aqualung legend elite vs scubapro mk25
Outside of Atomic Aquatics products, the closest you get to a high-quality regulator is the SCUBAPRO M25 A700. The ScubaPro MK2 EVO is a scuba regulator with an unbalanced piston first stage. The MK 25 Is a better breather ,but the legend is a better cold water reg. Diving in cold water requires sturdy, rugged equipment, and some regulators are tougher than others. An oversized cap and heat exchanging fins improve anti-freeze properties. VERDICT: The MK2 Evo / R195 regulator is a great way for a new diver to get on board with the Scubapro brand. The large circular purge button is also simple to find and operate. The first state is an overcompensation diaphragm design. We do this at 2 liters/20 breaths per minute, 2.5 L/25 bpm and 3 L/25 bpm. When cleaning a scuba regulator the first thing to do is to place the dust cap on the regulator. This valve type is easier to set up and break down and requires less maintenance, but is best left for immersions in temperatures over 75 F. Simply put, if youre diving in cold water you should use a balanced regulator. And, it can support a higher blend of oxygen than most models, so its a favorite among technical and specialty divers. It is known for easy breathing regardless of depth. Even if you do not like to fish getting rid of the lionfish on the reefs is beneficial to the ecosystem. This is a great regulator for basic and advanced diving in warm and cold water environments. The Cressi AC2 is also available with the XS compact second stage and is rated number one on this list. The D420 is reminiscent of previous D-regs, with its unusual shape of second stage. Features of the first stage include an extended thermal insulating system, two high-pressure ports for flexible positioning, five high flow low-pressure ports, and external adjustment of intermediate pressures. We accept advertising from many of the brands featured, but in no way does that have an effect on the overall review we give a product. Examples of high-end regulators are the Scubapro MK25 Evo A700, the Mares Fusion 52x and the Aqualung Leg3nd. This regulator is preferred by wreck, cave, and cavern divers . It does not transfer heat well for cold water diving. In fact, the Mk25 EVO has passed CE EN250 coldwater certification, so it has been successfully tested in fresh water of 4C at a depth of 50m, where it has been subjected to a moderately hard breathing-rate of 375 litres per minute for five minutes, during which it must not freeflow. The reason the octopus is yellow is to ensure the primary regulator is being used most of the time. Again, regardless of the thickness of exposure protection on the hands, the controls were easy to use, especially the cracking resistance control knob. You may prefer this setup, as it is more comfortable and ergonomic for routing your hoses, especially if you are diving with a dry suit. Oceanic are making inroads back into the reg market, and the Zeo is their range-topper. The most noticeable difference between balanced and unbalanced regulators is how they breathe when you are low on air. That first stage is certainly an eye-catcher. CRACKING RESISTANCE:No |VENTURI:Yes |VERDICT:The Hollis DC7 / 150LX is a great package - the compact first stage has excellent cold-water performance but is still quite lightweight, and the second stage has a large purge and venturi lever, and a comfortable mouthpiece. Most tank valves these days have removable inserts, making them suitable for both DIN valves and yoke valves, but if you did happen to find yourself somewhere with your DIN valve and the tanks only have valves that could accommodate yoke valves, you can get screw-on adaptors which temporarily change a DIN valve to a yoke valve. They're both outstanding regs, and they'll both give you a long useful lifespan. A key feature of the regulator is the automatic flow control that regulates the Venturi effect when diving deeper. Having a compressor that fills a higher value requires a more complex system and the risks that lower pressure tanks will accidentally be filled to a higher value. The threaded insert and yoke adapter are shown toward the bottom of this article. It can be a bit overwhelming trying to figure out which brand and model regulator is the best to purchase. As many of our readers dive in all year round in a range of temperatures, we generally test regulators in February and March, when water temperatures are at their lowest in the inland sites much to the chagrin of the Test Team members. Good entry-level regulator. If the LUX catches your eye, that 1st stage has a PVD coating. Finally, there is a comfortable orthodontic mouthpiece with a good grip. Who knows how old rented regulators are or when the last time they have been serviced. Maxwelll: I demo'd the MBS in the pool - felt good, breathed very smoothly, and you could definitely feel the difference in air delivery when adjusting the MBS (master breathing system = combined venturi / cracking effort knob). Having said all this a new Mk25/G260 would probably be your upgrade although I don't think there is anything wrong with what you have. You are using an out of date browser. An XS compact octopus also makes a great secondary regulator. The Rover has subtle styling, but its performance is outstanding at this price point. The secondary regulator is sometimes built into the BCD. The regulators average breathing effort is not published. Higher-end models are environmentally sealed and balanced. Which regulator suits you? | Lucas Divestore Log in or Register now! Scuba tanks need to be visually inspected every year and have a properly dated VIP sticker to be filled. Keep in mind that a DIN valve will fit on any SCUBA cylinder, using an adapter. If you stick with diving, this regulator will make an excellent backup and is a top pick for deco tanks, too. The DIN valve is increasingly growing in popularity thanks to the fact that the first stages are smaller, more compact and lighter than the equivalent yoke valve, so a better option for travelling divers, plus they are more secure when diving in an overhead environment, such as a wreck or a cave, due to the long screw-in thread into the tank valve, and weve already mentioned the increased tank pressure making DIN valves the go-to reg style for techies. So, to utilize this new technology, youll need a regulator with 2 high-pressure ports. It also has a low noise rigid case, with a cam-lock. It comes with a lip shield, which does actually assist in keeping your lips warm(er) in cold water, but if you dont want this, it is quick and simple to remove. A balanced second stage makes it easier to breathe at deep depths. The first stage is an over-balanced diaphragm design. It is easy to see the benefits of being part of the Huish Outdoors family. Joining is quick and easy. The entire regulator weighs just 2.5 pounds. Unbalanced regulators becomes more difficult to breathe from as your tank has less air. The first stage and second stage components are milled from a solid bar of Titanium. CRACKING RESISTANCE:No |VENTURI:No|VERDICT:The Mares 52x is one of the most eye-catching first stages on the market. The cracking resistance control and venturi lever make a real difference to the breathe, which is smooth in all orientations. The Legend line of regulators is the best-performing regulator manufactured by Aqua Lung. Gauges do not have to be from the same company as the regulator but it is common to have matching gear. This regulator has absolutely everything you need and nothing you dont, with very few moving parts and pieces. The XL4+ is a nice-looking regulator, especially with that white finish, and its subtle styling is matched by a stunning performance. This regulator is rated number one because it is a low cost, durable regulator that requires little maintenance. The Cressi T10 SC Cromo Compact Pro is a higher-end version of this regulator that is good to use when diving in cold water. ScubaPro analog pressure and depth gauge. Hollis popped back into the market with a bang last year, and the 150LX follows on nicely from where the 100LX left off in this price bracket in 2019. A DIN regulator is considered the better regulator in most cases. The innovative second stage has a cracking resistance control as per the norm, but the venturi control is located around the braided hose, and resembles a motorcycle throttle. Technical divers, cave divers, and wreck enthusiasts prefer this style because it is so secure. Did early Aqualung Legends have fixed (built-in) crowns in the first stage? If the regulator falls out of the divers mouth the diver should exhale to not hold their breath. The dive/pre-dive lever is mounted on the top, and is easy to find and operate even when wearing thick neoprene gloves. But, some divers feel that they are harder to breathe from. Log in or Register now! This regulators first stage is a balanced piston design. The Vortex Assisted Design creates a swirling vortex with a low-pressure area in the centre that keeps the diaphragm down during inhalation, for easy breathing at all depths. This change in flow can serve as a good reminder to check your pressure gauge and can prevent out of air emergencies while diving in warm water. CRACKING RESISTANCE:Yes |VENTURI:No|VERDICT:The MTX-R set the bar high for a cold-water reg, and the MTX-RC builds on this platform, adding a highly efficient venturi lever and cracking resistance control into the mix. This Cressie regulator has the position driven AC2 first stage and the XS2 second stage. Mine also suffered the same as his although I can't tell you the specifics like he can. The difference between piston and diaphragm regulators is the mechanism by which your air is delivered. This type of seal is less stable than the DIN valve, so it is better for warm water diving and less challenging conditions. These days, you can find her living and work on Mexicos Pacific coast. A lot of scubaboarders will argue it is the best breathing reg to there. Partly cause i like the metal body and the perforated diaphragm cover but it def doesn't breathe as easy as the legend. Hollis continues to forge a path into regulators, and the flagship 200LX DCX is well worth a look. CRACKING RESISTANCE:Yes |VENTURI:No|VERDICT:xDeep have carved a solid reputation with their wings, and it continues here. This is especially important if youll be diving in extreme cold and using thick gloves. Aqua Lung Leg3nd is the third generation Legend octopus and is a top-quality secondary regulator. If you are planning to take on the planets coldest underwater environments, this regulator is your best bet.