Buying your first regulator package is a major milestone in your diving journey. It's also one of the most important purchases, as this is the gear that lets you breathe underwater and explore the ocean with confidence.
With so many options, specifications, and price points, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Understanding the basics of what makes a good regulator package will make choosing the right one much simpler.
When you're starting your search, browsing Mike's Dive Store's Regulator Packages is a great way to compare complete setups from trusted brands all in one place.
What Is a Regulator Package?
A typical regulator package includes all the components you need to dive safely:
- First stage – attaches to your tank and reduces high-pressure air to an intermediate pressure
- Primary second stage – the regulator you breathe from
- Alternate second stage (octopus) – a backup regulator for emergencies or sharing air
- SPG (pressure gauge) – shows how much air remains in your tank
- LPI Hose - low pressure inflator hose which you'll connect to a BCD
While all regulators perform the same essential function, their quality, performance, and features can vary significantly. Buying a package from our store ensures all components are fully compatible and ready to dive.
What to Look For:
1. Choose the Right Type for Your Diving
The key question is: where and how will you be diving?
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Cold UK waters? Look for cold-water rated and environmentally sealed regulators. Recommended options include:
- Scubapro MK17 EVO 2/C370 + R105 Octopus Package – a proven cold-water performer with environmental sealing as standard.
- Apeks XTX50 Diving Regulator Package – Apeks' cold-water specialist, built for demanding UK conditions.
- Apeks MTX-RC + Miflex Gauges + BCD Hose – a step up from the XTX50, with cold-water sealing and a compact, travel-friendly design.
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Travelling abroad? Lightweight, compact models are ideal. Consider:
- Mares Dual ADJ 62X + Octopus Dual Package – lightweight and reliable, a great all-round travel companion.
- Mares SXS and Mission 1 SPG Lightweight Regulator Bundle – ultra-compact and designed specifically for travel divers.
- Cressi MC9-SC Compact & Octopus Compact Travel Regulator Set – a compact, no-fuss travel set from a trusted Italian brand.
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Planning to progress in your diving career? Choose a package that can grow with you:
- Scubapro MK25 EVO/S620Ti + R105 Octopus Package – a high-performance balanced regulator that grows with your skills.
- Apeks EVX200 Stage 3 Dive Regulator Set – an excellent progression package from Apeks, well-suited to divers advancing beyond recreational basics.
- Scubapro MK25 EVO / A700 + R105 Octopus Package – the A700 second stage offers a step up in performance for divers pushing into more challenging environments.
Not all regulators are suitable for all environments, so matching your gear to your diving style is crucial. Our packages are labelled for cold water or travel, making it easier to find the right option.
2. Balanced vs Unbalanced
Regulators are often described as balanced or unbalanced:
- Balanced regulators deliver consistent airflow regardless of depth or tank pressure.
- Unbalanced regulators may require more effort to breathe as tank pressure drops.
Most Mike's Dive Store packages are balanced, providing smooth, reliable breathing for divers at all levels.
3. First Stage Design: DIN vs INT
Two main connection types exist:
- DIN – screws directly into the tank; more secure and can handle higher pressure.
- INT (Yoke) – clamps over the tank valve; common in some locations.
DIN is often preferred for safety and versatility, and many packages include easy conversion options if required.
4. Environmental Sealing
For cold-water diving, environmental sealing is essential:
- Prevents water and contaminants from entering the first stage
- Reduces the risk of freezing and freeflow
This feature is critical for reliability in challenging conditions, like year-round UK diving. Top choices for environmentally sealed packages include:
- Apeks XTX50 Diving Regulator Package – Apeks' dedicated cold-water package, fully sealed against the elements.
- Scubapro MK17 EVO 2/C370 + R105 Octopus Package – environmentally sealed first stage designed to perform reliably in cold UK waters.
- Apeks MTX-RC + Miflex Gauges + BCD Hose – a premium cold-water sealed option with a compact, lightweight build.
5. A Complete, Compatible Set
Packages with matched components prevent performance issues caused by mixing brands. Sets from Mike's Dive Store are tested as complete systems to ensure reliability and ease of use. With Mike's free assembly service, all packages are professionally assembled, built, and tested before dispatch, giving you a ready-to-dive setup!
6. Comfort and Ease of Breathing
Higher-end regulators often include features like:
- Adjustable breathing resistance
- Venturi controls for smoother airflow
- Ergonomic mouthpieces
While basic models work fine, these features make a noticeable difference on longer dives.
7. Serviceability and Brand Support
Regulators require regular servicing (typically every 12–24 months). When choosing a package, consider:
- Is the brand easy to service?
- Are parts readily available?
Don't forget, Mike's Dive Store offers servicing for the packages they sell, giving you confidence that your regulator can be maintained by a trusted team!
Our Picks
Not sure where to start? Here are three of our favourite packages to suit different divers:
- Best for new divers & progression: Scubapro MK25 EVO / S620Ti + R105 Octopus Package – a reliable, balanced regulator that performs well in a variety of conditions and grows with your skills.
- Best for cold UK waters: Apeks XTX50 Diving Regulator Package – fully environmentally sealed and built for year-round UK diving, a trusted choice for British divers.
- Best for travelling divers: Cressi MC9-SC Compact & Octopus Compact Travel Regulator Set – lightweight and compact, ideal for divers who want a no-fuss setup they can take anywhere.
FAQs
Q: Do I need to buy a complete regulator package or can I buy components separately?
A: While you can buy components individually, a complete package is strongly recommended for beginners. Matched packages ensure all components are fully compatible, have been tested together as a system, and are ready to dive straight out of the box. It also tends to be better value.
Q: What's the difference between a first stage and a second stage?
A: The first stage attaches directly to your tank and reduces the high-pressure air down to an intermediate pressure. The second stage is the part you actually breathe from. Most packages include a primary second stage and an alternate (octopus) for emergencies or sharing air with a buddy.
Q: What is an octopus regulator and do I really need one?
A: An octopus is your backup second stage — a spare regulator that can be used in an emergency, either by yourself or to share air with a diving buddy. It's an essential piece of safety equipment and is included in all complete regulator packages at Mike's Dive Store.
Q: What is the difference between DIN and INT connections?
A: DIN regulators screw directly into the tank valve, making them more secure and capable of handling higher pressures. INT (yoke) regulators clamp over the tank valve and are more common in certain dive locations. Many regulators offer easy conversion between the two, so it's worth checking before you buy.
Q: Do I need a cold-water rated regulator for UK diving?
A: If you're diving in UK waters year-round, a cold-water rated and environmentally sealed regulator is strongly recommended. Without environmental sealing, cold water and contaminants can enter the first stage, increasing the risk of freezing or freeflow — which can be dangerous underwater.
Final Thoughts
There's no single "perfect" regulator - only the right one for your diving needs. A good first regulator package should be:
- Reliable
- Comfortable to breathe from
- Suitable for your environment
- Easy to service and maintain
Get these key points right, and your regulator can serve you well for years. If you're still unsure, don't hesitate to reach out - you can email us at support@mikesdivestore.com, schedule a video consultation, or drop by our Chiswick store for expert, face-to-face advice.
