Palantic AS101 Regulator Set

The Palantic AS101 is a complete regulator package at a remarkably low price point, offering new divers everything they need to stop renting — provided they understand the compromises that come with budget gear.

## Overview

At $370 AUD, the Palantic AS101 ships as a complete set: balanced first stage, adjustable second stage, octopus, and SPG. That is a lot of kit for the money, and it immediately undercuts comparable bundles from established dive brands by a significant margin. A similar package from Cressi or Mares will typically run $600 to $900, so the AS101 is clearly targeting price-conscious new divers who want to own their life-support equipment without a painful outlay.

The balanced first stage is the standout specification at this price. Most budget regulators rely on unbalanced designs that deliver increasing breathing effort as your tank empties, so having balanced intermediate pressure delivery in a sub-$400 package is noteworthy. The second stage includes a breathing adjustment dial, which is another feature you would not normally expect at this price.

After running the AS101 through a season of diving across warm Queensland reefs and moderate New South Wales coastal sites, it performs adequately in conditions it was designed for. Breathing is smooth enough in the shallows, the octopus functions as expected, and the SPG reads accurately. Push it into cooler southern waters or demanding conditions, however, and the limitations of budget manufacturing become apparent. Compared to the Cressi AC2/XS2 at a similar price, you get more accessories but arguably less refined build quality. Against the Mares Dual ADJ 62X, the performance gap is substantial.

## Key Features

- **Balanced first stage**: Delivers consistent intermediate pressure regardless of cylinder pressure, unusual at this price point - **Adjustable second stage**: External breathing effort dial allows tuning to conditions and personal preference - **Complete set with octopus**: Backup second stage included, removing the need for a separate purchase - **SPG included**: Submersible pressure gauge bundled in the package, ready to dive out of the box - **Chrome-plated brass construction**: Standard corrosion-resistant finish on the first stage body - **Yoke fitting**: Standard international yoke connection, compatible with most hire cylinders in Australia - **Weight approximately 1.8 kg**: Moderately heavy for travel but typical of brass-bodied regulators

## The Good

- **The complete package deal is genuinely excellent value**: Buying a first stage, second stage, octopus, and SPG separately from any established brand would cost at least double. For a newly certified diver who wants to stop relying on rental gear of unknown service history, the AS101 removes the financial barrier to ownership - **Balanced first stage outperforms its price bracket**: The breathing consistency from full tank to reserve is noticeably better than unbalanced alternatives at similar prices. During reef dives at Lady Musgrave Island, the AS101 maintained comfortable breathing throughout without the late-dive breathing effort increase common to unbalanced regs - **Adjustable breathing effort is a welcome inclusion**: The external dial on the second stage lets you tighten up the breathing in current or open it up for relaxed shallow dives. At this price, most regulators offer factory-fixed breathing with no user control, so the adjustment adds practical value - **Ready to dive immediately**: No need to source an octopus, hoses, or gauge separately. Unbox it, get it serviced and checked by a dive shop, connect it to a tank, and you are in the water. For new divers navigating the confusing world of gear configuration, this simplicity is valuable - **SPG is accurate and readable**: The bundled pressure gauge reads clearly and tracked consistently against a calibrated reference gauge during testing

## The Bad

- **Build quality does not match established brands**: The chrome plating is thinner than what you find on Cressi or Mares regulators, the hose fittings feel less precisely machined, and the overall fit and finish suggest a lower manufacturing tolerance. This is not surprising at the price, but it is worth acknowledging - **No cold-water suitability**: The AS101 carries no cold-water rating and showed signs of intermittent free-flow during a single test dive in 13-degree water at Flinders Pier. Divers in Victoria, South Australia, or Tasmania should not rely on this regulator in winter conditions - **Servicing may be difficult to source locally**: Palantic does not have the service network in Australia that Cressi, Mares, or Aqualung maintain. Finding a technician with the parts kits and familiarity to service the AS101 may require posting it away, and annual service costs could erode the initial savings over time - **Octopus quality is basic**: The included backup second stage functions but feels noticeably cheaper than the primary. The purge button is stiff and the mouthpiece is less comfortable than aftermarket options. It works, but you may find yourself replacing it within a year or two

## Verdict

The Palantic AS101 is an honest budget regulator set that delivers surprising value for $370. The balanced first stage punches above its price bracket, the adjustable second stage is a welcome inclusion, and the complete package with octopus and SPG removes the hassle of piecing together a reg setup from scratch. For new divers doing warm-water recreational diving in Queensland, northern New South Wales, or Western Australia, it is a sensible way to start building your own kit.

The caveats are equally clear: build quality trails behind the established European brands, cold-water performance is poor, and servicing access in Australia is limited. Divers who plan to progress beyond basic recreational diving, or who dive in cooler southern waters, should save a bit more and invest in a Cressi or Mares alternative. The AS101 is a starting point, not a destination.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.5/5)