As for the Octo - it's the base level leg3nd with just the venturi. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. However, the second stage had no dive adjustment controls, and that is where the MTX-RC comes in the second stage has a venturi lever, and a cracking resistance control knob. It's got all the perks you expect from a midrange regulator, but it's outfitted for the cold. It is installed with an 8mm hex Allen key tool that is not included. 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. 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 can also be converted from right-hand to left-hand. It has dry chambers that reduce the potential for ice build-up. The second stage is pneumatically balanced and has a compact venturi lever and a shaped purge. I don't think there are any bad choices. If the tank pressure ever falls below around 300 psi the tank should also be visually inspected as seawater could have entered the tank. We push the units to their max by extensively purging them underwater and topside, over-breathing them underwater to simulate a panic situation, breathing them in every orientation, working any Venturi and/or cracking resistance controls, and various other trials if they can handle this over-the-top usage, they can handle a normal diving situation. Higher-end models are environmentally sealed and balanced. Having a good mask is very important when scuba diving. A DIN valve can work with a yoke regulator if a plug adapter is placed into the scuba tank. 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. 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. Its also easy breathing at every depth and temperature. This equipment is being shown to help decide how many ports are needed on the regulator. Second, the o-ring seal on a DIN tank is within the regulator and typically has fewer issues than yoke tanks external o-rings. 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. The Atomic Aquatics M1 has all the features youd expect from a cold water regulator packed into a travel-sized package. 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 oval face has a decent-sized purge, and a swivel aids comfort in use. The Aqualung Leg3nd Elite Regulator is one of the new generation Legend has recently been upgraded with many innovative features and new appealing aesthetics. CRACKING RESISTANCE:Yes |VENTURI:No|VERDICT:The Epic Adj 82x is Mares top of the line regulator, and it is easy to see why. This is especially important if youll be diving in extreme cold and using thick gloves. Examples of high-end regulators are the Scubapro MK25 Evo A700, the Mares Fusion 52x and the Aqualung Leg3nd. The redesigned front cover and cracking resistance control use co-molded components that provide high levels of grip. Choose a regulator made from a sturdy, insulating metal like brass or nickel instead. It has a sealed first stage that protects the diaphragm from freezing and can be used in cold water environments. The Comfo-Bite mouthpiece is also very comfy. If youre hoping to buy a cold water regulator thats light enough for dive travel, youre in luck! This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. This regulator is made in the USA. 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. The overall work of breathing past legend models was .74 J/l but is not listed for the third generation. It is an environmentally sealed overbalanced diaphragm design, with a heat exchanger wrapped around the HP valve, so perfect for cold-water diving. ISO: Scubapro MK25/S600 Regulator, Deep Blue, Titanium Core - Wanted, Aqualung legend LX ACD yoke-to-din conversion from 2010, Apeks MTX-RC (0.9 J/l) vs Scubapro MK25 A700 (0.51 J/l). Its second stage features the comfo-bite mouthpiece and a Venturi knob to control the airflow and breathing effort. But, this sturdy and reliable option isnt only for taking pretty pictures. 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. There are several types of scuba tanks that have different pressure ratings. 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. How to tell difference between Aqualung Legend vs Supreme. 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. The aqualung legend regulators are known for being good cold water regulators. The diaphragm is located in the lower section which makes breathing easier in the upright position. The regulator mouthpiece is placed in the mouth and the diver breathes in and out like normal. The Aqua Lung Legend is an excellent regulator, no matter what climate you're diving in. It provided a smooth breath in all positions, and the cracking resistance control gave a nice degree of control to the user. Best Scuba Diving Regulators 2023 | Review by Captain Cody When diving in warm water under 60 feet most regulators on the market will work. The reason the octopus is yellow is to ensure the primary regulator is being used most of the time. This is colored yellow to signify that it is the secondary regulator. 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. This third-generation model is no different. The stainless-steel construction is durable. I prefer a sealed diaphragm or a sealed piston vs the unsealed Mk25evo.