Why do Aqualung claim that the Legend ACD Supreme is so good? Are their claims about it justified? And what exactly are the stand out features?

Features of the Aqualung Legend ACD Supreme

The Aqualung Legend regulator includes the following specifications:

• ACD stands for “Auto Closure Device”. The Legend’s ACD keeps the inlet fitting of the regulator sealed (DIN and Yoke) whenever the regulator device itself is removed from your air tank. This means several things:
  • Water and other contaminants cannot enter the first stage. As a result, the first stage itself will retain its level of performance over time and makes it safer to use with Nitrox.
  • The sealed dry chamber also provides resistance to freezing, keeping the mechanics of the Aqualung Legend regulator both clean as well as dry.
• The second stage is pneumatically balanced to ensure consistently easy inhalation regardless of tank pressure.
• The Aqualung Legend ACD Supreme also comprises Venturi Adjustment Switch technology (VAS – controlable by the diver). The VAS prevents free-flowing air when you are at the surface but allows maximum flow beneath it.
• The Legend ACD Supreme also includes Aqua Lung’s Air Turbo System technology in its forward pressure ports which further enhances the breathing capabilities of the regulator.
• The Legend’s over-balanced diaphragm first stage design also improves breathing performance at depth.
• The Legend ACD Supreme regulator is coated with a polyurethane layer which protects its water facing metal parts from corrosion.
• It has 4 x low pressure and 2 x high pressure ports, which are positioned for the best possible configuration of your hoses.
• Recommended for cold water use below 10º C (50º F): the Legend ACD Supreme passes CE standards for cold water regulator performance.
• A removable lip shield on the second stage provides cold protection to your lips.
• 2 year manufacturer warranty.

Aqualung Legend ACD Supreme Review Summary

The Aqualung Legend ACD Supreme is a cold water verison of the Aqualung Legend ACD and is a very reliable regulator largely due to its ACD technology.

The sealed first stage completely protects it from contaminants (when removed from the cylinder valve) in any environment. So cleaning and transporting this particular Legend model should not result in contaminant damage and any subsequent performance degradation over time. The ACD also means that the Legend ACD Supreme is highly suitable for Nitrox diving.

Further features are an overbalanced first stage diaphragm combined with a pneumatically balanced second stage. These features enhance air supply as you descend at the same time as reducing breathing resistance making it easy to inhale. As the second stage is pneumatically balanced it does not require any form of adjustment from you.

The second stage is small and lightweight and can be combined with a number of supplied mouthpiece fittings: an ultra-comfortable model, a standard spare and a reusable clamp.

A lip shield can be used to help keep your lips warm in colder waters, for which the Aqualung Legend ACD Supreme is extremely well suited.

The Aqualung Legend ACD Supreme is a reliable and easy to use regulator that performs well in both warm and cold water.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

SCUBAPRO claims that due to its patented design, the MK25/S600 combo is impervious to cold conditions… no small claim!

How is this possible?

SCUBAPRO has included large holes in the MK25 design to allow more water to pass around it. This means that the cold, depressurised air entering the first stage has a greater chance of being “warmed” by the slightly warmer water that surrounds it. The MK25 also has external fins which add more heat sink properties and at the same time helps to prevent ice from forming up the outside of the MK25’s body.

The SCUBAPRO MK25 also includes SCUBAPRO’s Thermal Insulation System technology, which comprises special material and coating products for the parts of the regulator that move. This in turn reduces the likelihood that ice will cause the moving parts to stick.

Features of the MK25 First Stage Regulator

• Machine turned titanium body and parts.
• Chrome-plated marine brass build.
• SCUBAPRO’s patented Thermal Insulating System.
• Air-balanced flow-through piston system.
• Externally adjustable inter-mediate pressure.
• Dual HP port and 5 port LP swivel.

How Does the S600 Second Stage Contribute?

The SCUBAPRO S600 second stage regulator is a wonderful piece of equipment to breathe through. It is lightweight and small but packs a lot of quality. It includes an adjustable inhalation-resistance knob as well as a dive / pre-dive switch, which has been designed to stop free-flowing air while you are floating at the surface.

Features of SCUBAPRO’s S600

• Body and components made of Technopolymer.
• Diver-adjustable Venturi Initiated Vacuum Assist (VIVA) and inhalation control.
• High-flow exhaust valve.
• Air-balanced linear-flow valve.

SCUBAPRO MK25 and S600 Combination Summary Review

SCUBAPRO state that the MK25-S600 combination regulator is an amalgamation of its top performing 1st stage paired up with its best selling performance air balanced 2nd stage. It is by all accounts SCUBAPRO’s “ultimate” regulator rig.

The SCUBAPRO MK25/S600 combo is designed to stand up to all diving conditions (warm and cold water).

The emphasis of the MK25/S600 regulator system is clearly focused on ease of breathing (through the balanced flow valve), and diver preferences (adjustable inhalation control). The Venturi Inititiated Vacuum Assist controls further contribute to easy inhalaion and high flow exhaust valve aids exhalation. Combined with the super flow hose, breathing underwater has never been so easy!

The various elements of SCUBAPRO’s MK25 and S600 are lightweight (titanium and technopolymer) which are either machine turned or precision molded. The use of anti-freezing materials and coatings make this particular SCUBAPRO regulator combo very resistant to corrosion and assist the whole system in colder water conditions.

The SCUBAPRO MK25 and S600 regulator system is easy to transport and performs exremely well in a variety of environments.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

The XTX200 regulator from APEKS is a premium quality regulator incorporating attractive design and performance. As with all APEKS regulators, the XTX200 is feature rich combining the following elements.

APEKS XTX200 Features

• Converts from a right to left-handed configuration through RVS (Reversible Venturi System) N.B. Conversion should be carried out by an authorized APEKS service technician
• Includes DCE – Diver Changeable Exhaust System
• Durability
• Improved purge function
• Improved breathing performance
• Approved for cold water diving

The Cleanliness of the APEKS XTX200!

All APEKS regulators are of a generally high quality but the APEKS XTX200 is one of the top models. The XTX200 is more ergonomically friendly than most through the RVS, which enables conversion from a left to right configuration and at the same time reduces the build up of grit ingress.

APEKS Regulators Diver Changeable Exhaust System

The DCE system of the XTX200 means that a diver can regulate the size of the exhaust tee you use from a small to a large exhaust. The result of such an ability means that you can choose the flow of exhaust you require for different dives: small for times when space is an issue (easier for travelling or for using as an octopus) or large to minimize bubble interference (important if you want fish to smile at your camera). Breathing performance on XTX200 regulators is also improved through the newly designed silicone exhaust valve.

Durability

The APEKS XTX200 regulator range is also robust and durable. The front cover is composed of a strong plastic and chrome plate to protect the sensitive parts of the demand valve. It also looks nice!

Purge

An improved open purge function means that the XTX200 purge self-clears preventing the build-up of regulator damaging debris. Coupled with a Venturi lever, APEKS’ XTX200 further reduces the problem of grit ingress.

Swivel Hose

The XTX200 range of APEKS regulators can be modified (for a price) to incorporate a swivel hose connection, which permits the demand valve end of the connection to rotate. This can possible make it a more comfortably fitting device for you.

APEKS XTX200 regulators ares a seriously slick addition to the regulator pantheon, combining stylish design, useful features and high performance. The XTX200 also comes in a Nitrox version, but all models are usable in cold or warm water.

The APEKS XTX200 regulator is truly a thing of beauty!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars