The Cressi AC2 + XS Compact set is one of the most popular entry regulators in Argentina, combining extreme lightness, reliability and accessible pricing. The AC2 first stage is an unbalanced piston design — simple, serviceable and cheap to maintain annually. The XS Compact second stage measures just 6 cm in diameter and weighs 145 g, delivering an air flow rate of 2,100 l/min with an intermediate pressure drop of 0.5–0.8 bar at 150 bar cylinder pressure.
The integral purge button is oversized, making purging easy even for inexperienced divers. The second stage includes venturi adjustment for breathing effort, though in a basic form compared to higher-end models. The set ships with one high-pressure port and four low-pressure ports. DIN and INT versions are available; verify which your cylinder uses before purchasing.
Its limitations are those of any entry regulator: no environmental seal on the first stage (breathing effort increases as cylinder pressure drops), not rated for cold-water diving, and not suited for technical diving. For tropical diving and recreational depth to 40 m it is a reliable and low-maintenance piece of kit. A comparable alternative in the same segment is the Mares Rover 15X.
When to use it in Argentina
An unbalanced, compact regulator aimed at recreational diving from temperate to cool water. In Las Grutas, Pirámides or Mar del Plata in summer it covers operations without issue.
For Madryn with dives at 25 m and 12 °C, confirm with the service tech that the exact version is rated for cold water — not all Compact-line versions are. For the Beagle Channel under 8 °C and for Andean lakes in winter, most schools require regulators certified for cold water (with low-temperature kit). Check before traveling.
Sources:
- Cressi XS Compact AC2 — official Cressi page
- Cressi XS Compact AC2 DIN — Diveinn
- MercadoLibre AR — Cressi regulators
Official source: Cressi XS Compact AC2 — cressi.es