Dive Rite XT Advanced Scuba Regulator Review

By
Andrew Goad
Staff writer at DIVEIN.com
Andy has been an avid diver for many years, honing his skills and passion for the underwater world. As an instructor, scientific diver, and technical diver,...
Rebecca Strauss
Editor at DIVEIN.com
Rebecca has been an avid traveler and scuba diver for many years. She began her editorial career by updating travel guides, which took her all over...

You’ve read through countless websites, studied the reviews, and talked to the folks at the dive shop, but you’re not sure what first stage goes with what second stage, and you’re worried about having to “Frankenstein” your regulator kit. Look no further than the Dive Rite XT Advanced regulator package. In one package divers will receive the XT1 first-stage regulator, the XT2 second-stage regulator, the XT2 octopus regulator, and the 2- inch tech SPG.

Having a trusted brand that makes top-notch equipment is one thing, having it all in one place is entirely another. While much of Dive Rite’s equipment caters to technical divers, the XT package can provide high quality and dependability to all levels of divers, from the novice to the expert at a great price for a complete package.

About this review

To help you find a Scuba Regulator that will fit your needs, we’ve tested, researched, and reviewed the best ones available today.
We test both in the water, diving in various conditions - and in our lab - so we can give you accurate answers on quality, performance, and the overall value.

Read about our test of Scuba Regulators

Recommended in: Scuba Regulator

Things we like:

  • Comes as complete package (first stage, second stage, octo, SPG)
  • Carrying bag included
  • Octopus necklace included
  • Balanced regulator

Things we don't like:

  • Primary second stage hose is very short

Put it on a tank and go diving

I have been a fan of Dive Rite equipment for years, and the XT1 is the regulator I use for stage bottles while tech diving. Both of my back plates come from Dive Rite as well. But that is where my experience ends—I had never used the XT package for single-tank dives.

That recently changed when, while testing various regulators on the market, I needed to have my personal regulator serviced. I grabbed the Dive Rite XT Advanced package since it contains every piece of equipment I need, and gave it a thorough testing. While using this regulator I have taught classes both in the pool and in the quarry, where it was very cold, and I honestly couldn’t tell the difference between the XT and my higher-priced personal regulator.

It has held up perfectly in dirty, cold fresh water and deep ocean water. Being a balanced diaphragm you won’t feel any difference in breathing effort regardless of how deep you dive or in what conditions you find yourself.

A few small things that Dive Rite has done with this regulator make a big difference. The octopus comes standard with a right-angle adapter, which makes hose routing a breeze. This configuration makes the octopus hose lay flat against your right side, improving both comfort and trim. The package also includes a carrying bag and a regulator necklace, which keeps your octo close, preventing dragging in the sand and bumping into delicate underwater life.

The one thing I don’t like is the shortness of the primary regulator hose. It makes turning your head to the left uncomfortable. I really like the flexible hose, but if this was my unit I would buy a longer hose.


Spec Breakdowns

Being a balanced diaphragm, the Dive Rite XT Advanced isenvironmentally sealed and delivers unchanging breathing capabilities regardless of depth or effort. The second-stage primary and octopus are bothpneumatically balanced downstream regulators, giving you the perfect amount of air per breath. Theturret swivel makes hose routing easy and customizable. Coming in both DIN and yoke configurations give the diver options in their choices. The fifth low-pressure port gives divers the option to route extra hoses from drysuits or full-face masks.


Accessories

The accessories that come with the package include a carrying bag, regulator necklace, a mini SPG, and two stainless steel clips. You won’t need to buy anything additional when you purchase this package. Check out the Dive Rite LX20 light here.


Price/Quality Ratio

The price you will pay for this entire package is definitely worth the quality. Comparable regulators of similar quality cost roughly the same just for the first and primary second stage, not including the octopus and SPG. You could honestly buy this package as your first setup and never have to replace it, saving you even more money in the long run.

Do we recommend the Dive Rite XT?

We absolutely DO recommend the XT package. The  first-stage regulator on its own is praiseworthy, but to include it in a package with other high-performance components makes the Dive Rite XT package our top pick for complete package regulators. In addition to the great regulators, Dive Rite has great customer service, and gear can be serviced by a wide variety of technicians at most dive shops.

Specs & Features

Valve DIN or yoke
First stage Balanced diaphragm
Second stage Pneumatically balanced downstream
Ports two high-pressure; five low-pressure
Max working pressure 300 bar/4350 psi (DIN); 232 bar/3365 psi (yoke)
Weight 32 oz./907 g (first stage, second stage, octopus, necklace, and bag)
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