Atomic Z2 diff 1st stage performance?

[buddhasummer]

At a shop near me they are selling an Atomic Z2 for a very reduced price i've read a lot on here and other boards about the quality and performance of these regs. Looking at several test reports on the Atomics they all seem to say that the performance matches the more exy models, it seems that all the tests have been done using the turret 5lp port 1st stage but the one my shop is selling is the non turret swivel 1st stage, now I know the Z2 does have the two different 1sts as an option. So to my question, is there any difference in performance between the two 1sts? cheers

also the "Z2 Octo" on the Atomics website has it showing with a yellow face, Im guessing its the same save the face as the "Z2 primary", does anyone know if they will sell on a standard face place?

[Web Monkey]

At a shop near me they are selling an Atomic Z2 for a very reduced price i've read a lot on here and other boards about the quality and performance of these regs. Looking at several test reports on the Atomics they all seem to say that the performance matches the more exy models, it seems that all the tests have been done using the turret 5lp port 1st stage but the one my shop is selling is the non turret swivel 1st stage, now I know the Z2 does have the two different 1sts as an option. So to my question, is there any difference in performance between the two 1sts? cheers

also the "Z2 Octo" on the Atomics website has it showing with a yellow face, Im guessing its the same save the face as the "Z2 primary", does anyone know if they will sell on a standard face place?

The Z2 is a kick-ass regulator with performance virtually (maybe actually) identical to the rest of the Atomic line.

The main differences between the Z2 and M1 is the rotating turret (which you don't really need unless you require strange hose routing), the extended exhaust on the second stage (which is nice, but again, not necessary), an environmentally sealed first stage (there's a kit available if you need it), and a heat exchanger on the second stage for improved performance in extremely cold water (near freezing).

I own a Z1 and several M1s, and would pickup another Z1 in a heartbeat if offered a deal on it.

Terry

[herman]

Consider this, 99% of the performance of any reg is determined by the second stage. As long as the first stage keeps a constant IP and delivers as much flow rate as the second stage can handle (all modern ones do), the first stage brand/design/material/ fancy BS features makes no differene. If you are going to upgrade anything, upgrade your second stage otherwise save your money.

[buddhasummer]

Good information thanks, I think Ill buy the Z2. Face plates?

[vjanelle]

The faceplates are colour coded (yellow 'octo', blue 'primary') for your convience but otherwise they're exactly the same internally. Detune(turn the knob on the side all the way in) the octo so it doesn't free flow when you enter the water.

I don't know if they make different place plate options, don't really care as long as the damn thing works.