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You’re the type of person who only wants the best, and you don’t mind paying for it as long as it’s a known commodity with a trusted reputation for performance and safety. The good news is that Aqualung has the Leg3nd Elite regulator. The bad news is you’re only going to need one.
A dive industry leader, Aqualung consistently manufactures regulators that meet and exceed the needs of all divers from the new novice diver to the salty veteran, and the Leg3nd Elite is no different. This is the Cadillac of regulators.
Let’s DIVE IN and take a closer look at the Aqualung Leg3nd Elite…
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
High performance -
Balanced diaphragm first stage
-
Pneumatically balanced second stage
-
Trusted brand
Things we don't like:
-
Price point is a little high -
Heavy – doesn’t travel well
Specs & Features
- Valve: DIN or yoke
- First stage: Over-balanced diaphragm
- Second stage: Pneumatically balanced
- Ports: Two high-pressure, four low-pressure
- Max working pressure: 300 bar/4350 psi (DIN); 232 bar/3365 psi (yoke)
- Weight: 26.3 oz/747g (DIN); 33.8 oz/957g (yoke)
Make yourself an elite legend by diving the Leg3nd Elite
Out of the box, my first impression is that the Leg3nd Elite is a heavy, large regulator. It feels solid and sturdy, however, it probably doesn’t travel that well due to its weight. Divers will notice the high-pressure ports are angled down slightly, making hose routing easier.
Testing the Leg3nd Elite couldn’t have gone smoother. I took it out for a handful of test drives both in fresh and salt water. During the quarry dives the water was very cold, and with the Leg3nd Elite, Aqualung has produced a regulator that held up to extended periods of time in harsh conditions.
When I dove in the open ocean I took it deep, right up to the limits of recreational diving. There was absolutely zero change in breathing effort regardless of how deep I went or if I was fighting against the current.
I have used and trusted Aqualung for years. A lot of my dive family uses and trusts Aqualung regulators and BCDs, and putting the Leg3nd Elite in the mix will only benefit those who choose it.
Spec Breakdowns & Features
Related Reviews
Having an over-balanced diaphragm means the Leg3nd Elite offers consistent breathability regardless of effort, depth, and pressure. Additionally, it’s environmentally sealed to keep out corrosive water and small particulates.
The pneumatically balanced second stage delivers exactly the right amount of air the diver needs and includes an adjustable venturi switch. Also included is a “heat exchanger,” housed where the regulator and hose attach. Built with deep ribs, the heat exchanger increases the surface area and surrounds the valve mechanism to dissipate the cold caused by gas expansion while using ambient warmth from the water. An added feature is the lip shield, which keeps cold water off the diver’s face and keeps exhaled bubbles out of the line of sight.
Accessories
The Aqualung Leg3nd Elite comes with the first and second stage, so the necessary components you would need are the Leg3nd octopus and the Aqualung SPG. You can pair some neat accessories, including Aqualung masks, snorkels, and fins, not to mention Aqualung’s top-notch computers, including the highly rated i470TC.
Price/Quality Ratio
The Leg3nd Elite is priced on the higher side, but you are getting exactly what you are paying for. What you pay up front will return to you in safe and enjoyable dives with a trusted brand and high performance for years to come.
Aqualung also offers a “parts for life” program, which includes free parts when an overhaul is due, as long as you follow the schedule for service. Doing so will absolutely save you money in the long run.
Do we recommend the Aqualung Leg3nd Elite?
We wholeheartedly recommend the Aqualung Leg3nd Elite. In fact, it is our choice for the best overall regulator of the year. At the price point, we recommend this regulator more so for the diver with a little bit of experience.
Divers at all levels could absolutely benefit from owning the Leg3nd Elite, but we know newer divers have a lot of equipment to purchase, and the investment can be a bit daunting to deal with. Check out our picks for the rest of the year’s top regulators here.
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
High performance
-
Balanced diaphragm first stage
-
Pneumatically balanced second stage
-
Trusted brand
Things we don't like:
-
Price point is a little high
-
Heavy – doesn’t travel well
Frequently asked questions
Aqualung is one of the oldest dive brands in the world, with a rich history and great equipment. Regulators, BCDs, computers, masks, and a variety of accessories from Aqualung are all top notch. Check out our review of the Aqualung i300c dive computer here.
Without diving into every technical aspect of regulators, simply put, a balanced regulator remains unaffected by the outside, ambient pressure during a dive. When the pressure increases as you descend, the pressure placed on the regulator increases as well, and unbalanced regulators are slower to respond to divers’ breathing.
The manufacturer’s recommended schedule is after 100 dives or once every year, whichever comes first. It is highly important to follow this schedule to receive the “free parts for life” program.
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