You know you’ve found the perfect reg when you barely notice it’s there. Our 2017 scuba diving Gear Guide breaks down the key features and pricing for some of the best scuba diving regulators models on dive shelves so you can find the right reg.

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Atomic Aquatics T3

• Precision-machined from titanium

• Three-year, 300-dive service interval lifetime warranty

The top-of-the-line T3 regulator has earned a solid reputation thanks to Atomic’s exclusive Jet Seat high-fl ow first-stage piston and the magnum-lever- design second stage. Comfort features include a second stage swivel and a silicone mouthpiece with tear-resistant bite tabs. Thanks to its all-titanium construction, the T3 is one of the lightest regs on the market, making it a great choice for travelers who don’t want to skimp on performance.

$1,749.95; atomicaquatics.com

Cressi AC10V/Master Cromo

• First stage features five low-pressure ports mounted on a turret that swivels on a 360˚ axis

• Second stage offers an elliptical diaphragm and full user controls

Cressi has combined a classic design with the latest technology. This reg delivers consistent intermediate pressure and high performance, even with low tank pressure. The pneumatically balanced second stage delivers smooth airflow in a compact package. The reg meets the requirements of the last European regulation EN 250/2000.

$449.95; cressiusa.com

Hollis 100LX DC3

• Pneumatically balanced chrome-plated brass second stage valve results in smooth, easy breathing

• Reversible demand valve lets you switch from right-hand to left-hand hose configuration to suit any scenario

The 100LX is a no-nonsense second stage that comes with a dive/pre-dive switch featuring an easy-grip rubber lever, plus an ergonomic exhaust tee and an orthodontic mouthpiece. When paired with the environmentally sealed DC3 over-balanced diaphragm first stage, you get a reliable breathing system at a great value.

$399.95; hollis.com

Hollis 150LX + DC7

• Environmental sealing of the first stage prevents internal corrosion, contaminants and icing of the first stage

• Ergonomic exhaust on the second stage channels bubbles away from the field of view

The 150LX pneumatically balanced second stage delivers high performance at a moderate price. The 150LX is similar to Hollis’ 200LX, but without the PVD plating. Teamed with the ultracompact over-balanced diaphragm DC7 first stage, it makes a great travel regulator. Available in yoke or DIN configurations.

$499.95; hollis.com

Hollis 200LX + DCX

• Customize your inhalation effort with the inhalation knob

• All LX regulators come with a lifetime warranty, two-year service interval and free parts for life

The 200LX + DCX is Hollis’ flagship regulator system. Designed for extreme environments, the pneumatically balanced valve, as well as all metal components of the 200LX, is PVD (physical vapor deposition) plated for maximum performance and durability. It can be converted from a right-hand to left-hand hose configuration in minutes without special tools.

$624.95; hollis.com

Oceanic Alpha 10

• Compact design is extremely tough yet easy to maintain and service

• The lightweight and flexible Miflex braided hose is designed to outperform traditional rubber hoses

Simple, dependable and economical are words often used when describing Oceanic’s line of Alpha regulators, and the new Alpha 10 is no exception. As the successor to the popular Alpha 9, both the first and second stages of the Alpha 10 have been given sleek redesigns, delivering reliability and easy breathing at budget-friendly price.

$299.95 w/ sPX first stage; $399.95 w/ cDX first stage; oceanicworldwide.com

Oceanic Delta 5

• Patented dynamic airflow adjustment gives consistent airflow at any depth

• First stage comes equipped with a heat exchanger for added cold-water performance

The Delta 5 is the latest in a long line of smooth-breathing regulators bearing the Delta name. The updated, pneumatically balanced second stage, featuring an all-metal valve, is paired with the new cold-forged, over-balanced diaphragm eDX – environmentally sealed and cold-water ready. A Miflex hose and orthodontic mouthpiece comes standard.

$499.95; oceanicworldwide.com

SCUBAPRO MK11/C350

• Balanced diaphragm first stage offers a chrome-plated brass body specially designed to reduce both size and weight

• Compact second stage’s Optimal Flow Design delivers maximum airflow under any diving conditions

The MK11/C350 is a great regulator choice for dive travelers. The MK11 features internal parts that are sealed from the elements. The C350 comes with full user controls, plus takes up little space in a travel bag. Together they create a smooth breathing and reliable mid-range regulator system.

$429; scubapro.com

SCUBAPRO MK25 EVO/S620 TI

• Air-balanced, fl ow-through piston first stage provides constant and effortless airflow unaffected by depth, tank pressure or breathing rate

• New second stage exhaust tee directs bubbles out of the fi eld of view

SCUBAPRO’s premium piston first stage and its newest state-of-the-art second stage designed with titanium components create an incredibly reliable reg system that offers excellent resistance to freezing, superb inhalation sensitivity and instant delivery of air in all temperatures and depths.

$819; scubapro.com

Zeagle F8

• Dry sealed balanced diaphragm first stage

• Patented seat-saving orifice for consistent performance

Zeagle’s top-of-the-line regulator pairs the brand’s time-proven first stage with an updated second stage that’s lightweight and designed for maximum comfort. Performance features include an environmentally sealed ambient chamber in the first stage, a second stage inlet tube made from corrosion-resistant zirconium and a redesigned heat sink with increased surface area to combat freezing. Six color kits are available.

$617.95; zeagle.com

Oceanic Alpha 10 Octo

• Provides the dependable, easy-breathing performance of the Alpha 10 at an attractive price

• Rugged, proven design is easy and economical to maintain

It’s no surprise that the same qualities that make the newest reg in Oceanic’s Alpha line an easy choice for a primary reg also make it a natural for an octo. Along with the lightweight, compact design and smooth breathing it shares with the primary Alpha 10, the octo has a bright-yellow purge cover and hose for instant identification.

$169.95; oceanicworldwide.com

Recreational Rebreather

Hollis Explorer 2

• Simple user interface is easy to learn and even easier to dive

• Bail-out mouthpiece provides one-handed transfer from closed circuit to open circuit

The Hollis Explorer is a true recreational rebreather. The unit is neither a fully closed-circuit rebreather nor a pure semi-closed system, but rather a hybrid that gives you the best of both worlds. Compact and lightweight, it comes with a new Version 2 Electronic System.

$4,299.95; hollis.com