Scuba Pro vs. Aqua Lung regulators

[jd_earth]

My regulator system needs an upgrade and I was wondering what experiences people have had with Scuba Pro regulators and Aqua Lung regulators (specifically the Kronos and the Legend from Aqua Lung).

I dive warm water, but I also enjoy diving in Monterey and at the Channel Islands.

Any suggestions? :glad:

Thanks for your help!

 

[Bubbletrubble]

Realistically, you should be able to get a great reg in either line (Scubapro or Aqualung). The water in Monterey and the Channel Islands doesn't get icy cold (avg. 50°F, high 57°F, low 44°F), so I think you could still probably go with a first stage that isn't sealed.

I have two reg setups: one is an Aqualung Legend, the other is the Apeks ATX100/50/FST. Both have sealed first stages and both breathe very nicely. I highly recommend both.

I'm not very knowledgeable on Scubapro regs, but if I had to purchase one today, I'd probably go with a G250V/MK17.

You might want to consider the new HOG brand of regs. Although they are fairly new on the market, people seem to like them and they are relatively inexpensive ($160 for sealed first stage, $100 for second stage). Overhaul parts kits can be bought freely by reg owners, and HOG is teaming up with retailers to offer classes teaching customers how to service their own regs (provided that the customers have some sort of tech diver certification). This manufacturer-supported DIY servicing is a refreshing approach in direct contrast to those policies in place at Scubapro and Aqualung.

Good luck with your reg shopping...

 

[Bogie]

I have an Aqua Lung Legend LX Supreme and it has been rock solid. It has the ACD feature (automatic closure device) which seals the regulator fitting for both din and yoke. This keeps water out of your first stage when rising off your equipment. It has two adjustments one to set to eliminate free flow at the surface and another to control breathing tension while diving in a strong current. Fist stage is over balanced and second is balanced for easy breathing at depth.

Any how, it has worked great for me with no problems and is easily serviced.

 

[covediver]

While each has its advocates on SB, both Aqualung and Scubapro are good, reliable regualtors, either of which should give you great service.

 

[Diver0001]

*bias alert*

I've owned 6 regulators (still own 5), all but one of which were Aqualungs, and every one of them has been completely trouble free. Even the Aquarius that was built in 1972 still works today as well as it did when it was new.

I don't know anything either way about Scubapro regs, except that even if they *are* perfect, I can't see how they would be any better than the Aqualungs.

R..

 

[herman]

It's pretty much a wash. Both companies have been around a long time and have a history of supporting their regs for many years. World wide support is pretty common with both, although if I had to guess my bet is AL would have a slight edge on WW dealers. I own mostly AL....well actually US Divers, mine were made before they changed their name. If you have a local service shop you really like, go with which every they sell. Not because the regs (within a given price range) are better but because it will be easier for you to get quick service and support.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

In the interest fo equal time, I'll give the same bias toward Scubapro. The Mk 17 G250 is an exeptional reg, and in general I see a lot more Scubapro regs owned by cave divers than I do Aqualung regs.

I still have the first reg I ever owned - a MK 3 bought new in 1985, and it still works great. I also have Mk 5's that are considerably older (early 1970's) that also still work like new and parts and service are still readily available.

Scubapro and Aqualung are the only two companies that you can make those kinds of statements about.

 

[redacted]

I dive Scubapro regs but the decision between the two is not easy. If I were set on buying new and planned to do my own servicing, I would not go with either as they both oppose DIY service. If I planned to follow the MFGR recommended service schedule through an authorized dealer, I'd probably go with Aqualung as they do not require the expensive "annual" service like Scubapro does.

 

[Cajuncru Diver]

There is one thing I can personally attest to----when you call for customer service or email Aqualung in Vista, Ca. you will receive prompt, friendly & courteous service from them--and they stand behind their products 100%--- I am sure there must be many other companies who render just as good customer service as Aqualung, but I don't beleive anyone can give any "better" customer service.

 

[Luis H]

They are both great companies as mentioned above.

The only issue I have with both is that (as mentioned by awap) in the US they do not support DIY regulator service. That being said, I have never had any issues getting parts for both, but part of that is developing a good relationship with several my local dive shops.

Aqua Lung and Scubapro are the only two companies with a design philosophy that (most of the time) builds on the success of their previous designs and (again most of the time) the changes are cosmetic or minimal, unless they make a substantial technological improvement. This design philosophy provides not only well proven designs, but also parts compatibility that supports older models and reduces the need of large service parts inventory.

Other companies may be adopting similar design philosophy, but must are too new to have much of a track record. That is not to say that other companies don’t make excellent regulators, they just don’t have the track record.

Note: Poseidon is a unique case, they have the oldest regulator still in production (which is also one of the oldest single hose ever), but all their other regulators are unique and none share any parts commonality.


As to giving equal time to both companies… well I certainly do. My favorite (single hose) regulator is an Aqua Lung Titan (or Conshelf) first stage with a Scubapro Metal Balanced Adjustable second stage (109/ 156). I can’t conceive of a regulator combination that will produce any better performance, more durable, more reliable, easiest to service, easiest to find parts, and stock minimal amount of parts. To me that show that both companies make such good products that to get all the best features I personally need to take parts from both.