Hard Gear Builder

First stages step up from the standard-piston MK2 EVO to the balanced-diaphragm MK11 EVO, the sealed MK17 EVO 2 for cold or silty water and the balanced-piston MK25 EVO with the most airflow. The C370, S620Ti, G260 and A700 second stages add adjustable breathing effort. Most come as a set with the R105 octopus, and a BCD or gauge added to that set costs less than it does on its own.

Calypso (piston) and Titan (balanced diaphragm) are the simple, light entry points. Helix and Helix Compact are balanced and adjustable; the Pro versions add a sealed first stage for cold water, and LEG3ND adds over-balanced breathing, with MBS and Elite adding breathing-effort control. Where your picks make up one of Aqualung's regulator and BCD sets, the set price applies.

AT suits water above 10 degrees, and ATX adds a sealed first stage for colder dives. The light XL4+, XTX40 and XTX50 are sealed and cold-water certified, XTX50 adding breathing-effort control; MTX-R and MTX-RC are built for extreme cold, and EVX200 brings seven ports. A regulator sold only as a pack brings its own octopus. Everything else is priced on its own, and the BCD step also lists the Aqualung and Scubapro BCDs we stock.

AC2 and AC5 (unbalanced) and AC25m (balanced) are piston first stages certified for water above 10 degrees; MC9 SC, MC11 SC and T10-SC are sealed diaphragm first stages certified for cold water. Compact and Zen second stages are light; Master adds breathing-effort adjustment. Where Cressi sell your picks as a pack, or as the Solid Scuba Set, the set price applies.

Dual 15X and compact SXS 62X pair balanced first stages with light technopolymer seconds for milder water and travel. Atlas adds an all-metal second for cold water, Atlas Adj makes it adjustable, Planet 88X goes spring-free, and the sealed 26XR HR suits tec. Every regulator and BCD pairing is a set at a set price, and an octopus, gauge or computer bought with a set is 10% off in the cart.

The RS1001 pairs Tusa's balanced diaphragm R1000 first stage, cold-water ready with two high-flow ports, with the S0001 second stage. For a matching octopus, add the yellow SS0001 safe second, which has the same composite case and left or right hose set-up. Every part is priced on its own.

The R1 is a simple piston first stage for water above 10 degrees, with the light REC1; R2, R4, R5 and V1 are balanced diaphragm stages with dry chambers for cold water. TEC1 adds breathing-resistance adjustment and a heat exchanger, TEC2 a direct flow system. Each regulator comes on its own, with its octopus, or as a set with a gauge; then add a wing set.