Rover 2S is easy to maintain with a sandblasted finish to increase scratch resistance.
  • Advanced Technology: The patented Vortex Assisted Design (VAD) system combined with the Fluid Dynamic Deflector (FDD) enables natural breathing at all depths.
  • Durable Construction: The Rover second stage guarantees high performance, even after intensive use.

 The new large purge button features a 'dynamic hinge' design, which makes it easy to activate, even with a single finger. It also prevents free flow in the event of strong currents and is made of a durable rubber material that can withstand over 113,000 venting cycles.

The Best Cold Water Scuba Regulator

$
999.00
 
$

Apeks MTX-RC scuba regulator is considered the best regulator for cold water diving, thanks to its top-notch design and performance in extreme conditions. Built to handle freezing temperatures, the MTX-RC features an over-balanced diaphragm first stage that delivers consistent airflow, even in icy waters. Its unique heat-exchange system helps prevent free-flow by effectively managing the cold. With rugged, environmentally sealed construction and a corrosion-resistant finish, it's perfect for tough diving environments. Plus, it offers user-adjustable controls for breathing effort and venturi, allowing divers to customize their experience. The Apeks MTX-RC is the top choice for divers looking for reliable, high-performance gear in cold water. The regulator features 2 HP (7/16" UNF) ports and 5 MP (3/8" UNF) ports.


  • Proven cold-water reliability: An environmental dry system keeps water out of the main spring chamber preventing freezing, making the MTX-RC is ideal for cold water diving.
  • Prevent free flow and control breathability: The MTX-RC features a control knob which can be closed at the surface to control free flow and increases breathability and depth thanks to venturi technology.
  • Diver changeable exhaust system: Customize your exhaust experience with the included exhaust tee. The longer tee creates optimal exhaust dispersion- perfect for photographers, while the shorter tee is more suitable for travel.

The Best Mid-Range Scuba Regulator

$
649.00
 
$

Aqualung Helix Pro dive regulator is a top pick for mid-range scuba diving gear, thanks to its great balance of performance, reliability, and affordability. It includes advanced features usually found in more expensive models, providing comfortable and easy breathing at different depths with its balanced first and second stages. The regulator's smart design features an efficient venturi switch and precise airflow adjustments, ensuring minimal breathing effort for divers. Built with durable materials, it stands up well in various underwater conditions, making it a reliable choice for both recreational and semi-professional divers. Overall, the Aqualung Helix Pro is a fantastic option for those looking for high-quality diving equipment without spending a fortune. The regulator features 2 HP ports (7/16”) and 4 MP ports (3/8”), perfectly oriented in a “T” shape for streamlined hose positioning, reduced exhalation effort, and sending bubbles out of your field of view. It is compatible up to EAN 40 right out of the box.


  • Balanced diaphragm: A balanced diaphragm provides superior, consistent performance.
  • Comfo-Bite: Comfo-Bite mouthpieces are soft yet sturdy and reduce jaw fatigue with their unique palate bridge.
  • Yolk and DIN: Available in yoke (3,300psi/232 bar max.) or DIN (4,350psi/300 bar max.)
  • Venturi Knob: Controlling the airflow of your regulator is essential for a comfortable and customized diving experience. 

The Helix Pro features an in-line ergonomic Venturi knob that allows you to make precise adjustments, even while wearing gloves. This easy-to-use knob gives you full control over the air delivery, allowing you to fine-tune your settings based on your individual preferences and diving conditions.

The Best Eco-Friendly Scuba Regulator

$
749.00
 
$

Apeks XL4 Ocea stands out as the best eco-friendly regulator available, combining sustainability with high performance. Made from recycled materials and packaged with minimal environmental impact, it supports eco-conscious divers without sacrificing quality. The compact and lightweight design is perfect for travel, and the balanced first and second stages make breathing easy at any depth. With features like an over-molded endcap and a flexible braided hose, it's both durable and efficient. Choosing the Apeks XL4 Ocea means enjoying a great diving experience while helping to protect the marine environment. The regulator has 2 HP (7/16" UNF) ports and 4 MP (3/8" UNF) ports.


  • First of its kind: Made from recycled materials and bio-plastics, manufactured in a solar-powered facility
  • Proven Performance: Designed based on the proven DS4 regulator. Over-balanced diaphragm for continuous performance, even at depth.
  • Compact design: Lightweight second stage enhances comfort, reducing jaw fatigue during extended dives.

The Best Extreme Diving Scuba Regulator

$
795.95
 
$
1,057.95

Mares Abyss 22 Navy II scuba diving regulator is especially designed to withstand the most extreme diving situations faced by US Navy forces around the world. The regulator comes with a special kit for diving in extremely cold water. The second stage is coated with a special fluoropolymer resin finish and features Mares' exclusive VAD system.


  • Approved by the US Navy: One of the only regulators to be approved by the Navy for cold water diving. Rigorous testing includes 28-degree salt water, 200-foot depths under extreme breathing / ascending / descending conditions.
  • Not “X” rated: 1st stage is not “X” rated which just indicates the type of material used on the HP seat. Includes Environmental Oil Filled Cold Water Kit.
  • All metal design: 2nd Stage features an all-metal design with mesh grid diaphragm cover designed to withstand string current to prevent free flow.

  • We recommend the Mares Abyss 22 Navy II for anyone who needs a regulator that is tried-and-true and up to military standards.

    The Most Versatile Scuba Regulator

    $
    599.95
     
    $

    Oceanic Delta 5 + eDX scuba regulator comes standard with a dive/pre-dive switch and a super comfortable orthodontic mouthpiece. The latest version has an all metal pneumatic calve providing smooth breathing performance in any condition. The Oceanic Delta 5 is available in black and white and in DIN or INT type first stage fittings. The Delta 5 is the next step in a ling line of remarkably reliable, durable and smoothly breathing regulators that carry that name.


    • Nitrox Compatibility: Standard to 40%
    • Heat exchanger: A heat exchanger has been added, positioned on the hose connection to the 2nd stage, to further increase its already stellar cold-water performance.
    • Dive / pre-dive switch: That allows you to stop the occasional free flow.
    • Venturi Knob: Controlling the airflow of your regulator is essential for a comfortable and customized diving experience. 

    The Helix Pro features an in-line ergonomic Venturi knob that allows you to make precise adjustments, even while wearing gloves. This easy-to-use knob gives you full control over the air delivery, allowing you to fine-tune your settings based on your individual preferences and diving conditions.

    The "Best Breathing" Scuba Regulator

    $
    999.00
     
    $

    Aqualung Legend MBS dive regulator is designed to revolutionize your diving experience, this regulator offers a groundbreaking combination of Venturi effect and inhalation effort adjustment, putting you in complete control of your dive with one simple rotation. This is a great design for those divers who feel that not enough air is delivered to them while diving. It’s great for diving in cold water and has a cool feature – Auto closure Device- which protects the internal parts of the first stage from corrosion and contamination making sure the inlet filter is clean and dry for safer O2 percentages.


    • Auto closure device: Protects internal parts from contamination and corrosive water when not connected to a cylinder valve.
    • Ergonomic design: Bi material “Soft grip” surface on DIN and YOKE screws for better grip,
    • Enhanced Performance: New front cover opening channels and widened radial openings prevent free-flows and reduce inspiratory flow by 20% in stronger currents.

    The "Work Mule" Scuba Regulator

    $
    269.95
     
    $

    Cressi AC2/Compact scuba regulator is made to last. The regulator is affordable, reliable, simple and robust. Piston first stage plus a compact single-hull second stage. It has 1 HP and 4LP ports and weighs in at 923g – 32.6oz. It’s a simple setup that works and are used in dive centers around the world because of its low maintenance features.


    • Low maintenance: Simple piston 1st stage, a "work mule" that is affordable, simple, reliable and robust, suitable for intense use. This first stage is appreciated by dive centers and professional companies who consider it to be a very rentable tool, due to its low cost and practically nonexistent need for maintenance, as well as a surprising level of performance.
    • Asymmetrical frontal 2nd stage cover drilling: The water flow pushes the diaphragm anti-clockwise direction to create its retraction in a flat position and to make the lever decrease gradually in precise perpendicularity, regardless of condition.

    All the above regulators are available at our online store, or if you need personal assistance from an IDC staff instructor, just email scuba@bluewaterphotostore.com!
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