Scuba Diving Equipment Upgrades: Regulators

As your most important piece of dive equipment, your regulator should suit you and your dive environment. Today’s regulators span an enormous range of different environmental conditions, individual breathing behaviors and personal preferences. While the basic regs supplied in both our Mares and Scubapro equipment packages will do the job, Aquanauts also offers a large choice of regulator systems, as well as first and second stages that can be combined to fit your needs and desires.

Balanced vs. Unbalanced Regulators

The biggest difference between the regulators offered standard in the internships and the upgrade gear below is that the standard regs are “unbalanced,” meaning that the airflow rate depends upon the depth you are diving at and the amount of air left in your tank. The deeper you dive and the lower your tank becomes, the more effort is needed to breathe. While no unbalanced regulator is unsafe at any time, many divers prefer to use a “balanced” regulator, which maintains the same airflow no matter the depth or tank pressure. The air will always flow smoothly and easily to you.

Another factor to consider is your future diving environment. While all regulators perform fine in the tropical waters of Thailand, some do not fare well in cold conditions. If you will be heading back to do diving in cold or Arctic conditions, then you need a cold-water regulator. These and many other choices are listed below. You can choose from recommended 1st and 2nd stage systems, or mix-and-match individual items. Also, don’t forget to upgrade your octopus. After all, if you or your buddy ever need it, you’ll want to be sure it performs as well as your second stage.

Top oft the Line Quality, Value & Performance
As your lifeline to your air supply, your regulator is your most important piece of gear. And these high-end regs deliver the best flow of air and most features of any on the market. With balance first and second stages, they are top performers and their extreme craftsmanship ensures these regs will need less maintenance and longer lifespans than their less expensive cousins.

Legend LX ACD

Arguably the best regulator introduced in the past 3 years, Aqua-Lung’s Legend LX ACD regulator scored a perfect 25/25 on Rodale’s Scubalab test and 55/70 on the ergonomic test, just two point behind Scubapro’s MK25.

The Legend comes with a new feature designed to extend the life of the first stage. Called the Auto Closure Device (ACD), this seal closes off the first-stage inlet as soon as the reg is disconnected from the cylinder valve. This keeps water from entering the first stage during tank changes and post-dive rinses.

The Legend series uses an over-balanced diaphragm first stage with a dry seal environmental kit. The over-balance feature allows the intermediate pressure in the hose to increase at a rate faster than ambient pressure, resulting in more responsive inhalation. The black polyurethane coating gives the first stage a stylish Euro look while protecting the metal surfaces. Two high-pressure ports and four low-pressure ports are angled for optimum hose routing. Polished chrome port plugs that are flanged and dimpled further enhance the look.

The second stage is pneumatically balanced and comes with easy-to-use Vane Adjustment Switches (VAS). It also has a breathing-resistance knob so you can dial in or out on your inhalation effort at depth.

“The snazzy design of these regs might suggest they’re all style and no substance. But don’t be fooled by good looks. These regs are some powerful breathers.” Scuba Diving Magazine wrote. “On the breathing simulator, each model delivered surprisingly low work of breathing, regardless of how deep we took them or how high we cranked up the breathing rate. In the water, divers found these regs to be sweet breathers, dry, with powerful purges and simple user adjustments. “

More Features:

  • Aqua Lung’s “Air Turbo System” integrated into the forward medium pressure ports, boosts the regulator’s breathing performance
  • Exclusive Comfo-Bite mouthpiece virtually eliminates jaw fatigue
  • Two high-pressure ports and four low-pressure ports, angled for optimal hose configuration
  • Black polyurethane coating protects the exterior metal surfaces

Two cold-water Supreme versions of the Legend are also available upon request.

MK25 / X650

Winner of Best Breather Award in 2004 from Scuba Diving Magazine of U.S., the MK25 / X650 combo is so good it also took an honorable mention in 2005 and has yet to be replaced by Scubapro. In Rodale’s Scubalab tests
it earned a perfect 25/25 simulator score for the lowest work of breathing and 57/70 on ther ergonomic test, the highest score ever posted.

It’s also the only reg test divers rated Excellent for ease of breathing in the swimming position, and it got Very Good scores just about everywhere else.

MK25 First Stage

  • Machined marine grade chrome plated brass body. Excellent resistance to corrosion, long lasting, and excellent value for its price.
  • Patented over balanced composite/stainless steel piston. Faster dynamic response and extra high flow, ultra stable intermediate pressure at all tank pressure.
  • Thermal Insulating System (TIS) on piston and spring. Cold water resistant. Exceeds CE cold water diving requirements.
  • Externally adjustable intermediate pressure
  • 5 High flow low pressure swivel ports.
  • Dual high pressure ports.
  • New wound conical single stainless steel wire filter. Improved flow characteristics for absolute safety will prevent clogged filters from exploding.
  • Enlarged water balancing chamber holes. For cold water diving, improves heat transfer and increases resistance to freezing. Exceeds CE cold water norms at 300 bars.

X650 Second Stage.

  • Straight coaxial flow valve. The air flow goes directly into the mouth to prevent any loss in performance.
  • New smaller poppet. With quicker dynamic response to inhalation demand.
  • Diaphragm and exhaust valve positioned below the mouthpiece. This structure, in combination with a streamlined shape and lighter weight minimizes jaw fatigue.
  • New 15% wider exhaust valve20% less exhalation effort than the other second stages.
  • Dive/pre-dive control switch.
  • New diver adjustable inhalation control.

You can also pair the MK25 with the similarly performing S600 second-stage below.

Kronos ACD

The Kronos is a new regulator that offers innovative solutions to common frustrations found on traditional regulators. At first glance, you’ll notice the asymmetric Side-X exhaust system that gets the bubbles out of your field of view. In addition, fine-tuning is simplified by combining the venturi control with the breathing resistance knob into one Dual Cam controller.

  • New asymmetrical Side-X exhaust system (pat. pend.) routes bubbles out of your viewing area
  • Even though the exhaust bubbles are routed out the side, the exhaust valve remains in the traditional location providing consistent, dry exhalation
  • Exhaled breath passes over the second stage valve effectively warming it, thereby making it resistant to freezing
  • The venturi control and breathing resistance knob have been integrated into one Dual Cam controller (pat. pend.). Divers can now achieve ideal settings with less to think about
  • Aqua Lung’s Auto-Closure Device ACD (pat. pend.) seals water out of the first stage when the regulator is removed from the cylinder
  • The first stage is a balanced diaphragm design coupled with a pneumatically balanced second stage
  • Two HP ports and four MP ports provide the diver with many options
  • Comes with a Comfo-bite mouthpiece, a standard spare mouthpiece and a removable mouthpiece clamp
  • Compatible with EAN 40 new, out of the box

The cold-water Supreme version of the Kronos ACD is also available upon request.
Affordable Dependability
Just because you don’t have the budget to own a Mercedes doesn’t mean you have to get stuck with a clunker. These fine mid-range regs offer solid performance for mainstream diving. All feature fully balanced first stages and solid construction at a price that will let you afford to upgrade other parts of your dive kit.

Titan LX

The Titan regulator series features a balanced diaphragm first stage that is equipped with the “Air Turbo System,” an additional channel built into the first stage designed to boost the breathing performance of the regulator. The Titan series uses a standard yoke connector and an optional DIN adapter is available as an accessory

  • Compatible with EAN 40 right out of the box
  • Din adapter Option
  • Environmental Kit option
  • The Titan LX has produced some of the best recorded breathing resistance scores for a regulator in this price range
  • Proven Titan balanced diaphragm first stage.
  • Air Turbo System
  • Compact 1st stage design
  • Pneumatically-balanced compact, lightweight second stage maintains consistent ease of inhalation as tank pressure drops
  • Diver-controlled Venturi Adjustment Switch (VAS) reduces sensitivity to free flow on the surface and provides maximum airflow at depth
  • Exclusive Comfo-Bite(TM) mouthpiece virtually eliminates jaw fatigue
  • 4 low pressure ports and 1 high pressure port.
  • All ports angled for optimum hose position.

The cold-water Supreme version of the Titan LX is also available upon request.

MK17 / R395

The MK17 is Scubapro’s best-performing cold-water regualator is also a solid warm-water performer. Fully balanced, the first stage has only about half the performance of the high-end MK25, but users report that in most situations the difference is hardly noticeable. In fact, in recent Rodale’s Scualab testing, the MK17 turned in a perfect 25/25 simulator score.

This mid-range regulator set is rounded out by the unbalanced R395, which features a user-adjustable flow control lever.

MK 17 First Stage

  • Machined marine grade chrome plated brass body
  • Overbalanced diaphragm design
  • Dry ambient chamber.
  • Safety seat guide and low profile HP orifice.
  • Two High Flow Ports (HFP)
  • Thermal Insulating System (TIS) and heat transfer fins
  • Externally adjustable intermediate pressure
  • Two high pressure ports
  • Available in 232 bar yoke or DIN system

R395 Second Stage

  • This classic downstream

    2nd stage in a redesigned 2006 look and fitted out with technological improvements for better airflow properties. The R395 is also available as an octopus.

  • Diver adjustable VIVA

  • Reversible attachment of low pressure hose.

    Your Authorised SCUBAPRO dealer can change the R395 to a right or left hand 2nd stage or octopus system.

  • Compact size andlightweight materials.

    Increased comfort and reduced drag during the dive.

  • Redesigned Classic purge. A traditional feature in a new modern look

You can also pair the MK25 with the higher-performing S555 second-stage below.

Optional Second Stages — Mix and Match

R295

S600

X650

This second stage is derived from the legendary R190 and starts the 2006 season in an innovative look and with improved air flow properties. It is a compact version, specially designed for dive schools, rental, and all training facilities. Similar performance to the R190 in a smaller form factor.

Scubapro’s selling high performance air balanced second stage incorporating numerous patented features. This second stage will optimize your diving experience by virtually eliminating any breathing effort. The 2006 edition features technical improvements for optimal performance and lower maintenance requirements implemented by our engineers.

Based on the renowned D400, this one of a kind second stage includes a unique valve design and offers x-tra performance. The X650 represents the X-Series that is considered to be the best performing second stage of the Scubapro line due to unparalleled ease of breathing and x-traordinary air flow characteristics.
Select Your Alternate Air Source (Octopus)
While you yourself likely will never use your alternate air source, your dive buddy might. So it’s important to have an octopus that is easy to see and offers enough airflow to ease your distressed dive buddy’s tensions. Construction and size are also important factors for alternates — even more than your second stage — as the octopus will be hanging from your BCD most times, subjecting it to greater risk of damage from bunps and scratches. In most cases, you want to choose an octopus from the same manufacturer as your main reg, but it’s not required, which is why we also offer a pair of very compact Mares alternates.
Top Performers

Legend Octopus

The Legend Octopus is a pneumatically balanced second stage with a high-visibility yellow cover ring and 39″ yellow hose. It is the ideal compliment to all over-balanced Legend Series Regulators and the Titan LX.

  • Compact-size with all the superior breathing characteristics of the Legend series
  • Air balanced and ideally suited for the Legend over-balanced first stage
  • Diver-controlled Venturi Adjustment Switch (VAS) reduces sensitivity to free flow on the surface and provides maximum airflow at depth
  • Designed for use in cold water

R395 Octopus

Scubapro’s top-end octopus, the R395 octopus features user-adjustable air flow controls and an all-new design in 2006. Equipped with the latest technological improvements for better airflow properties.

Kronos Octopus

The Kronos octopus is best matched with the Kronos regulator. It provides all of the same advantages as the Kronos regulator with the added benefit of being highly visible.

  • New asymmetrical Side-X exhaust system (pat. pend.) routes bubbles out of your viewing area
  • Exhaled breath passes over the second stage valve effectively warming it, thereby making it resistant to freezing
  • The venturi control and breathing resistance knob have been integrated into one Dual Cam controller (pat. pend.). Divers can now achieve ideal settings with less to think about
  • This pneumatically-balanced octopus is ideally suited for all high performance regulators including over-balanced first stage
  • Yellow front cover, hose and accents allow unit to be easily located in the event of an out-of-air situation
Mid-Range Options

LX Octopus

The LX Octopus is a pneumatically balanced second stage with a high-visibility yellow cover ring and 39″ yellow hose. It is the ideal compliment to all over-balanced Legend Series Regulators and the Titan LX. Mid-sized with all the superior breathing characteristics of the Titan series. Air balanced and ideally suited for the TItan over-balanced first stage. Diver-controlled Vane Adjustment Switch (VAS) reduces sensitivity to free flow on the surface and provides maximum airflow at depth. Designed for use in cold-water

Features:

  • When using the octopus LX the diver has complete control of the venturi, or positive air flow, by means of a lever. This prevents accidental freeflow when the octopus is not being used.
  • A highly efficient heat exchanger on the second stage results in outstanding performance and durability in cold water environments.
  • This pneumatically balanced octopus is highly visible with its 1meter yellow hose and yellow cover.

R295 Octopus

This octopus version of the R295 was also derived from the R190 and offers similar performance in a smaller form factor.
Compact Solutions — Limited Quantites

Proton Metal Octopus

 A less expensive plastic version of the Proton Metal octopus. Light, compact, equipped with VAD system. It’s compact size and light weight help divers keep a streamlined profile.

Proton Octopus

Light, compact, equipped with VAD system. It’s compact size, combined with its nickel- and
chrome-plated brass case, make this an ideal choice, even for demanding cold water dives.