Choosing a regulator

Choosing the regulator that's right for you

Your regulator is a vital piece of gear and choosing the right one for you can be confusing. The goal of all regulators is the same: to deliver air on demand at ambient pressure. Comfort with a scuba regulator depends on how you breathe - and everyone’s different. Regulators have slightly different ‘actions’ - some feel looser or tighter, some will deliver air more forcefully, others will have a slight ‘suck’ to them. Only you know which regulator feels right for you. Only you know your budget and what other features are important to you and your style of diving.

Some divers simply advise - get the most expensive regulator you can afford - but here’s some other considerations:

	Atomic B2	Sherwood SR1	Atomic Z2	Sherwood Brut	Seac Sub Synchro	Atlantis Tech R60	Atlantis Quest R10	Atlantis Icon R1
Does it have ergonomic design?	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Is the purge button easily pressed even when wearing thick neoprene gloves?	Yes	Yes	Yes	Smaller purge cover	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Does it have external controls which allow fine adjustments to air flow?	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	No
Is it constructed with non-corroding metals like titanium or chromed brass?	Titanium, chrome plated brass and stainless steel	Chrome plated brass and stainless steel	Chrome plated brass and stainless steel	Chrome plated brass and stainless steel	Chrome plated brass and technopolymers	Chrome plated brass, 303 stainless steel, passivated internal parts	Chrome plated brass, 303 stainless steel, passivated internal parts	Chrome plated brass, 303 stainless steel, passivated internal parts
Does it have diaphragm or piston first stage?	Piston	Piston	Piston	Piston	Piston	Diaphragm	Piston	Piston
Is it balanced or unbalanced?	Balanced	Balanced	Balanced	Balanced	Unbalanced	Balanced	Balanced	Unbalanced
Is it environmentally sealed?	Optional	Yes	Optional	No	No	Yes	No	No
What’s the warranty?	Lifetime of original owner limited warranty	Lifetime of original owner limited warranty	Lifetime of original owner limited warranty	Lifetime of original owner limited warranty	Lifetime of original owner limited warranty	Lifetime of original owner limited warranty	Lifetime of original owner limited warranty	Lifetime of original owner limited warranty
What’s the service schedule?	2 year service or 300 dives	1 year service	2 year service or 300 dives	1 year service	1 year service	1 year service	1 year service	1 year service
Does it have first stage turret swivel?	Yes	Yes	Optional	No	No	No	Yes	No
Does it have second stage hose swivel?	Yes	No	Optional	No	No	No	No
Is it Nitrox compatible up to 40%?	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes