Best Scuba Diving Regulator: Top Rated and Reviewed Dive Regulators
I am often asked which is the best scuba diving regulator to buy. As you can imagine, it is not an easy question to answer. There really isn't a "one fits all" dive regulator.
One diver may rate a regulator top notch while the next diver gives it a thumbs down.
And of course, it all depends on what type of diving you do. The requirements of a dedicated ice diver are different than those of the occasional tropical water diver.
However, in an effort to try and answer the question, I have chosen what I consider to be the best regulator at various price points - entry level or budget, mid range and top end or high end.
Along this line, I have read many ratings and reviews of various scuba regulators. And let me tell you, there are alot out there! It really can be overwhelming. Hopefully our research for best scuba diving regulator will cut down on your research time.
For our picks, I have only chosen those models which have received many top reviews from lots of different users. My reasoning is that if it has universal good marks, chances are you will be happy with it too.
If you need information on how scuba regulators work, what to look for when buying a regulator or how to care for one, check out our free guide to scuba diving regulators.
Note: This list was updated in December 2011. I will be updating the list every 6 months or so since offerings/products can change and I want to make sure all new additions/deletions to the product line are taken into account. There are many new models and choices on this years list, so if you need a new reg for 2012, you should be able to find one that suits your needs.
I divided the three categories for best scuba diving regulator based on price. They range from $700+ for the high end regs to under $300 for the entry level or beginner regulators.
To jump to the category you are interested in, just click on the link (picks are in no particular order in each category):
Best Scuba Diving Regulator: High End/Top End ($700+)
Choice #1: We will start out with the most moderately priced of this category. Our first pick for best scuba diving regulator is a Scubapro model.
This reg has an overwhelming number of positive reviews.
The first stage has a balanced composite/stainless steel piston setup and swivels 360 degrees. It has 2 high pressure ports, 5 low pressure ports and is nitrox compatible.
It also features an orthodontic mouthpiece to increase the comfort level.
A popular feature is the ability of the diver to adjust the inhalation level so you can customize your breathing effort. Many divers noted how easy it was to breathe no matter what position you were in - upside down, face up, sideways, etc.
If you are a cold water diver, this Scubapro model comes standard with an insulating system to prevent the first stage from malfunctioning and/or freezing in colder water.
Scubapro says that this balanced first stage paired with the air balanced second stage is their most popular regulator combination. And judging from the reviews, I can see why. It was also a Scuba Lab Testers Choice.
Pros:
Ease of breathing (overwhelming comments on this)
Adjustability (air control/swivel on first stage)
Comfortable
Nitrox compatible
Cons
A couple reviews said it was heavy but most reviewers noted its lightness
Choice #2: Next up for best scuba diving regulator in this category is an Atomic model.
It gets high marks for quality as most Atomic regs do. It is a balanced piston construction. This model's first stage is forged out of solid block of stainless steel and feature 2 HP ports and 5 LP ports on a 360 degree swival cap.
Stainless is said to have the same corrosion resistance as titanium but at a lower price. Of course, stainless also weighs a bit more but you can't have everything.
The second stage, however, does have all internal titanium components. This aspect of the construction is the same as the more expensive T2 Atomic regulator. The second stage also features a comfort swivel to help with any jaw hurting positions.
The second stage also has an automatic flow control which will automatically adjust your airflow depending on your depth. Now that sounds nice - just go with the flow :).
Not to worry though, there is a manual adjustment knob on the second stage for those "unexpected" situations. Hopefully you will never have to use it.
And, of course, this reg is nitrox compatible.
It gets rave reviews for breathing ability, no matter the situation. This was a Scuba Lab Tester's Choice.
Pros:
Ease of breathing
Comfort, including the swivel on the second stage hose
Stays dry
Nitrox compatible
Well made, lightweight
Cons
Some mentioned price, but said you get what you pay for (found no other negative comments)
Choice #3: This the one to get if money is no object. The Big Kahuna of regulators. This is the Atomic all titanium regulator.
This choice for best scuba diving regulator pretty much has it all. First, it is made of titanium so it is lighter than other models.
Same as the Atomic ST1 this model has a balanced piston construction. The first stage materials consist of titanium and monel (highly resistant to corrosion).
This model has 2 HP ports and 5 LP ports on a swival fitting.
It also boasts all the same features as the ST1 model such as a comfort swivel, automatic flow control and rapid adjustment knob. It is of course, nitrox compatible
It has gotten rave reviews from divers and professional reviewers alike.
Best Scuba Diving Regulator: Mid-range ($300-$700)
Choice #1: Our first choice for best suba diving regulator in the mid-range category is a Sherwood model. This is one of Sherwood's "Top of the Line" regulators and has earned high ratings from testing labs and dive magazines - in addition to everyday divers.
This regulator has a balanced piston first stage and a pneumatically balanced second stage. It also boasts a 360 degree swivel on the 1st stage to give you a better range of motion and easy set up.
Like most regs in this category, this reg has 2 HP ports and 5 LP ports.
There is also a diver adjustable air flow which makes it very versatile depending on your breathing needs.
Pros:
Breathes easy
Comfortable; 360 degree swivel
Simple, easy to use adjustments
Lighweight second stage
Cons
Some users report free flowing in cold water (must be properly tuned and adjusted)
Choice #2: Next up for best scuba diving regulator in this category is another Sherwood model. This is especially for you if you are a cold-water diver.
This reg was built specifically to be able to withstand the extremes of cold water. The first stage is sealed to prevent water from entering and causing a freeze up.
Also, the material has been specially treated to transfer the heat from your exhalation to the operating parts in order to warm them (an interesting design).
Nevertheless, this regulator performs well in warm tropical waters also. So even if you never have to don a wetsuit or drysuit, this regulator still earns high marks.
It is a balanced piston design that has 2 HP ports and 5 LP ports. The mouthpiece is designed to minimize any jaw fatique. The regulator is also designed to move exhaust bubbles out to the side and out of your line of vision.
This model is nitrox compatible.
Users give it high praise for performance both in cold water and warm water. So there is no need to have 2 regulators for different water temps.
In all the reviews I have read, no one reported any free flowing problems or freeze ups.
Pros:
Great cold water performance; works equally well in warm water
Choice #3: Our next choice for best scuba diving regulator in the mid-range category is a tried and true Oceanic model.
It is priced at the lower end of this category without sacrificing performance.
This reg has a balanced diaphragm first stage and offers 2 HP ports and 4 LP ports. It is also nitrox compatible.
A key feature of this model is the dynamic adjustment feature which I really like. You set your preferred breathing resistance once and the regulator automatically keeps that setting no matter what depth you are diving. Nice and easy.
Most users gave rave reviews on easiness to breathe. Always an important feature.
A nice, solid regulator giving you good value for the money.
Pros:
Easy to breathe; very high marks for this
Lightweight second stage
Heavy, solid first stage
Easy adjustments
Cons
Mouthpiece can be uncomfortable (appears many users switch it out)
Some users noted short hose (now comes with free 30" MaxFlex braided hose)
Best Scuba Diving Regulator: Budget/Entry Level (under $300)
Many people believe all regulators will cost you an arm and a leg. As this category shows, this is not true.
A pick for best scuba diving regulator and a low price point are not mutually exclusive.
There are regulators out there that will do a fine job without the high price tag.
You might give up some bells and whistles, but the regulator will still be dependable and let you breathe comfortably underwater.
So if you are on a limited budget this is the category for you.
Choice #1: Our first choice for best scuba diving regulator in the "beginner" category is a Genesis model.
It is very affordable at just over $200 and get high marks for comfort and adjustability. It was chosen as best buy from Scuba Lab testers.
This Genesis regulator is a balanced piston design and offers 2 HP ports and 4 LP ports. It has a dry sealed 1st stage.
It also has a balanced second stage which has a pre-dive/dive switch which makes it easy to control sensitivity depending on your activity.
This model offers a diver adjustable air flow so you can set it to your comfort level and also offers an orthodontic mouthpiece.
This model, according to the manufacturer, is not nitrox compatible out of the box. Converting it to Nitrox ready appears to be a fairly simple process.
Choice #2: Up next for the best scuba diving regulator in the budget category is a Cressi model. This is a very low priced model coming in at just over $150.
Nevertheless, it has still gotten very good reviews with a rating of 4.5 out of 5.0.
You may not be getting all the features of more expensive models but it is still a solid choice for the budget conscious and/or entry level diver.
This reg has a non-balanced piston 1st stage and offers 1 HP port and 4 LP ports. This reg is nitrox compatible.
It also features diver adjustable airflow on the second stage and an orthodontic mouthpiece.
Choice #3: Our last, but not least, pick for best scuba diving regulator is another Sherwood model.
This regulator has a balanced piston design and has 2 HP ports and 4 LP ports. It is also nitrox compatible.
This Sherwood regulator features a changeable exhaust T - one is more compact and the other is wider so you spread the bubbles further away from your face, giving yourself an improved field of vision. There are only 2 screws to change for this setup so it is an easy adjustment.
Hopefully, these recommendations will at least give you a place to start and will make your search for the best scuba diving regulator a little easier.
Let us know which regulator you use and how you like it. You can leave your scuba gear review here. Hey, you might even win a $50 gift card from Amazon.
Don't forget, you are going to need to buy an octopus too if you don't already have one. This Cressi octopus gets top reviews and is currently on sale for a great price.
Have fun shopping for the best scuba diving regulator for you!
If you need information on how scuba regulators work, what to look for when buying a regulator or how to care for one, check out our free guide to scuba diving regulators.
Looking for more scuba diving equipment? Check out all our picks for best scuba gear.
This is one of Sherwood's "Top of the Line" regulators and has earned high ratings from testing labs and dive magazines - in addition to everyday divers.
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