Zeagle Onyx Regulator

SPECS
• Made in: USA
• Weight: 2.6 pounds
• First Stage: Balanced diaphragm
• Ports: 2HP, 5LP
• Second Stage: Pneumatially balanced
• User Adjustments: Dive/predive lever, breathing-resistance knob
• Warranty: Limited lifetime
• MSRP: $499
• Info: www.zeagle.com

PERFORMANCE
When the Onyx first came out a couple of years ago, it earned high marks as an easy-breathing reg. This year Zeagle added a dry- seal system to the first stage and a heat sink to the second stage, creating the Onyx CW (for cold water). Performancewise, not much has changed. The reg is still a giant-killer on the AnSTI machine, able to handle all standard RMV/depth-test levels with some of the lowest work of breathing in this category. This top-drawer behavior extended into the ocean, where test divers lauded it for its effort- less, bone-dry breathing. The mouthpiece is rather large with long bite tabs; some test divers liked it, others found it a bit too much to swallow. It is equipped with the softest purge cover and best purge action in this category, and its user controls were rated among the best.

BOTTOM LINE
The Onyx CW was the only reg to end up on every test diver’s Top 3 Favorites list, making it the unanimous pick for Testers’ Choice in the $500 & under category.