The new Ellipse MC9 Balanced Non-Adjustable regulator has the same high-performance features of the Ellipse Balanced, but without the Second stage micrometric adjustment knob. This allows Cressi to offer the same level of performance at a more affordable price. The non-adjustable Ellipse is an easy-breathing second stage, with an oversized diaphragm that decreases inhalation effort.

When used as a safe second, Aqua Lung’s Air Source 3 inflator reg breathes smoother than many primary regs. And when used as a power inflator, it delivers total ascent control. The Airsource 3 uses a screw-down fitting similar to the one used on a primary reg’s second stage.

These regs delivered above-average breathing performance and a surprising amount of reserve capacity. The balanced second stage on the Cayman smoothes out the breathing at deeper depths and heavier breathing rates, but the Bonaire is no slouch. ...

This reg is not designed for pushing any envelopes. But for recreational diving, it delivers perfectly respectable breathing performance, and it does so at a steal of a price.

The Brut is sold as an entry-level reg, and for the price it offers good performance.

This is a basic reg that delivers gas reliably. The stiff purge is annoying, and if you dive in a drysuit and carry an octo, the MC5 doesn’t offer enough LP ports.

The new Titan shows you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a really great reg. Top breathing performance at a really good price makes it a Best Buy in our book.

These are solid regs that deliver excellent breathing performance both when diving within recreational depths and when pushed to extremes.

This standout reg breathes easy under normal conditions, plus offers a tremendous amount of reserve capacity for extreme diving. It’s the priciest breather of this year’s shootout, but delivers the best performance, making it our Testers’ Choice ...