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.
Become 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
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.
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) |
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