I posted a thread about two years ago, on which Atomic regulator to get. Back then, based on my own research, talking with one of my LDSs, and you wonderful people I decided to go the route of the Z2. Unfortunately I was unable to make the purchase back then due to some family matters, my daughter being born, and some major/minor surgery.
Fast forward to today, and I am ready to make my purchase.
I've been research on a bunch of regs, and reading reviews here on scubaboard, and I have come to the same conclusion as I did before: Atomic Aquatics
So, I went to my LDS today (El Mar), and wanted to see the B2, Z3, and Z2 in person and check out pricing. Here is what I found:
B2 = $719
Z3 = $529 (They don't stock it, but lead time was 2-3 days)
Z2 = $409
I asked the rep why they did not have the Z3, and he said there was no need to have it since it's just a Z2 with comfort swivel. He also felt that if you were paying the price for a Z3, then you might as well go the B2 (nearly a $200 difference). They have ordered the Z3 for those that really wanted it.
His main selling point on the B2 was the titanium inner works on the 2nd stage, and the comfort swivel on the first stage. The Z2 and Z3 do not have the comfort swivel on the first stage, but if you have 7LPs do you need the comfort swivel?
I was mentally set on the Z3, but he said that if I really wanted the Z3, to just get a Z2 and a miflex hose (or Jump to the B2).
He also stated that after servicing a B2 the titanium looks like new. After servicing the Z2/Z3 the zirconium brass doesn't look AS GOOD.
Would you bite the bullet and go B2? Would you go Z2, upgrade the hose to a miflex and call it a day for $450ish? or... Would you spend roughly $100 more and get the slightly revamped Z3?
Thanks!!
-Mike
Fast forward to today, and I am ready to make my purchase.
I've been research on a bunch of regs, and reading reviews here on scubaboard, and I have come to the same conclusion as I did before: Atomic Aquatics
So, I went to my LDS today (El Mar), and wanted to see the B2, Z3, and Z2 in person and check out pricing. Here is what I found:
B2 = $719
Z3 = $529 (They don't stock it, but lead time was 2-3 days)
Z2 = $409
I asked the rep why they did not have the Z3, and he said there was no need to have it since it's just a Z2 with comfort swivel. He also felt that if you were paying the price for a Z3, then you might as well go the B2 (nearly a $200 difference). They have ordered the Z3 for those that really wanted it.
His main selling point on the B2 was the titanium inner works on the 2nd stage, and the comfort swivel on the first stage. The Z2 and Z3 do not have the comfort swivel on the first stage, but if you have 7LPs do you need the comfort swivel?
I was mentally set on the Z3, but he said that if I really wanted the Z3, to just get a Z2 and a miflex hose (or Jump to the B2).
He also stated that after servicing a B2 the titanium looks like new. After servicing the Z2/Z3 the zirconium brass doesn't look AS GOOD.
Would you bite the bullet and go B2? Would you go Z2, upgrade the hose to a miflex and call it a day for $450ish? or... Would you spend roughly $100 more and get the slightly revamped Z3?
Thanks!!
-Mike