2014 ScubaLab Best Buy: Scubapro MK21/S560
MSRP: $499 (includes octo and reg bag)
**Contact: **scubapro.com
Balanced-piston first stage; four LP, two HP ports

Everything about the MK21/S560’s performance would lead you to expect bigger numbers after the dollar sign. Test divers liked its smooth, almost-effortless performance. The light-weight second stage is easy on the mouth, and the purge is smooth and sure. The adjustment knob turns easily and to noticeable effect. One rap was the dive/predive switch, which is effective but can be a little hard to grasp. On the breathing simulator, the reg really stood out. When it recorded excellent performance throughout our standard test regimen, we pushed into muscle-reg territory to see what it could do: Even at a torturous breathing rate, it didn’t exceed test parameters for work of breathing until we hit 220 feet. No other reg in this test pulled off that feat. For delivering unmatched performance at a midrange price, the MK21/S560 is our Best Buy.

Looking for the full review? Visit the 2014 ScubaLab Regulator Review here.