The Best of Everything Gear Guide 2003: Regulators
Regulators Reviewed in This Article
Apeks AT20 Aqua Lung Legend Aqua Lung Legend LX Aqua Lung Titan Aqua Lung Titan LX Atomic Aquatics M1 Atomic Aquatics T1x Atomic Aquatics Z1 Genesis Scuba Atlas International Divers Seaira Spirit Flowby IST Sports Proline R10
IST Sports Proline R20 Mares MR12 Axis Mares MR12 Proton Oceanic Gamma 2 CDX Scubapro MK2+/R190 Scubapro MK2+/R380 Scubapro MK16/R380 Scubapro MK16/S550 Scubapro MK25/S550 Scubapro MK25T/S600T
Sixty-nine regulators were recently subjected to intensive computer-controlled breathing simulator tests at an independent test facility, then handed over to a team of test divers for a series of time-proven in-water tests. In total, 690 subjective data points and over 4,800 simulator data points were compiled and crunched in what turned into the largest head-to-head comparative evaluation of scuba regulators ever conducted.
Test results clearly showed that regulators continue to improve on their ability to deliver more air at greater depths with less work of breathing than ever before. While Scuba Lab found a general correlation between a regulator's price and both its breathing machine and in-water performance, that's not to say you necessarily need to spend a fortune for a decent reg. The key is to match your regulator to your personal diving patterns. With that as your benchmark, you can't lose with any of these top performers.
Twenty-five percent lighter than its T20 predecessor. An "entry-level" reg with a balanced second stage that clears easily thanks to an efficient center-button purge. $350
AQUA LUNG
Both regs aced simulator tests and are very good breathers in the water. Dry in all positions, relatively wide exhaust tees cut down on bubble interference. The LX comes with an adjustment knob and a titanium locking crown ring. Legend, $495; Legend LX, $595
The Titan's a solid performer with a reputation for reliability. The LX is a step up, earning perfect scores in simulator tests and performing admirably in all in-water positions. Both use balanced diaphragm first stages. The LX has a balanced second stage as well. Titan, $265; Titan LX, $365
ATOMIC AQUATICS
Designed with Monel internal parts with a balanced piston first stage. Earned perfect simulator scores and its in-water performance ranks near the top. Equipped with Atomic's Automatic Flow Control feature. $699
With titanium first and second stages. The T1x is packaged with an environmental seal kit and a padded regulator bag. Earned some of the highest in-water scores in breathing, dryness and clearing, thanks to a great purge. $1,596
A favorite among test divers. Balanced piston first stage and balanced second stage. This reg is efficient and comfortable. Offers very good breathing performance in all positions. $379
GENESIS SCUBA
Uses a unique air seal system instead of silicone or liquid to keep water out of its balanced piston first stage. Shows strong on the simulator with solid in-water scores. The Atlas showed very little loss of performance at increasing depths. $340
INTERNATIONAL DIVERS
A simple no-nonsense regulator. Less bubble interference than average. Breathes well in the swimming position. With an unbalanced piston first stage and balanced second stage, it produced very good to excellent simulator results. $249
IST SPORTS
Easy breathers that are easy on the budget. Both the adjustable R10 and non-adjustable R20 dominated breathing simulator tests in their price group while delivering fair to good in-water performance. With balanced piston first stages and balanced second stages. R20, $260; R10, $290
MARES
Sharing the same balanced diaphragm first stage, both regs are smooth breathers in all positions and drier than most. The Axis's second stage is larger with a good purge. The Proton's has a mesh-grid faceplate designed to eliminate free-flow when swimming into strong currents. Axis, $249; Proton, $299
OCEANIC
A compact balanced diaphragm first stage coupled to a new generation second stage. Performed exceptionally on the simulator. Dry in all positions. $399.95
NOTE: Replaced by the CDX5.
SCUBAPRO
Sharing the same time-proven first stage, the R190 earned the highest subjective scores in its price group, while the smaller and lighter R380 offered near-perfect simulator scores. MK2+/R190, $235; MK2+/R380, $284
The balanced diaphragm MK16 first stage is well-suited for harsh environments. Coupled to either the unbalanced R380 or the balanced S550, the reg dives dry and purges efficiently. Both combinations breathe easy in the water and produce excellent simulator performance. MK16/R380, $311; MK16/S550, $388
A balanced piston first stage and pneumatically balanced second stage deliver perfect simulator performance. Easy breather in all positions. Below average bubble interference. Dry in all positions. $433
Tied for the top overall subjective scores in all price categories. With perfect simulator performance, it's a great breather in all positions and dives dry. The favorite regulator among test divers in its over $400 price group. $1,220
