How to choose a diving regulator: All you want to know [Updated in 2024]

The best thing to have in mind before selecting the right regulator

Scuba diving is an adventure that opens up the wonders of the underwater world. But to safely and comfortably explore these depths, the right equipment is crucial, and at the heart of this equipment is the scuba diving regulator. This guide is meticulously crafted to assist divers of all levels in making informed decisions when selecting a regulator, ensuring a balance of safety, performance, and comfort.

1.Understanding the Anatomy of a Regulator

The First Stage – Your Lifeline to the Tank: The first stage is the unsung hero of your dive setup. It’s crucial to choose one with the right number and type of ports. A higher number of ports offers versatility, allowing you to connect various instruments and accessories. Pay attention to the arrangement of these ports for easy hose routing.

The Second Stage – Where Comfort Meets Function:

Your breathing experience underwater is largely defined by the second stage. Look for features like user-adjustable inhalation effort and venturi switches that can make breathing underwater as effortless as on the surface.

The Octopus – A Backup You Can Rely On:

This alternate air source is your safety net. It should be as reliable as your primary second stage. Some divers prefer an octopus with a longer hose for ease of sharing air in emergencies.

Instruments – Your Underwater Dashboard:

From analog gauges to sophisticated dive computers, your instruments are your guide to safe diving. They provide essential information like remaining air, depth, and dive time. Personal preference and dive complexity will dictate whether you go for a simple setup or a more advanced one.

Inflator Hose – Keeping You Neutral:

This often-overlooked component is vital for controlling your buoyancy underwater. Look for a durable, flexible hose that can withstand the rigors of diving.

2.How its work? A Scuba Dive regulator balanced Diaphragm.

The best way to understand is with a simple explanation. Check how it works.

Selecting Based on Diving Conditions

The choice of your regulator will depend on the diver you are. There are regulators for each category of divers. In warmer climates, a regulator that’s lightweight and easy to pack is ideal. These regulators often have fewer features but are perfect for clear, warm waters where equipment demands are generally less.

For cold water dives, your regulator must withstand freezing temperatures without malfunctioning. Features like environmental sealing and materials that enhance cold water performance are essential.

There is the EN250A standard which guarantees the quality of the regulator in cold waters.

Budgeting for Your Regulator

Your budget is a key factor, but investing in a reliable regulator ensures safety and peace of mind. A higher price often equates to better materials, enhanced features, and improved reliability. Consider your regulator an investment in your diving future.

A quality product can follow you for 10 or 20 years or more if you take good care of it. In addition, a good regulator can follow you in your diving evolution without limiting you if you go for more technical or deep diving than recreational diving.

The complete regulator set can be found at around 250 € for the cheapest depending on the different offers available and go up to 1000 € or even more depending on the limited series or options you choose. For around 500 €, you can have a very good quality all-inclusive package.

Balanced vs. Unbalanced Regulators

An essential set of your regulator is whether the 1st stage is balanced. Nowadays, most regulators are balanced and even for high-end over-balanced.

The difference between the two models is in the internal mechanism of the 1st stage. Balanced regulators provide consistent breathing effort regardless of depth or tank pressure. They are more complex but offer a smoother breathing experience, making them a preferred choice for serious divers. Balanced or overbalanced regulators are built with a right angle. That means that the part screwed into the bottle is at a 90 degrees angle compared to the regulator body.

Unbalanced regulators are simpler and generally more affordable. They are suitable for new divers or those who dive infrequently. From an external point of view, there is a difference between the two options. The 1st stage of unbalanced regulators is straight and aligned with the outlet of the cylinder, so the cylinder pressure influences the opening of the mechanism. It becomes more difficult to breathe when the pressure decreases in the tank, especially below 50 bars.

Besides the first stage, the 2nd stage can also be balanced for maximum performance.

It is possible to have a balanced 1st stage and an unbalanced 2nd stage for an intermediate option. As the 1st stage does most of the work, this solution is an excellent way to keep costs down.

Instrument Options and Customization

You have the option to either buy different parts of the regulator set separately or customize the set with the instruments you want. This means you can choose what you want to include in your set. The simplest choice is just a pressure gauge, which most divers use because it’s easy and does the job. If you want more information while diving, you can pick a double console setup. This includes a pressure gauge and either a depth gauge to tell you how deep you are, or a compass to help you navigate underwater. The most complete setup is the triple console. This has a pressure gauge, a depth gauge, and a compass all in one, so you have all the information you need in one place.

There’s also a special version that comes with a dive computer. This computer can be the main tool you use to keep track of your dive details, or it can be a backup in case your main one has problems. Dive computers are really helpful because they give you lots of important information about your dive.

Choosing the Right Octopus

You have the option to pick an octopus that’s different from your main first stage and primary regulator. But it’s important to get all these parts from the same brand. Mixing brands can not only void the warranty but can also cause problems with the pressure settings between the first and second stages. To make things easier, many brands offer primary and backup (octopus) regulators in the same series.

A common mistake is to buy the cheapest backup regulator available, thinking it might never be used. However, in a situation where your diving buddy runs out of air, a low-quality backup regulator can be hard to breathe from, especially if they’re already panicking. This could make them desperately try to use your primary regulator instead, leading to a dangerous situation. Choosing a high-quality octopus regulator can prevent such problems and ensure safety for both you and your buddy.

Technological Advancements and Connectivity

We recently had the opportunity to test several new dive computers with air integration. During this, we encountered a significant issue. The transmitter couldn’t connect to our MK2 or Calypso regulators. Only the MK25 and Legend models had the capability for an additional connection.

Let’s clarify what ‘Output setting’ means: It’s the part of the regulator where you connect various devices like your pressure gauge, inflator hose, backup regulator (octopus), and drysuit inflator. Standard connections on regulators include:

One high-pressure port with a UNF 7/16″ thread. Here’s where the problem lies: budget or entry-level regulators typically have only one of these ports, used for the pressure gauge. This means there’s no room to connect a wireless gauge for your computer.

Three medium-pressure ports with a UNF 3/8 thread.

One low-pressure port with a UNF 1/2 thread, which is often missing in less expensive models.

So, for divers owning advanced computers like the Shearwater Teric, Suunto D5i, Garmin Descent Mk1/Mk2, or any other model with air-integrated systems, having two high-pressure ports is essential.

As professional divers, it’s crucial never to substitute a manual pressure gauge with an adapter for various safety reasons.

It’s reassuring to know that all regulators in the market today meet stringent standards, ensuring even the more budget-friendly options deliver high performance.

Conclusion:

Selecting the right scuba diving regulator is a balance of understanding your needs, the conditions you will dive in, and the advancements in diving technology. Your regulator is not just a piece of equipment; it’s your lifeline underwater.
Take the time to research and choose wisely, ensuring many safe and enjoyable dives ahead.