SHERWOOD SCUBA SR2 OCTO
Distinctive faceplate accents and high-viz hose make it easy to find for quick deployment when needed. Adjustment knob allows for detuning when not in use, and effortless gas delivery when needed.

Sharing the same engineering advancements as Sherwood’s SR2 primary second stage, including the “Smart” demand lever, this high-performance backup breather delivers low work of breathing, is easy to use, and includes a free “parts for life” service program.

CONTACT: sherwoodscuba.com
MSRP: $230

Carrie Garcia

SHERWOOD SCUBA SR2
The high-performance environmentally sealed piston first stage keeps internal components dry and corrosion-free. A “Smart” second-stage demand lever extends seat life in between dives and while in storage.

More technically advanced than the SR1, Sherwood’s cutting-edge SR2 offers even smoother breathing performance than its popular predecessor. Its pneumatically balanced second stage features a user-friendly, high-flex purge cover and breathing-resistance adjustment knob.

CONTACT: sherwoodscuba.com
MSRP: $736

Carrie Garcia

SCUBAPRO MK21/S560

External fins on the compact, balanced-piston first stage provide optimal thermal exchange. Lightweight second stage is pneumatically balanced and offers multiple user adjustments to ensure smooth breathing.

This new reg delivers excellent breathing performance at a midrange price. The standard cap on the first stage can be replaced with an optional cap with an efficient hose-routing configuration that has four low-pressure ports plus a fifth high-flow LP port.

CONTACT: scubapro.com
MSRP: $499

Carrie Garcia

SCUBAPRO MK25/G260 TACTICAL
Balanced-piston first stage is equipped with five high-flow LP ports on a turret for tangle-free hose routing. Comfortable high-flow mouthpiece and hose swivel eliminate jaw fatigue during long dives.

Teamed with the venerable MK25 first stage, the new, cool-looking, smooth-breathing Tactical Edition G260 second stage is housed in a rugged, nylon fiberglass case with a dark anodized-aluminum ring.

CONTACT: scubapro.com
MSRP: $789

Carrie Garcia

MARES INSTINCT OCTO
Side exhaust deflects exhaled breath so bubbles don’t disrupt the diver’s view. Bright-yellow purge button and superflex hose make it easy to see in
low-viz conditions.

Compact and lightweight, this backup breather is sturdy and durable, and its hose is highly resistant to abrasion. The oversize purge button makes it easy to press and clear, even when wearing thick gloves.

CONTACT: mares.com
MSRP: $190

Carrie Garcia

DIVE RITE XT

First-stage LP-port turret allows for the efficient routing of hoses to reduce tangle and hydrodrag.

Pneumatically balanced second stage and octo offer a deflection ring that ramps up performance and deters free-flows.

The environmentally sealed first stage and well-machined second stages make for a sleek reg that delivers gas efficiently. The easy-grip dive/predive switch and knurled inhalation control knob let you match gas flow to the desired diving style.

CONTACT: diverite.com
MSRP: $460

Carrie Garcia

CRESSI XS COMPACT/MC9
Distinctive faceplate accents and high-viz hose make it easy to find for quick deployment when needed. Adjustment knob allows for detuning when not in use, and effortless gas delivery when needed.

Sharing the same engineering advancements as Sherwood’s SR2 primary second stage, including the “Smart” demand lever, this high-performance backup breather delivers low work of breathing, is easy to use, and includes a free “parts for life” service program.

CONTACT: sherwoodscuba.com
MSRP: $230

Carrie Garcia

CRESSI XS COMPACT OCTO
High-viz yellow hose is extra long for quick and convenient air sharing. Venturi switch detunes octo when not in use and boosts air delivery when needed.

Made from high-tech polymers and incorporating a distinctive yellow purge cover, the XS Compact Octo is compatible with all Cressi first stages, as well as any first stage from other manufacturers with intermediate pressures between 130 and 145 psi.

Contact: cressi.com
MSRP: $119.95

Carrie Garcia

BEUCHAT VR 200 SOFT TOUCH HF
Designed for use from temperate to extreme cold-water conditions. Large “Soft Touch” cover on second stage for easy purge operation.

Beuchat’s VR 200 Soft Touch offers features that combine top performance with easy-diving comfort: a balanced diaphragm that breathes easily in warm or cold water, a large, soft purge cover, an adjustable Venturi and a soft, braided hose.

Contact: spearotek.com
MSRP: $899 (includes matching octo and regulator bag)

Carrie Garcia

AQUA LUNG TITAN LX ACD

Thumb-activated Venturi lever prevents free-flows at the surface, and boosts performance at depth. Environmentally sealed balanced-diaphragm first stage includes an ACD (auto closure device) to prevent water entry.

Delivering excellent breathing performance, the Titan LX is compact and lightweight, plus offers a number of cool features, like Aqua Lung’s Comfo- Bite mouthpiece with reusable mouthpiece clamp.

CONTACT: aqualung.com
MSRP: $460

Carrie Garcia

AQUA LUNG LEGEND LX ACD TWILIGHT
The overbalanced-diaphragm first stage sports two high-pressure and four low-pressure ports in a convenient T configuration. Stylish color accents match Aqua Lung’s Twilight line of women’s gear.

Modified for female divers, the Twilight comes with an attractive face plate and a smaller mouthpiece, but it otherwise offers the same design features and first-rate breathing performance as the standard Legend LX.

CONTACT: aqualung.com
MSRP: $765

Carrie Garcia

AQUA LUNG LEGEND LX ACD 
 A single Master Breathing System (MBS) user control adjusts both Venturi effect and opening effort for optimum breathing performance. Redesigned exhaust tee provides better bubble dispersion and easier exhalation at depth.

With its overbalanced, environmentally sealed first stage and pneumatically balanced second stage, the upgraded Legend LX is smaller and lighter than its predecessor, yet it delivers even better breathing performance.

CONTACT: aqualung.com
MSRP: $725

Carrie Garcia

APEKS XTX TUNGSTEN
The first-stage PVD coating is made of high-quality grades of titanium, zirconium and chromium for the ultimate in protection. Diver Changeable Exhaust (DCE) system lets you change from a large to a small exhaust tee to match your diving style.

The XTX Tungsten is Apeks’ flagship XTX200 with a finish that is much more durable than traditional chrome plating. It’s an easy-to-use, high-quality breather for all diving scenarios and conditions.

CONTACT: apeks.co.uk
MSRP: $870

Carrie Garcia

MARES INSTINCT
Second-stage side exhaust deflects exhalation bubbles from a diver’s line of sight. First stage offers one high-pressure port, one high-flow low-pressure port for the second stage, and three standard low-pressure ports.

The Instinct teams Mares’ time-proven balanced diaphragm 12S first stage with a new-age second stage. Offering an interesting hydrodynamic shape, the reg is compact, ultrastreamlined and simple to use, plus it delivers air efficiently.

CONTACT: mares.com
MSRP: $400

ATOMIC AQUATICS T3
Precision machined from solid titanium billet, component parts have been redesigned to save weight. Includes a three-year, 300-dive, service-interval lifetime warranty and a deluxe travel bag.

For divers who want the best, the ultralight T3 is machined from exotic metals and packed with groundbreaking features and functions. From ease of breathing to dryness to the effectiveness of the user control, the T3 delivers the goods with style.

CONTACT: atomicaquatics.com
MSRP: $1,699

Carrie Garcia

MARES ABYSS 22 NAVY II
First stage uses Mares’ Cold-Water Dry kit for reliable frigid-water use. Fluoropolymer-resin coating on metal second stage resists freezing.

The latest version of Mares’ ice killer uses proven design to prevent freeze-ups, even in the most extreme cold-water environments. But despite its icy-water credentials, it’s a smooth, easy breather in warm water too, making it a solid choice no matter where you’re diving.

CONTACT: mares.com
MSRP: $750

Carrie Garcia

ZEAGLE FLATHEAD 7

The first stage features a dry-sealed spring chamber to prevent freezing, and protect internal components from salt and other contaminants. Miflex braided hose is lightweight and highly flexible, allowing a tighter coil for storage or traveling.

Zeagle’s flagship reg comes with a black-matte balanced-diaphragm first stage and lightweight pneumatically balanced second stage. It delivers excellent breathing performance at recreational depths and when pushed to extremes.

CONTACT: zeagle.com
MSRP: $629

Carrie Garcia