Your regulator is a vital piece of gear and choosing the right one for you can be confusing. The goal of all regulators is the same: to deliver air on demand at ambient pressure. Comfort with a scuba regulator depends on how you breathe - and everyone’s different. Regulators have slightly different ‘actions’ - some feel looser or tighter, some will deliver air more forcefully, others will have a slight ‘suck’ to them. Only you know which regulator feels right for you. Only you know your budget and what other features are important to you and your style of diving.
Some divers simply advise - get the most expensive regulator you can afford - but here’s some other considerations:
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Does it have ergonomic design? |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
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Is the purge button easily pressed even when wearing thick neoprene gloves? |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
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Does it have external controls which allow fine adjustments to air flow? |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
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Is it constructed with non-corroding metals like titanium or chromed brass? |
Chrome plated brass, stainless steel |
Chrome plated brass, stainless steel |
Chrome plated brass, stainless steel |
Chrome plated brass, stainless steel |
Chrome plated brass, stainless steel |
Chrome plated brass, stainless steel |
Chrome plated brass, stainless steel |
Chrome plated brass, stainless steel |
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Does it have diaphragm or piston first stage? |
Piston |
Diaphragm |
Piston |
Piston |
Diaphragm |
Piston |
Piston |
Piston |
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Is it balanced or unbalanced? |
Balanced |
Balanced |
Balanced |
Balanced |
Balanced |
Balanced |
Balanced |
Unbalanced |
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Is it environmentally sealed? |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Air bleed - dry chamber |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
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What’s the warranty? |
Lifetime of original owner |
Lifetime of original owner |
Lifetime of original owner |
Lifetime of original owner |
Lifetime of original owner |
Lifetime of original owner |
Lifetime of original owner |
Lifetime of original owner |
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What’s the service schedule? |
2 year service |
1 year service |
1 year service |
1 year service |
1 year service |
1 year service |
1 year service |
1 year service |
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Does it have first stage turret swivel? |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
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Does it have second stage hose swivel? |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
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Is it Nitrox compatible up to 40%? |
Yes* |
Yes* |
Yes* |
Yes* |
Yes* |
Yes* |
Yes* |
Yes* |
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* Please check the manufactures recommendations first