aqualung legend elite vs scubapro mk25

Everything about this regulator is built quality. The MK21/C370 is a nice little unit, with good looks matched to a decent performance. This is an imperial gauge with depth in feet and pressure in psi. In the water, it breathed effortlessly in any orientation, and the venturi and cracking resistance control really made a difference to the air flow, allowing us to finetune it. The oval face has a decent-sized purge, and a swivel aids comfort in use. Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions. The first stage regulators contain either a piston or diaphragm regulating valve. When shopping for a cold water regulator, there is a big difference between a DIN or Yoke valve first stage. It balances air pressure for consistent breathing regardless of depth or tank pressure. Most regulators only come with the primary second stage, not the octopus. It has a balanced valve which delivers abundant airflow regardless of depth, and the pivoting purge is highly efficient. It is not a balanced system and does not have a high heat transfer rate for cold water diving. This allows for 30 degrees of motion without the hose needing to rotate. As with all Oceanic products, it comes with a lifetime warranty and free parts for life, making that price even more attractive. Want to learn more about a technical term? Icy waters are among the most challenging conditions you can take on as a SCUBA diver, and not just any gear will do. For more of our top scuba gear recommendations, check out the Best Scuba Regulators. The male thread on the DIN valve screws into the tank valve, so that the o-ring is solidly in place. The first stage is made the chrome coated marine brass. Who knows how old rented regulators are or when the last time they have been serviced. Examples of high-end regulators are the Scubapro MK25 Evo A700, the Mares Fusion 52x and the Aqualung Leg3nd. . It is made with nickel-plated brass. Its pretty hard to improve on the G250 and as James points out even older stuff performs great. The second stage is pneumatically balanced resulting in a low and consistent breathing effort. VERDICT: Lightweight regulator with very subtle styling, but the superior performance that belies its price point. Practically these days any regulator is good. DIN regulators also have the 0-ring that makes the regulator tank seal within the regulator. This is a plug adapter that threads into a DIN scuba tank. The regulator had two high-pressure ports and four low-pressure ports. And, while it wont win any points for style, its one of the best values on the market dollar for dollar. Some DIN regulators are actually only rated to 2900 psi so make sure to check the regulators pressure rating before use. The yoke valve is easily recognisable as it utilises a clamp set-up to hold the first stage onto the pillar valve. For the diver that wants a little more performance than the AC2, the MC9 is a great option. This regulator is preferred by wreck, cave, and cavern divers, thanks to its sturdy construction. Steel tanks can be rated up to 3500 psi but are commonly filled to 3,300 psi. Also, more expensive modes have more high-pressure and low-pressure ports which are important when adding extra gauges and equipment like dry suits which require an additional low-pressure port. Second stages today offer something the G250 doesnt have, a micro adjust that allows the service tech to fine tune it. The second stage is pneumatically balanced and maintains the same breathing effort even as depth and tank pressure changes. Blackburn-based Apeks Marine Equipment has been around for over 40 years, and since that time the companys regulators have found a special place in the hearts and kit bags of many divers. There is a location on the regulator for RFID chips to help keep an inventory of rental gear at dive shops. It is up to divers with DIN regulators to have this adapter. DIN vales have fewer o-ring problems and can typically be used with steel tanks up to 3500 psi. All products reviewed have been fully dived and tested. The AL Legend can be tuned to breathe quite easily, even a little easier than the G250. It does come nitrox ready up to 40 percent. It is lightweight, so ideal for travelling divers, but equally coped well with this cold-water test, making it a good all-rounder. The Oceanic reg benefits from being in the Huish Outdoors family with Atomic Aquatics, and features the same soft-with-harder-insert mouthpiece. Since there will not be air in the lungs to clear the regulator of water their is a purge valve that blows air into the divers mouth to clear the regulator and mouth of water. As with all Hollis regulators, it comes with a lifetime warranty, only requires a service every two years and you get service kits free of charge for the life of the regulator. I like the Legend. The second stage stands out from the crowd thanks to its chrome surround on the front, and distinctive triangular-shaped purge valve. It can also be converted from right-hand to left-hand. I prefer a sealed diaphragm or a sealed piston vs the unsealed Mk25evo. This massively improves the cold water/freezing resistance without compromising its breathing performance. The breath on the 200LX is smooth and dry in all orientations, and the big, chunky venturi lever and cracking resistance control are both easy to use even wearing dry gloves, as is the huge purge, which is effectively the entire front of the second stage. A DIN valve can work with a yoke regulator if a plug adapter is placed into the scuba tank. Other features of the second stage include an air balanced progressive flow control valve, dive or pre-dive switch, inner winglets to reduce exhalation effort, and a compact high-flow mouthpiece that is comfortable to wear. It is important to occasionally use and test the secondary regulator. 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. Higher-end regulators are sealed and balanced which becomes important when diving deep and when diving in cold water. It has five low-pressure ports and two high-pressure ports on its DCX first stage. That first stage is certainly an eye-catcher. The 150LX features a braided hose and large venturi lever, and has a big purge. On the second stage, the soft co-moulded purge button is effective and easy to locate and operate even with thick neoprene gloves, the Comfo-Bite mouthpiece is still one of the best on the market in my opinion, and the co-moulded exhaust tee efficiently vents exhaled bubbles either side of your face. Log in or Register now! Many advanced divers want to use DIN scuba regulators and DIN valve scuba tanks when possible. I also have an Atomic ST1 with sealed first stage and that is excellent. The 52X also has an NCC (Natural Convection Channel), which increases cold-water performance by creating a flow of water across the regulator. The Sherwood Blizzard is one of the best selling cold water regulators of all time, and a top pick for instructors and safety divers. Dive shops in the USA do not like dealing with DIN tanks and regulators. It also has an attractive sandblasted finish. The system can be balanced or unbalanced. Plus, its an easy-to-service reg that doesnt require special tools, and is easy to work on in the field. JavaScript is disabled. It can also be converted from right-hand to left-hand if you so wish. They also likely will not have this adapter. 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. CRACKING RESISTANCE:Yes |VENTURI:No|VERDICT:The second stage of this set-up is very reminiscent of the 150LX, which is no bad thing, as it is a good-looking unit, but the DCX first stage resplendent in its PVD plated finish is a top-performer, especially in cold water. The balanced first stage allows for consistent breathing effort regardless of water depth or tank pressure. Scuba tanks need to be visually inspected every year and have a properly dated VIP sticker to be filled. This can waste a lot of air and cause stress on the surface. For non-technical diving, many people use a wrist computer with the standard analog air gauge. It has dry chambers that reduce the potential for ice build-up. The Dual Adj is made from an ultralight technopolymer, which is abrasion resistant but extremely lightweight, making it ideal for cold-water use, but also for travel. CRACKING RESISTANCE:Yes |VENTURI:No|VERDICT:The Z3 may be the affordable entry-level model into the world of Atomic Aquatics, but it has a lot in common with its more-expensive siblings. All metal components have a PVD coating for added durability. This test model came with an SPX piston first stage, with two high-pressure ports and four low-pressure ports, which are angled for optimum hose routing. The Mares Rover 15X is an entry-level unit from this well-known Italian brand, and it doesnt break the bank. The second stage has pneumatic compensation to regulate airflow rates. As youd expect, it has a fantastic all-round performance, and we liked the singular control knob for Atomics patented AFC, or Automatic Flow Control. CRACKING RESISTANCE:No |VENTURI:Yes|VERDICT:The apeks xl4+ is the ideal travel regulator - it is lightweight, but thanks to its robust construction and the durable first stage, it can handle cold-water conditions as well, so it is the perfect all-round reg for use in this country and beyond. It is slightly more difficult to inhale and exhale but when diving this is not even a conscious thought. 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. For those who are regularly diving, these scuba regulators will meet your needs and last a lifetime. The mouthpiece is comfortable, and the exhaust directs exhaled bubbles past your face. Cressi Leonardo wrist computer. In the secondary regulator, there are large ribs that act as a heat exchanger to protect internal mechanisms. 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. Aqua Lung Leg3nd is the third generation Legend octopus and is a top-quality secondary regulator. Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. Cody also has a background in aerospace engineering and neuroscience but really only takes pride in being good at one thing and that is fishing! both are great - go with the one you can get serviced locally at a dive shop you like. It may not display this or other websites correctly. It comes with two high pressure and four low-pressure ports. The colder the conditions, the more likely our second stage is to freeflow on the surface. It has two high-pressure ports and four low-pressure ports. This is a low-cost reliable regular that is popular for a primary regulator and the XS2 in yellow is common as an octopus in warm water scuba locations. Key features of the second stage include Venturi dive or pre-dive settings, and an orthodontic mouthpiece. The venturi is a bit dinky compared with some of the others, so a bit more awkward with gloves on, but still workable. Aqualung Regs last a long time more than you indicate before you will think of tech diving (3-5yrs). For more of our top scuba diving gear recommendations, check out these popular buyer's guides: Jessica is a PADI dive instructor, travel blogger, and underwater photographer. Diving in cold water requires sturdy, rugged equipment, and some regulators are tougher than others. The second stage regulator is the part the diver breaths from. Despite the SPX first stage not being environmentally protected, it didnt falter in the cold even with robust testing. The xDeep regs provided a smooth breathe, and the controls were simple to find and use. But, if youre diving in cold climates, you may need more attachment points. These days, you can find her living and work on Mexicos Pacific coast. The second stage is made of a durable polymer that is lightweight. I just replaced my glacier with an LX and love it! As with all Atomic products, the reg benefits from a limited lifetime warranty not contingent on proof of service and boasts a two-year/300 dive service interval. Many divers use multiple gauges for redundancy in challenging environments. This is a great regulator for basic and advanced diving in warm and cold water environments. It looks good too, in an understated way with the PVD finish inserts, and I like the red-and-black colour scheme. A key feature of the regulator is the automatic flow control that regulates the Venturi effect when diving deeper. The first stage is the metal device that attaches directly to the scuba tank via a DIN or yoke connection. The first state is an overcompensation diaphragm design. The F8 has an environmentally sealed balanced diaphragm first stage made from durable brass, and featuring a precision-machined neoflon seat. The second stage is more-traditional, with a cracking resistance control and venturi lever. Features of the first stage include a jet seat high flow piston, factory sealed, and nitrox ready. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. There are also low-pressure steel tanks that are rated between 2,400 and 2,640 psi. Zeagle is a US brand that has built up a strong following for its robust, well-made BCDs, and it looks set to follow suit with its regulators. High-pressure steel tanks are rated to hold between 3,300 and 3,500 psi. It has a sealed first stage that protects the diaphragm from freezing and can be used in cold water environments. The regulator mouthpiece is placed in the mouth and the diver breathes in and out like normal. It has two high-pressure ports and five low-pressure ports. Some diaphragm first stages are environmentally sealed (in an airtight, insulated exterior) which makes them less likely to freeze over and protects them from contaminants and corrosion. It has four low-pressure ports and one high-pressure. It has a soft, comfortable mouthpiece, and utilises Mares Fluid Dynamic Deflector, which receives and properly directs the airflow from the Vortex Assisted Design bypass tube to the mouthpiece. On current generation Legend 1st stage, the only difference between LX and LX Supreme is chrome finish on the LX and satin finish on the LX Supreme. This is because the connection of the yoke regulator is the weak point. Growing up in Pennsylvania Cody has also done extensive freshwater fishing including bass fishing tournaments. Where it all goes xDeep is the design of the body. The MK25 EVO D420 is one of the latest scuba regulator models by ScubaPro. The XL4+ is one of their newest regulator effectively an XL4 but with an added high-pressure port and a nifty white colour scheme and as with its predecessor, was designed from the outset to be a very lightweight, travel-friendly unit, but crucially, also cold-water rated. It is pneumatically balanced and is designed to work with the Legends first stage. For this test it was paired with the proven MK25 EVO flow-through piston first stage, which is fully insulated from the environment by the XTIS (Extended Thermal Insulating System) and has numerous innovative design features to aid cold-water performance. It also has an anti-pressure drop pneumatic spring and high capacity filter. You must log in or register to reply here. You are using an out of date browser. Great cold-water regulator. Partly cause i like the metal body and the perforated diaphragm cover but it def doesn't breathe as easy as the legend. If you learned to dive in warm water, you might be wondering why its important to have so many ports on your regulators first stage. The reason many people do not use DIN regulators and steel tanks is that some scuba shops will only fill the tanks to 3,000 psi anyway defeating the purpose of having a setup that can hold higher pressure. If you have short listed aqualung for yourself, I am sure you must have done a fair bit of research. Wireless air integrated dive computers use a transmitter attached to your first stage that relays tank pressure to a wrist-mounted screen. This is a decent regulator for warm water diving in under 60 feet of water. For high-end regulators, I like the Aqualung Legend which I own, and the Atomic Aquatics T3 Regulator which is probably the best regulator on the market today if the cost is not a factor. Scuba diving at night is a very fun experience. If cost is not a factor the T3 is the best regulator on the market. It is required to have a secondary regulator when scuba diving. You must log in or register to reply here. Like most regulators, it is compatible with enriched air nitrox EAN up to 40 percent. 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. CRACKING RESISTANCE:Yes |VENTURI:No|VERDICT:The Epic Adj 82x is Mares top of the line regulator, and it is easy to see why. 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. The MK2 Evo is an efficient piston first stage. The reason some scuba shops only fill to 3,000 psi is that this is the most common pressure used. The Apeks MTX-R was the civilian version of the military-spec MTX (it was developed in accordance with the United States Navy Experimental Dive Units extreme cold-water test), and this regulator featured a first-of-its-kind over-moulded first stage end cap and environmental diaphragm to prevent ice build-up, a forged body with five low-pressure ports and two high-pressure ports, and was equipped with a double-swivel braided hose. Its first stage is robust and requires little maintenance. The diaphragm is located in the lower section which makes breathing easier in the upright position. Unbalanced systems are simple and reliable. The large purge is easy to locate and operate even with thick gloves, and the same goes for the venturi lever. The yellow color also helps the dive buddy know which regulator they should use in the event of an air issue or low air situation. Do not submerge the first stage of the regulator into the water for a long period because water could get past the dust cover. The large purge is easy to locate and depress, and the Venturi, while fairly small, can be operated even with thick gloves. It has a large easy to use purge valve and exhaust tree to help disperse bubbles. It comes in both a DIN and yoke model. It is available both as a yoke and DIN configuration of the first stage. When it comes to scuba diving the regulator is the essential piece of equipment that really needs to work to dive safely. And, it prevents outside contaminants like silt and sand from working their way inside. Nice large purge, comfy mouthpiece, neat first stage and awesome price point. This is a great regulator for warm water diving. If the diver does hold their breathe and is ascending it could cause lung over-expansion which can be fatal. There are external fins on the brass regulator which help prevent it from freezing when diving in cold weather conditions. Mares were absent from this price bracket last year, and it is good to see them back in the mix with a new regulator. Key features of the second stage include an over-molded purge cover, comfobite mouthpiece, large heat exchanger, air channel deflector, and flexible light braided hose. The chromed overbalanced diaphragm first stage offers total environmental protection, giving it phenomenal cold-water performance, and the new heat exchanger, which has a bigger surface area and a co-moulded end cap, gives it excellent resistance to freezing. 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. This is because the computer can be worn like a watch and is easy to check the depth and remaining bottom time values. The forged body is protected by a shiny chrome finish. The AC2 first stage is a simple, reliable, and robust unbalanced piston design. Having a good mask is very important when scuba diving. The MK25 is a overbalanced piston first stage whereas the Aqualung is a overbalanced diaphragm first stage. The breathe is smooth and dry in all orientations, and the big, chunky venturi lever, which has a rubber grip built in, is easy to use even wearing drygloves, as is the monster purge, which is effectively the entire front of the second stage. DIN regulators can be rated to a higher pressure value than a yoke valve which is also called an A-clamp. The DC7 is rated for cold climates and technical diving, and weighs far less than similarly designed models. The XS compact second stage has an adjustment for the Venturi effect and a low noise semi-rigid case. The yoke connection is often the limiting factor that determines the max pressure that can be safely used while scuba diving. This is colored yellow to signify that it is the secondary regulator. The body of the second stage is reminiscent of the lightweight Flight reg, except this has a large purge on the front, and an easy-to-operate venturi lever. First, it should be secured in a location where the diver can reach it all times even without wearing a mask. Scubapro has brought back the venerable D-series of regulators. But if you are planning to take the plunge in extreme cold or icy conditions, you should choose a regulator specially designed to prevent freeflow and freezing over. Yoke valves have a working pressure up to 232 bar. A pneumatically balanced second stage has adjustments for the Venturi effect. Atomic Aquatics Z2 octopus as the secondary scuba regulator. Diaphragm first stages offer air at a lower flow rate, so they are less likely to freeflow. If you buy your own DIN tanks than this is not a problem. VERDICT: Excellent little regulator which could hold its own in the mid-range price bracket. As you expect, all of the regulators in this price bracket performed well, but the MTX-RC was ultra-smooth in all orientations and however you are breathing through it, making it a clear favourite. Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions. Extra ports cannot be added to your regulators first stage, so choose a model with more ports than you need. It can be locked in place, or allowed to move freely, depending on whether you are diving a single cyliner, a twinset or sidemount. It is made with marine-grade brass. I have a LX Supreme for my back mount rec diving and a pair or Apeks for . Second stage regulators can also be balances to help keep the breathing force consistent as depth changes. The Zeagle Onyx II is a great-looking regulator, benefitting from a stylish metal insert into the front of the second stage around the large, soft purge, which belies its price point and youd be mistaken for thinking it was in the next test bracket. Good-looking, great-performing regulator. The average breathing effort is 0.6 J/l. 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. Balanced regulators deliver the same amount of air per breath until your tank is empty. Most DIN regulators can hold pressures up to 4300 PSI. The overall work of breathing past legend models was .74 J/l but is not listed for the third generation. The diver must breathe from the mouth and never hold their breath. It has two high-pressure ports and five low-pressure ports. It is advisable to dive using a backup pressure gauge for redundancy, especially if you are diving in a cold climate. It is equipped with Aqua Lungs patented Auto Closure Device, or ACD, which prevents any accidental water ingress if you accidentally submerged it without putting the cover back on the DIN or Yoke fitting. But, this can make them slightly more prone to freeflow. Always check the owners manual for the maintenance schedule of the regulator. The MK25 EVO and the D420 make a solid pairing. CRACKING RESISTANCE:Yes |VENTURI:No|VERDICT:The renowned MK25 in its latest EVO guise is a fine first stage, and with the XTIS thermal insulating system, it is great in cold water. The Zeagle F8 does it all. Keep reading to learn about the best cold water regulators on the market, and the top features and considerations to keep in mind while shopping. Hollis continues to forge a path into regulators, and the flagship 200LX DCX is well worth a look. The second stage is pneumatically balanced and has a compact venturi lever and a shaped purge. The MK21 is Scubapro's most-compact air-balanced piston first stage has a compact chrome-plated brass body and boasts four low-pressure ports and two high-pressure ports. My mentors' aqualung is almost 12 years old and still going strong. 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. The Zeo also benefits from Oceanics limited lifetime warranty and free servicing parts for life. When using a DIN regulator you need to also have a DIN valve on the scuba tank. If you think you will be diving outside the USA or doing technical diving purchase a DIN regulator. Did early Aqualung Legends have fixed (built-in) crowns in the first stage? The first stage of a regulator set-up comes in two guises DIN valve, and yoke valve. It is one of only two regs in this price segment to feature both a venturi lever and a cracking resistance control. It retains its good looks, though when SubGear was still in existence, the earlier incarnation of this was their regulator for the next price bracket up. In this case, the only difference between the octopus and the primary second stage is the hose and case are yellow to make it clear that it is the back-up. The Aqua Lung Legend is an excellent regulator, no matter what climate youre diving in. There are several types of scuba tanks that have different pressure ratings. It comes with braided Aqua Flex hose. I have the MK25/S600 and really enjoy it. The first stage is made with nickel-plated brass. If youre planning to dive in cold water (below 75 F), youll need a regulator built to take a beating. In the secondary regulator, there are large ribs that act as a heat exchanger to protect internal mechanisms. The adapter threads onto the regulator and have a yoke valve that can attach to the scuba tank. The depth gauge is available in imperial units which are feet and metric which are in meters. The scuba octopus is a backup of the second stage regulator. Turreted regulators are also compatible with technical and sidemount diving. But, some divers feel that they are harder to breathe from. The second stage is very lightweight, and it has a purge that lurks behind a flexible mesh grid on the unit, which helps eliminate freeflow in currents. A comfort-fit silicone mouthpiece is soft and has tear-resistant bite tabs. The second stage is small and lightweight as well. The Onyx II blends an environmentally sealed balanced diaphragm brass first stage equipped with two high-pressure ports and five low-pressure ports with a thermoplastic second stage via a flexible braided hose. Its first stage is a balanced piston design. Unbalanced regulators becomes more difficult to breathe from as your tank has less air. A turreted (vertical tower shaped) first stage offers many advantages over a traditional horizontal valve, especially when diving in cold water. The result is a compact first stage which would be an ideal first reg for a new diver, a lightweight travel regulator, or even a well-priced set-up for stage cylinders. Our team of experienced scuba divers and volunteers have tested the latest scuba regulators from the leading manufacturers for comfort, functionality, ease of use, and price! You are using an out of date browser. CRACKING RESISTANCE:Yes |VENTURI:No|VERDICT:xDeep have carved a solid reputation with their wings, and it continues here. The second stage controls when the low-pressure air is released via a diaphragm opening which allows the diver to breathe. Comparing those three second stages on the "surface" the G260 breathes the easiest, then the D420/620ti seem tied. Youll only consider the absolute best scuba regulators, and nothing else will do. Underwater photography is challenging in perfect dive conditions, so why buy a regulator that will make taking perfect pictures more difficult? But, this sturdy and reliable option isnt only for taking pretty pictures. In the video below I am scuba diving a wreck in the Florida keys with some friends and encounter a large great white shark.

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