Best Scuba Regulators Of 2018 – Top 5 Best value Scuba Regulators

This is a list of the top 5 best scuba regulators of 2018. Scuba diving regulators are the devices that allow you to breathe air from the scuba tank. They do this by reducing the high-pressure air in the tank to a breathable level, via two stages. The First stage which attaches directly to the scuba tank and a Second stage that you put in your mouth and breathe from. The two stages are connected by a hose. For an explanation of how the regulator works, just follow this link to my How Does A Scuba Regulator Work article.

This review of scuba regulators contains low-end to high-end regulators in ascending order. To see the price of any of these regulators, just click on the appropriate image.

Cressi Sub AC2 XS2 

The Cressi Sub AC2 XS2 is the lowest cost regulator that Cressi Sub makes. But it has excellent performance for a low-end regulator. It is their most robust and durable regulator on the market and is an excellent choice for beginners as an entry-level regulator or the budget minded.

Due to is low cost and low maintenance and it pure ruggedness and durability, makes it a great choice for rental shops and dive centers alike and it is Nitrox compatible. The design is simple yet it delivers high-performance functionality and is very easy to service and maintain. It also comes in either an INT (yoke) or DIN fitting.

AC2 First Stage features;

• • • • Made from Marine-Grade durable brass
      • High-performance Conical filter with large filtering capacity
      • Exterior LP regulation via Allen key
      • Unbalanced, piston design that performs like a balanced regulator
      • 1 x 7/16″ threaded HP port
      • 4 x 3/8″ threaded LP ports

XS2 Second Stage features;

• • • • Monocoque construction made from ABS and elastomers
      • Very lightweight (145 g)
      • Downstream demand reliable valve mechanism
      • Easy-to-adjust for Pre-dive/Venturi dive position
      • Integrated purge button
      • Comfortable soft silicone mouthpiece

Oceanic Alpha 9 CDX-5 

The Alpha 9 combines effortless breathing, economical construction, compact design with excellent performance and reliability. It is tough and rugged and comes with a maxflow braided, UV protected hose that outperforms any rubber hose. Due to its extreme flexibility, there is a significant reduction in jaw fatigue and with the patented orthodontic mouthpiece makes this one very comfortable regulator. 

The Alpha 9 has proven itself to be an outstanding regulator that has outperformed other high-end regulators. Because of its design, it is easy and cost-effective to maintain. This regulator should meet all your needs as it is a sealed unit and can be used in warm or cold water.

Alpha 9 First Stage features;

• • • • Made from Marine grade brass for extreme ruggedness and durability
      • Over-Balance diaphragm design for constant performance regardless of temperature or tank pressure
      • Sealed for cold water use and protection from contaminants
      • Can be used with Nitrox mixtures up to 40%
      • Four LP ports
      • Two HP ports

Alpha 9 Second Stage features;

• • • • Downstream unbalanced second stage
      • Compact and lightweight
      • Patented orthodontic mouthpiece for extreme comfort
      • Integrated purge button
      • Cost-effective and easy to maintain design

Cressi Sub MC9 Ellipse 

This is another superbly designed regulator. It is tough and durable with outstanding performance. The First stage is Hyper-balanced regulator that is covered in a semi-flexible elastomer sheath that protects it from debris, corrosion, wear and tear. It offers excellent airflow control and the saddle of the yoke is made from 316 stainless steel which makes it extremely durable.

The second stage is an Ellipse balanced stage with a slightly larger casing made from sound absorbing material. It is very well-designed, easy to maintain and service and very cost effective.

MC 9 First Stage features;

• • • • Durable, ultra-modern overcompensated diaphragm
      • Polyurethane valve resistant to oils & hyperoxic mixtures
      • Light increase in pressure as tanks empties guarantees maximum performance in final phase of the dive
      • Sealed chamber allows for use in ice diving without the worry of freeze up
      • Comes in both Yoke or DIN 300 fittings
      • Two HP ports
      • Four LP ports

Ellipse balanced Second Stage features;

• • • • Adjusting venturi system
      • Internal heat exchanger optimizes performance even in cold waters
      • Standard release baffle can be changed by the user for a larger one
      • The pneumatic balancing system of the piston allows for constant performance at any depth and with any tank pressure.
  • • • Silent operation
      • Easy maintenance operations by design 

Hollis 500SE DC7

The 500SE DC7 offers unparalleled performance for both air and trimix divers via a servo controlled valve system. The overbalanced diaphragm provides optimum performance regardless of depth, temperature, or tank pressure. This side exhaust system offers top performance in all conditions.

It offers ideal hose routing for both backmount and sidemount users and provides excellent operation under even the most extreme conditions. This is a really top of its class regulator and easily outperforms other high-end regulators. And it just looks cool.

DC7 First Stage features;

• • • • High performance over-balanced first stage delivers precision air control even under the most extreme conditions
      • Ideal hose routing for both backmount and sidemount configuration
      • Environmentally sealed protects against freeze up and contaminants
      • Can be used with Nitrox up to 40% mixture
      • Standard with 30″ maxflex hose for maximum jaw fatigue relief

500SE Second Stage features;

• • • • Patented Orthodontic Mouthpiece for comfort and reduced jaw fatigue
      • Pneumatically balanced servo valve system
      • Disassembles without the use of tools, even underwater
      • Left or right positioning
      • Boltsnap tie point

Atomic Aquatics B2 

The B2 is a superbly designed regulator that offers you the absolute best in performance, reliability, serviceability, functionality, and design. This is a top of line regulator that outperforms most high-end regulators on the market today. Made from the best materials available, this regulator demands your respect in its superbly designed form.

The B2 is ergonomically designed to be the world’s most comfortable second stage on the market and the only difference between the B2 and the T2 is that the T2 First stage is all titanium construction whereas the B2 is constructed out of chrome plated brass and 316 stainless steel.

B2 First Stage features;

• • • • Atomic Jet Seat high-flow piston first stage
      • Optional factory-sealed first stage to prevent outside contamination such as silt and sand and prevent freezing
      • Nitrox ready for mixtures up to 40%
      • Two HP ports
      • Five LP ports on a swivel cap

B2 Second Stage features;

• • • • All-Titanium second stage construction same as Atomic T2
      • Patented Atomic Seat Saving Orifice
      • Patented Atomic Automatic Flow Control (AFC )
      • Rapid adjustment knob for manual second stage de-tuning in special situations
      • Polished 316 Stainless Steel Atomic Comfort Swivel
      • A new high-flow second stage case that significantly lowers breathing effort at any depth
      • Dual material second stage cover enables entire front to be used for purge
      • Dual silicone comfort fit mouthpiece with tear-resistant bite tabs that reduces jaw fatigue

That is a list of the best scuba regulators of 2018. I am sure you will find one that will meet all your needs.

If you have any comments or questions please feel free to leave them below and I will gladly respond to you.