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A diving regulator is a piece of equipment scuba divers can’t and shouldn’t overlook when choosing diving gear. It’s what allows divers to breathe underwater. The Apeks Flight regulator works by transferring oxygen to the diver when they’re below water. In addition to providing divers with oxygen, dive regulators regulate the rate at which oxygen flows to keep underwater divers safe.
The last thing you want as a diver is not to have enough air or feel constricted when trying to take a breath below sea-level. Therefore, choosing the best regulator is essential for ensuring this doesn’t happen.
Comparison Table
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About Dive Regulators
Dive regulators regulate oxygen intake when divers are below sea-level. There are several well-known brand-name varieties, including the Apeks Flight, for divers to consider. The regulator works by pumping oxygen through the diver’s tank to their mouthpiece. Without a regulator, divers find it challenging to take one breath at a time. Divers regulate the rate at which oxygen flows using the pressure valves on their regulator.
A Brief Review of Apeks Flight
The Apeks Flight is one of the most highly-rated dive regulators available today. The manufacturer claims it is the lightest air regulator in the world. The regulator’s construction consists of composite materials. The materials are durable and light. The Apeks Flight is a mid-range regulator. The manufacturer has tested the unit on over one million breathing cycles, guaranteeing it won’t give out on divers underwater. The Apeks Flight has also been tested for impact and fatigue, ensuring the best underwater experience.
Features of the Apeks Flight Regulator
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The Apeks Flight has a unique safety feature which is the first stage yoke clamp handwheel. This piece is guaranteed to prevent accidental snagging while divers are underwater. It ensures airflow won’t become constricted if the diver accidentally snags the system while diving.
With their purchase, divers receive a lightweight sports bag to carry the Apeks Flight regulator. The midweight model is highly transportable and easy to take on diving trips. It is also received the CE mark under the European Standards Test. This test ensures the regulator is efficient for diving in temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
A few design features of the Apeks Flight include:
- The anti-sag yoke handwheel clamp
- Integrated Venturi-system
- It is pneumatically balanced for first and second stage use
- A robust skeletal body and in-line hose position for superior diving experiences.
How to Choose Dive Regulators
When comparing dive regulators, divers must consider several varieties. The brand-name and price are just a couple of the aspects to consider. Divers must determine if they are going to use the regulator for cold-water, warm-water, or both forms of diving. Experience level and ease of regulation are also factors divers must consider when comparing regulators. Optimal levels of oxygen flow, ability to manipulate settings, and emergency/safety features are also important aspects to think about.
Piston vs. diaphragm
Divers must determine whether they prefer a piston or diaphragm regulator. These are parts used in first stage regulators. Both of these options are for lowering pressure levels in the dive tank and are reliable for underwater diving.
The piston regulator operates in a basic manner. They can’t be overbalanced, giving them a slight performance edge over diaphragm regulators. The diaphragm regulator is more resistant to cold water diving conditions. In conditions where silt, soil, or sand is present, the regulator also outperforms piston regulators because the internal parts aren’t exposed to water like piston regulators.
DIN vs. yoke
A diver must choose between a DIN or Yoke regulator. This feature describes the fitting that divers use to attach the regulator to their dive tank. The yoke screws over the diving tank. This piece is also known as an A-Clamp.
The DIN switch, or Deutsches Institut fur Normung fitting, screws directly into the receptacle. These are more common in European countries than in other regions of the world. Both regulators are reliable and will keep underwater divers safe underwater.
Balanced vs. unbalanced
Choosing between a balanced or unbalanced regulator is another aspect a diver must consider when deciding between Apeks Flight and other regulators.
An unbalanced regulator has fewer parts than a balanced regulator. At lower tank pressure levels, it sacrifices performance at deeper depths because of this. Regulators that are unbalanced are best for shallow water dives. Beginner divers might also find these regulators a superior choice to start with when learning how the regulator operates.
The balanced regulator uses more parts in the first stage. Doing this ensures the same amount of air delivery, regardless of diving depth or pressure levels. It means air regulation is consistent in shallow waters, or for deep-sea dives. Divers have more control of oxygen intake/airflow, making balanced regulators safer for more in-depth diving excursions.
Cold vs. warm water dive regulator
Those who are deciding between warm and cold-water regulators are typically more experienced divers. Divers usually use these regulators for diving in temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Warm water regulators don’t have a seal. Because of this, they allow some water to seep into the system. They are usually cheaper and have a simplistic design. For shallow water dives and warmer conditions, this system is sufficient for most divers.
The cold-water system is for divers who plan on diving in frigid conditions. The main difference is that icing can occur in regulators. Therefore, these regulators contain an environmental seal which doesn’t allow contaminants to get into the regulator. It reduces the chance of icing to keep divers safe underwater.
The Apeks Flight regulator has a built-in seal making it suitable for cold and warm water diving.
High-pressure and low-pressure ports
Another aspect of the Apeks Flight and dive tank regulator is choosing between high and low-pressure ports. First stage regulators feature a port which connects other parts of the regulator. These include parts like the dive computer, gauges, and other components. This port is available in high and low-pressure varieties.
With low-pressure ports, divers can connect low-pressure items through a hose. The high-pressure port connects higher pressure items. These include pressure gauges and dive computers.
Whether or not divers choose to connect any additional items to their dive regulator, ultimately determines if they should use a high or low-pressure regulator. Those who wish to store information on dive computers or other accessories will benefit from a high-pressure port. Beginners and novice divers who are looking for something simple might choose a low-pressure port regulator.
Nitrox compatibility
Divers must also consider whether they want a regulator which is Nitrox compatible. These are for individuals who plan on engaging in Nitrox diving at any point in time. Cold-water regulators are typically compatible while warm-water regulators aren’t. The Apeks Flight is Nitrox compatible up to 40 percent.
How We Reviewed Top Regulators
When reviewing regulators, we compared the Apeks Flight with other top-rated and reviewed products. Because it is an essential piece of diving equipment, we considered many variables. These included:
- Cold and warm-water compatibility
- Ability to regulate oxygen flow in deeper water depths
- Material finishes and quality breathing performance.
Additionally, we consider the prices of regulators in our review process. Because regulators are expensive, divers should rely on many variables, not price alone, to find the best one. Our comprehensive review accounts for many of these critical variables, to help underwater divers choose a regulator which will keep them safe.
Best Diving Regulators
When it comes to choosing a dive regulator, quality and performance are critical aspects of choosing the best product. In addition to the Apeks Flight, these are a few of the top-rated regulators for divers of all skill levels to consider.
Palantic AS101 Dive Regulator
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This combo dive regulator is a first stage regulator with a 36-inch yellow hose on the octopus and black hose on the second regulator. Piston control delivers unbalanced airflow. The second stage regulator isn’t adjustable.
Environmental sealing is built-in, so it is suitable for cold-water diving. It will prevent freezing or ice from lining on the hose’s interior for increased safety. The regulator is very affordable.
Divers note in their reviews that it is not the best regulator for deep-sea diving. The regulator functions well up to 30 meters in depth but can’t handle much more. Reviewers also note that this is a regulator for beginners and might not operate in challenging situations or depths.
Amazon reviews rate this dive regulator 4.8 out of 5-stars.
Cressi AC2/XS2
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One of the most reliable brands in diving, this is a great option for those who want reliability underwater. The manufacturer has been in business since 1946, so underwater divers can rely on quality, power, and precision with this dive regulator.
It is made of non-corrosive material and has an XS-second stage mouthpiece that fits comfortably and is easy to purge. Divers like the unbalanced first-stage dive feature, and the reliability of this regulator in shallow-water depths.
This diving regulator is for beginners. It is not a good option for deep-sea diving or long diving excursions. It isn’t meant for cold-water diving either. Reviews also note that temperatures below 70 degrees Fahrenheit might be too cold for this regulator.
Reviewers on Amazon give this regulator 4.6 out of 5-stars.
Zeagle F8 Regulator
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The regulator has a robust, conical shape design guaranteed to deliver precision in underwater situations. The model helps improve responsiveness when divers are short of breath or in challenging conditions.
This regulator is well-equipped for dives up to 60-meters in depth. The respiratory volume of 62.5 RMV also ensures smooth underwater breathing, regardless of the depths divers attain. The diaphragm regulator has an interior lining to keep contaminants out in cold-water dives as well.
Regarding the cons or negative reviews, one issue with this regulator is that beginner divers might have a hard time learning to regulate it. Complex regulation valves and nozzles aren’t as straightforward as some regulators specially manufactured for novice and beginner divers.
The regulator has a 5 out of 5-star rating on Amazon.
Scubapro Evo Regulator
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High-performance, efficient, reliable, and the latest technological advancements are a few of the features which set this regulator apart from others. The ultra-high airflow system guarantees divers won’t ever feel short of breath, no matter how deep the diving depth is.
Superior airflow delivers through a flow-thru-piston design that allows divers to breathe freely underwater. Excellent bubble control also eliminates air bubbles from getting into the regulator, which could cause a dangerous situation in deep water situations. The high-quality interior environmental lining also makes it an excellent choice for cold-water dives.
One complaint is the price of the regulator. However, it is not much higher in price than other advanced regulator systems. Apart from this, divers don’t have many complaints about the quality of this piece of diving equipment.
Amazon reviewers give this dive regulator 5 out of 5-stars.
Aqua Lung Calypso
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This regulator has a first and second-stage regulating design featuring an LP hose for efficient levels of airflow below water. The system is reliable, robust, and is lightweight so that it won’t weigh divers down underwater.
A leading manufacturer in the industry designs this regulator, meaning divers can rely on the quality they’re receiving. And the affordable price point makes it a perfect regulator for beginners and novice divers alike.
The regulator is not the best option for cold-water diving. It doesn’t feature an environmental lining membrane, which will possibly allow particles to enter the system, and constrict breathing. Reviews also note it is best for diving in shallow depths, of 25 to 30 meters depth max.
The reviews for this regulator are 5 out of 5-stars.
Where to Buy and Average Price
The Apeks Flight regulator is available through Amazon and other diving supply stores. Average price for the regulator is between $600 to $700.
Is Apeks Flight the Best Dive Regulator for the Price?
The Apeks Flight regulator is an excellent option for divers, regardless of skill level. It is efficient. The regulator is safe to dive in colder temperatures, so it is suitable for novice and experienced divers alike. The fact that it is the lightest regulator also makes it perfect for those who want to minimize weight when diving. Divers can appreciate features such as Impact protection and pneumatic design, and the regulator diverts air bubbles exceptionally well.
For those who want the best regulator, the Apeks Flight is a great option. The regulator’s price is reasonable in a competitive marketplace. It also has outstanding safety features other regulators don’t and provides divers of all experience levels with a critical piece of equipment that is easy to regulate.
For more advanced divers, the Scubapro regulator is also a great option. Technologically advanced design, reliable in cold-water dives, and a piston-design help regulate a diver’s breathing technique correctly. Regardless of the depths divers achieve, this regulator will keep them breathing easy.
Featured image: CC by 2.0, by Greg Grimes, via Flickr
