| | | PROS: Comes in right- and left-side configurations for twin cylinders; environmentally sealed; excellent breathing performance. CON: Port configuration is not favorable for single-tank diving. FIRST STAGE: The Tek3 first stage is the first regulator designed specifically for twin cylinders, offering one high-pressure port and three low-pressure ports, all on one side. Consequently, the Tek3 is made in right- and left-hand versions. It is available in DIN or boat yoke configurations and comes nitrox-ready up to 40 percent. It's over-balanced and environmentally sealed for the most demanding conditions. SECOND STAGE: The XTX50 second stage is pneumatically balanced, with significant user adjustments and offers reversible hose configuration. The resistance adjustment knob is large and offers a wide range for fine-tuning. The indexed venturi control lever lets you ratchet up the flow on descent and block unwanted freeflow on the surface. A wide exhaust tee keeps bubbles out of view and can be exchanged with a smaller one for use as a streamlined octopus. TEST DIVERS SAID: The Tek3 was a smooth breather and dry in all positions. User adjustments are "easy to find and operate." THE ANSTI REPORT: The Tek3 XTX50 received Excellent scores in all breathing machine tests. PRICE: $1,450 for the Tek3 Complete set (left- and right-side Tek3 first stages, two XTX50 second stages, a two-meter hose, a standard hose and a regulator necklace); $925 for a matched pair of Tek3 first stages. | | |
| | | PROS: Excellent performance at a budget price (MK11/R395); compact first stage; nice second-stage adjustment; smooth and dry-breathing in all positions. CON: Some bubble interference. FIRST STAGE: The MK11 first stage was the smallest of the test group but held its own, putting up some of the best test scores recorded in this review. This over-balanced diaphragm first stage features two high-pressure and four low-pressure ports, two of which are marked "HFP" for pumping out 15 percent greater air flow. Convert to a DIN connection and you have the makings of a compact tech rig. The big surprise is that the MK11/R395 came in with the lowest price ($384) but with some of the highest performance, earning our Best Buy recommendation. SECOND STAGES: The R395 second stage is light and simple with just the VIVA venturi to adjust. It uses a large control knob in front of the mouthpiece that's clearly marked "Dive/Predive." Inside the case are a new lever and diaphragm that are designed to reduce friction. The low-pressure hose can be configured on either the right or left side to customize your rig and the flexible cover allows for easy purging. The S555 second stage is pneumatically balanced, which translates into lower cracking effort at depth. The case body and valve lever assembly are designed to prevent freeze-up and it has the same excellent dive/predive switch as the R395. TEST DIVERS SAID: Our divers found both regs to be smooth and easy breathers. The easy-to-locate front purge marine covers were effective. The mouthpiece was comfortable for most while some bubbles interfered with viewing in certain positions. Breathing was affected in certain head-up positions with the R395, but not as much with the balanced S555 second stage. Both regulators breathed dry in all attitudes. Most telling: test divers voted the MK11/S555 their Testers' Choice for regulators under $500. THE ANSTI REPORT: The breathing machine loved these regulators. Work of breathing was Excellent in all tests, and the regs turned in almost identical results. PRICE: $384 for the MK11/R395 and $489 for the MK11/S555. | | |