At the core of every BLU3 dive system is a piece of dive technology that sets us apart from the rest: Smart Reg™. This patented regulator system isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a rethinking of how air delivery should work in ultra-portable surface-supplied dive gear. In this article, we’ll break down what Smart Reg™ does, how it works, and why it’s reshaping the future of tankless diving. Thanks for tuning in to learn about the benefits of Smart Reg dive technology!
What Is Smart Reg™?
Smart Reg™ is BLU3’s proprietary air management system designed to deliver breathable air to a diver only when they inhale. It minimizes battery usage by reducing the need for continuous airflow, making it highly energy efficient without compromising performance.
This technology is protected under U.S. Patent US20180362129A1. You can view the patent and full technical details here.
Why Traditional Systems Fall Short Without Smart Reg Dive Technology
Most surface-supplied dive systems rely on an accumulator tank to store pressurized air between the compressor and the diver. These systems run the compressor continuously and rely on the accumulator to even out airflow. This adds weight, requires bulkier flotation, and wastes battery power.
At BLU3, we have deep experience in the surface-supplied diving industry, thanks in part to our connection with Brownie’s Third Lung, which has been building high-quality dive systems since 1969. We’ve taken the lessons learned from decades of accumulator-based systems and reimagined them through a modern lens.
Smart Reg™ uses demand-based flow control. Instead of running constantly, the compressor activates only when the diver breathes, thanks to sensors inside the regulator. This reduces energy consumption and extends battery life without sacrificing comfort or air delivery.
Key Benefits of Smart Reg™ Dive Technology:
- Energy Efficiency: By delivering air only when needed, Smart Reg™ significantly conserves battery power compared to traditional systems.
- Portability: Eliminating the accumulator means the entire dive system is lighter and smaller. Nomad weighs just 15 lb, and Nomad Mini even less—12 lb.
- Simplicity: Fewer components mean fewer points of failure, faster setup, and easier maintenance.
- Patented Innovation: The design is exclusive to BLU3. Competing systems cannot replicate this regulator technology without infringing on the Smart Reg™ patent.
Real-World Applications
BLU3 systems are used for far more than just recreational diving. Here are just a few examples:
- Boat hull cleaning and maintenance
- Underwater treasure hunting
- Marine biology and research
- Resort and yacht charters
- Pool leak detection and repair
- Shallow-water underwater photography
- Fossil and artifact search
These two testimonials reflect just how versatile and convenient BLU3 dive systems are, whether you’re maintaining a boat or uncovering lost items in the water. Without the Smart Reg dive technology powering BLU3’s ultra-portable dive systems, we wouldn’t receive testimonials like these.
Built on a Legacy of Innovation
Smart Reg™ builds on decades of experience from our team and our affiliated company, Brownie’s Third Lung, which has been innovating in surface-supplied air systems since 1969. But this is more than just an evolution—it’s a leap forward in user-centered design. Battery-Powered Diving is Here. Smart Reg dive technology is here.
The Future of Tankless Diving & Smart Reg Dive Technology
With Smart Reg™ at its core, BLU3 isn’t following the industry—we’re leading it as the only truly ultra-portable dive systems on the market. Whether you’re diving for recreation, exploration, or utility, Smart Reg dive technology provides the performance and innovation to make every dive hassle-free and more enjoyable.
Want to experience the difference? Learn more about Nomad, Nomad Mini, and the Smart Reg™ advantage at diveblu3.com.
While both are battery-powered dive systems, BLU3 Nomad uses patented Smart Reg dive technology, which eliminates the need for an accumulator and results in a much lighter, more portable system. Most divers find Nomad easier to travel with, quieter in operation, and more intuitive to set up. Nomad also includes a custom backpack, U.S.-based support, and online dive training.
Yes—based on direct hands-on testing and years of experience in this space. Many of these imported systems repurpose tire inflator compressors that are not designed for breathing air. They often require cooldown periods every 20 minutes, advertise unrealistic depths (like 40 feet), and produce low air flow that can feel like you’re trying to breathe through a straw. And with these systems you are actually breathing through an expandable garden hose which is a bad design choice for a number of reasons. Some of these products even use BLU3’s own photos in their marketing, which is misleading. You’ll notice that most of the photos are clearly photoshopped and the companies do not actually use the products themselves. We’ve tested these systems side-by-side and found them to be unreliable and unsafe, particularly if water enters the intake—which can cause complete pump failure. BLU3 systems are designed, assembled, and supported in Florida, with real divers in mind.
Mini scuba tank systems require high-pressure refills and typically offer short dive times (less than 5 minutes despite many instances of misleading advertising). In contrast, BLU3 systems provide 45–60 minutes of dive time on a rechargeable battery, and don’t require a dive tank or compressor for refills. They’re great for users who want more time underwater without needing to manage high-pressure equipment. Please don’t fall for the marketing that shows people using a high-pressure hand pump (looks like a bike tire pump) to refill the mini tanks. It takes forever, and is exhausting!
Yes—and more. BLU3 systems are used for hull cleaning, treasure hunting, pool repairs, and more. With Smart Reg™, you get extended dive time in a lightweight system that’s easy to carry and set up. Plus you can fly on a plane with it. We have some users who literally hike through a forest to their dive spot with their BLU3 dive systems on their back. AirBuddy is about 75% heavier than Nomad, and more than twice the weight of Nomad Mini which only weighs 12 pounds!