ScubaLab tested five new regulators in a head-to-head evaluation. The XS Scuba Xplore is our Best Buy for 2024.

ScubaLab measured each regulators’ ability to deliver air at a range of depths and breathing rates on a breathing simulator at Dive Lab in Panama City Beach, Florida.

We also tested regs at Blue Grotto Dive Resort in Williston, Florida with a team of test divers who scored them in 14 categories including ease of breathing, dry operation and comfort.

Each regulator was evaluated in 14 categories including, breathing rates, ease of breathing, dryness of operation and comfort.

Despite its lower-than-average price, the Xplore held its own. It earned excellent scores on the breathing simulator at most of our work rates and depths. Performance began to taper off sooner than the other regs it was up against, but still earned both very good and good work of breathing scores at extreme rates and depths.

In the water, the reg scored very good for ease of breathing in swim and head-down positions and good for face-up. Some divers noted it could be a bit wet in odd positions, but it still scored excellent for dryness in swim position and very good in head-down and face-up positions.

Clearing the reg is very easy. Divers liked the supple, responsive purge, which can provide just a trickle of gas, a full blasting torrent or anything in between. The breathing adjustment requires a hex key. It allows for a stable, precise tuning of breathing effort, but it can take a few dives to dial in. It also has a direct effect on the Venturi’s ability to subdue or simply slow a free-flow.

The second stage is very comfortable for its size. The placement of the ports on the first stage can be awkward to route.

With a great mix of features and performance without breaking the bank, the XS Scuba Xplore is ScubaLab’s Best Buy.

Read the full head-to-head ScubaLab review at www.scubadiving.com/best-scuba-regulators.