Hollis 200LX Second Stage Regulator Review: Reversible Demand Valve for Right and Left Handed Hose Configuration

Hollis 200LX Overview

Hollis 200LX Second Stage Regulator delivers a 0.8 Pounds weight for divers who need to minimize added mass on their breathing apparatus.

Smooth, consistent breathing depends on a valve that balances pressure without requiring the user to exert extra effort during inhalation. The Hollis 200LX achieves this through its pneumatically balanced PVD plated brass valve, providing a steady supply of air.

The Hollis 200LX provides a versatile configuration with its reversible demand valve, which accommodates both right and left-handed hose layouts. Its brass and rubber construction is designed for durability in underwater environments.

We evaluated 16 second stage regulators and selected 10 for full review based on the fact that full reviews go to the most-rated products that pass screening, at most 2 per brand. This model was chosen because it has 12 buyer ratings, the 1st most of the 16 screened. Our review is based on research into listing data and specifications. This review is for the reliability-first buyer who wants to avoid a bad purchase.

If you need a portable air source, read our full review of the Third Lung Regulator.

The Short Answer on the Hollis 200LX

Best for: you need a reliable, right-hand configured second stage regulator that balances the weight of the unit with a focus on ease of installation.

The Hollis 200LX is a solid choice at the $339.95 price point.

• Pro: The 0.8 Pounds weight minimizes the bulk of the second stage during your dive.
• Pro: A reversible demand valve allows for right or left-handed hose configurations.
• Pro: The PVD plated brass valve provides a durable exterior finish.
• Con: The 5.0 rating is based on only 12 buyer ratings, which is a small sample size for a final verdict.
• Con: The lack of a stated pressure rating in the data means you cannot confirm its maximum force capacity before purchase.

Don’t buy this if: you require a left-hand exhaust orientation that does not involve a reversible hose configuration.

Price assessment: The $339.95 price is fair for a brass-bodied regulator with these specific ergonomic features.

New divers can find guidance in our guide to the best scuba regulator for beginners.

Specifications in Full

Weight measures the heaviness of the unit, and the Hollis 200LX weighs 0.8 Pounds.

Before You Buy: Second Stage Regulator Checklist

The first thing to check is the hose configuration compatibility to ensure the regulator aligns with your specific setup.

• ✓ Confirm the hand orientation—the Hollis 200LX is a right-hand model, which means you must have a right-hand hose layout or you will have to re-route your gear.
• ✓ Check the mouthpiece type—the orthodotic mouthpiece is designed for users with braces, preventing a situation where a standard mouthpiece causes mouth irritation or prevents a proper seal.
• ✓ Verify the exhaust design—the ergonomic exhaust channels are built to direct air away from the face, which helps prevent moisture accumulation that can seize the mechanism.
• ✓ Account for the weight—the unit weighs 0.8 Pounds, which is the amount of mass you will feel on your face during a dive.
• ✓ Identify the valve type—the pneumatically balanced PVD plated brass valve (a balanced valve that equalizes pressure to reduce breathing resistance) is the mechanism that manages your air flow.

You should not buy this product if you require a left-hand hose configuration, as the reversible demand valve is specifically noted for right-hand setups.

What These Specifications Let You Do

How the pneumatically balanced brass valve maintains steady air flow

When you need to maintain a steady flow of air during a deep dive, the pneumatically balanced brass valve provides consistent delivery. This design allows the Hollis 200LX to provide a stable breathing experience by balancing the internal pressure, which helps maintain a consistent flow rate regardless of the depth or the amount of air remaining in the cylinder.

The brass construction of the valve provides a durable interface for the air supply. Because the valve is balanced, you can expect a consistent response from the second stage regulator, which helps prevent the sudden changes in resistance that can occur with unbalanced designs. The 0.8 pounds of weight for the Hollis 200LX allows for this internal balancing mechanism without significantly increasing the bulk of the unit.

Reversible demand valve allows for right or left handed hose routing

If you find your hose routing is tangling or pulling against your gear during a dive, the reversible demand valve allows for a right-hand or left-handed setup. The Hollis 200LX features a reversible demand valve that accommodates both configurations, ensuring you can route the hose to the side that best suits your body position or equipment layout.

This versatility means you do not have to choose a specific side of your body for the regulator’s placement before you start your dive. By supporting both orientations, the Hollis 200LX provides the flexibility needed for different diving styles, such as sidemount or standard configurations, where hose placement is a priority for comfort and mobility.

Ergonomic exhaust channels on this Second Stage Regulator clear your vision

When bubbles are building up near your face and obstructing your vision, the ergonomic exhaust channels direct the exhaled air away from your mask. These channels on the Hollis 200LX are designed to move the exhaust stream efficiently, keeping your field of vision clear while you are underwater.

The placement of these channels works in tandem with the orthodintic mouthpiece to ensure that exhaled gas does not linger in front of the face. By directing the exhaust away from the center of the mask, the design helps maintain a clear view of the surroundings, which is a priority for maintaining situational awareness during a dive.

Ambidextrous users should look at our list of the best second stage regulator for left handed divers.

The Hollis 200LX Against Similar Second Stage Regulators

The Hollis 200LX provides a streamlined profile with an item weight of 0.8 Pounds. In scuba diving, minimizing weight is like reducing the drag on a car; it makes the overall setup easier to manage underwater.

The Hollis 200LX provides a high-end feel with its pneumatically balanced PVD plated brass valve, which helps maintain consistent breathing effort. This product is the highest-rated option of the three compared, with a 5.0 average from 12 buyer ratings.

• The Oceanic Delta 5 Second Stage Regulator is $110 cheaper than this product.
• The Atomic Aquatics M1 1st & 2nd Stage Regulator is $120.95 cheaper than this product.
• The Oceanic Alpha 10 Second Stage Regulator is $185 cheaper than this product.
• The IST O60 Adjustable Second Stage Regulator is $191.20 cheaper than this product.
• The Rego LV4403B66R Low Pressure Second Stage Regulator is $194.95 cheaper than this product.
• The Hollis 200LX ranks 1st highest-rated of 3 in this comparison.

If you prefer a budget-friendly entry point over premium brass components, the Oceanic Alpha 10 Second Stage Regulator is the better pick for your requirements.

For a different high-performance option, see our full review of the G260.

Divers seeking a compact backup can view our breakdown of the SEAC X100 Octopus.

Setting Up This Second Stage Regulator, and What Support Covers

Required equipment and steps for initial Second Stage Regulator assembly

You must have a compatible scuba cylinder with a standard valve to use the Hollis 200LX.

1. Unpack the unit and identify the brass and rubber handle components.
2. Attach the regulator hose to the second stage, verifying the connection type matches your cylinder’s valve.
3. Adjust the inhalation knob to your preferred breathing resistance level.
4. Mount the reversible demand valve to ensure the exhaust channel aligns with your preferred hand orientation.

Warranty and Support: What to Check

Warranty coverage and return policies vary by seller and geographic region.

• Confirm the hose connection type matches your current cylinder to prevent a dry-mount failure.
• Verify the presence of the included knob to ensure the inhalation adjustment is functional.
• Check the condition of the brass and rubber handle material for any surface defects.
• Inspect the reversible demand valve to ensure it rotates freely between right and left-hand configurations.

Test the breathing resistance and hose orientation immediately upon arrival to ensure the unit meets your requirements before the return window closes.

Hollis 200LX Buying Questions Answered

Hollis 200LX Installation and Compatibility

Hollis 200LX installation on a cylinder is straightforward because it includes a reversible demand valve for right and left-handed hose configurations. This means you can mount the regulator to either side of your tank depending on your preferred hose routing. If you choose a configuration that does not match your hose layout, you may have to re-mount the unit, which costs extra time during your gear setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

How easy is it to actually install the Hollis 200LX on my tank?

The Hollis 200LX is designed for easy installation and features a reversible demand valve to accommodate different hose orientations. You can mount the unit for either right-handed or left-handed setups, ensuring the hose routing matches your specific diving needs.

What is the weight of the Hollis 200LX?

The Hollis 200LX weighs 0.8 Pounds, which is a light profile for a second stage regulator. This lower weight helps reduce the overall mass of your breathing apparatus during a dive.

Does the Hollis 200LX include an adjustable knob?

Yes, the Hollis 200LX includes an adjustable inhalation knob to manage your breathing resistance. This allows you to fine-tune the air flow to your specific comfort level while underwater.

What material is the Hollis 200LX made of?

The Hollis 200LX is constructed from metal and rubber, specifically utilizing a pneumatically balanced PVD plated brass valve. These materials provide the structural integrity needed for a reliable second stage regulator.

Understanding the core mechanics is easy when you see how a second stage regulator works.

Is the Hollis 200LX Right for You?

Who the Hollis 200LX suits and the jobs it is the wrong choice for, listed below with the reason for each.

To see how other models perform in harsh conditions, view our comparison of the best second stage regulator for extreme environments.

If you are looking for different configurations, explore the alternatives to a second stage regulator.

Where to Buy This Second Stage Regulator

In November 2026 the Hollis 200LX was listed at $339.95. Prices move, so read that as a snapshot, not a quote.

Second stage regulators are sold by the retailers below – we do not track which of them has the Hollis 200LX in stock, so check availability and the current price with the retailer before making a trip.

• ScubaGear.com (online only) — wide selection of major brands and technical gear
• DiveInn (online only) — extensive inventory of international scuba brands
• Triton Diving (online and physical stores) — specialist staff and local equipment servicing
• Scubapro (online and physical stores) — official manufacturer outlet for brand-specific parts and gear
• Amazon (online only) — broad availability of entry-level and consumer brands
• Dick’s Sporting Goods (online and physical stores) — physical locations for immediate pickup of common brands

Final Verdict on the Hollis 200LX

If you need a second stage regulator that balances a lightweight profile with a versatile configuration, the Hollis 200LX is a practical option at around $339.95. This model provides a reversible demand valve for right and left-handed hose configuration, allowing you to adjust the exhaust port orientation based on your specific hose routing needs.

The Hollis 200LX weighs 0.8 pounds, which is a specific weight measurement that helps you manage the overall mass of your breathing apparatus. It features a pneumatically balanced PVD plated brass valve to manage the gas flow and an adjustable inhalation knob to customize the breathing feel.

The 200LX includes an orthodintic mouthpiece and an ergonomic exhaust channel to facilitate airflow. The venturi lever features a soft rubber grip for tactile control. While the listing states the item dimensions are 215.9 x 139.7 x 76.2 inches, this figure is likely a data entry error as it exceeds standard regulator sizes; the specific physical dimensions are not provided in the data.

You should choose the Hollis 200LX if you require a reliable, brass-bodied regulator with a reversible configuration for different hose layouts. The 5.0 rating from 12 buyer ratings provides a baseline of user feedback for this specific model.

If you are a diver who requires a versatile setup and a lightweight profile, the Hollis 200LX is a solid choice at the $339.95 price point. It provides the necessary mechanical features to accommodate different hose orientations while keeping the unit’s weight at 0.8 pounds.

The 5.0 rating from 12 buyer ratings serves as a supporting data point for the 200LX’s performance in the field. This high average across the reported sample size indicates a consistent user experience among the 12 buyers who provided feedback.

Skip it if: You require a regulator with a specific weight lower than 0.8 pounds or if you need a model that explicitly states its dimensions in standard inches rather than the large figures provided in the listing.