Dive Rite XT Advanced Open Water Regulator Review: Complete Package for Recreational Divers

Introduction

The Dive Rite XT Advanced Open Water Regulator set stands out in a crowded market because it arrives ready to dive. Unlike most regulator packages that require you to purchase additional components separately, this set includes everything you need: two second stages, bolt snaps, a necklace, an SPG, an angular ball adjustment, and a protective dry bag. After extensive testing across multiple diving environments, this regulator package delivers excellent breathing performance at a price point that matches competitors offering significantly less.

Breathing Performance and Features

The first thing that becomes apparent when diving the XT Advanced is how effortlessly it delivers air. The work of breathing rivals regulators at much higher price points, including the Apeks XTX50, which costs the same in the US market but requires separate purchases of an octo, clips, SPG, and necklace to achieve a complete setup. Tested in challenging conditions including 100-foot dives in 50-degree South African waters, the regulator performed flawlessly.

What makes this regulator particularly valuable is the feature set packed into both second stages. Both the primary (marked with a yellow ring) and redundant (dark gray) stages include breathing-assisted venturi levers, comfort mouthpiece adjustments, and balanced designs. This level of adjustability typically appears only on much more expensive regulators. The primary donate configuration is also an excellent introduction to modern diving practices, allowing divers to transition from older octo-based setups to the more intuitive primary donate method where the backup regulator hangs on a necklace.

The first stage features a rotating turret that provides full range of motion without the second stage pulling or fish-hooking during normal diving. Hose routing comes ideal straight from the package with no flappy hoses or unnecessary drag, creating a streamlined setup that requires no adjustment before diving.

Real-World Testing and Versatility

This regulator set has proven itself across diverse diving conditions. It performed equally well in warm tropical waters and cold temperate environments, traveled easily to multiple countries, and maintained consistent performance whether diving in Bermuda, South Africa, or Florida. Over 50 to 100 dives, no performance degradation or reliability issues emerged.

The compact design makes travel straightforward, and the included padded dry bag provides genuine protection rather than token packaging. The set’s versatility extends to family diving as well. One diver purchased a single set, was so satisfied that he bought three additional sets for his wife and two daughters, and all four sets performed reliably during a Hawaiian diving vacation.

Available in both DIN and YOKE configurations with bar or PSI SPG options, the regulator accommodates different regional standards and personal preferences without requiring special ordering.

What Could Be Improved

The hose routing, while excellent for primary donate diving, differs from traditional over-the-shoulder configurations. The primary hose routes underneath the arm and comes up into the mouth, which requires adjustment for divers accustomed to older setups. This is not a flaw but rather a learning curve for transitioning to primary donate methodology.

The bolt snap attachment uses small bungee tabs that tend to slide during dives. Replacing these with a cavern knot provides more secure positioning, though this requires additional effort beyond the initial purchase. The SPG comes with a plastic boot that can trap saltwater and complicate rinsing after dives. Removing this boot and using a plain brass SPG connection addresses this concern for divers who prefer easier maintenance.

The packaging includes unnecessary plastic bags around the first stage and both second stages. While these protect components during shipping, they represent avoidable plastic waste that could be eliminated in future iterations.

Who This Regulator Set Is Best For

Any recreational diver will find genuine value in this package. New divers purchasing their first regulator set will not find better value for money or a more complete out-of-the-box solution. Families buying multiple sets benefit from the included accessories and consistent pricing across units. Divers transitioning to primary donate configuration will appreciate how this set simplifies that transition without requiring expensive technical equipment.

Cold water, warm water, travel diving, or local diving, this regulator set handles every recreational scenario without compromise. The combination of breathing performance, feature completeness, and included accessories makes it difficult to identify any recreational diving situation where this regulator would fall short.

Conclusion

The Dive Rite XT Advanced Open Water Regulator set represents thoughtful product design focused on what recreational divers actually need. By including all necessary components and delivering breathing performance that rivals more expensive alternatives, it removes the guesswork from regulator selection. Whether you are new to scuba diving or an experienced diver outfitting your family, this regulator package delivers reliable performance and genuine value.