Atomic regulator recommendations

[buddhasummer]

Given that they all breathe the same Id be going for a Z2 (I don't like swivel/fixed hose length) and i'd spend any spare cash on diving trips. I travel a lot to dive so the Atomic is out as servicing net work is not as wide as some of the other brands e.g Aqualung, Scubapro. Having said that I dive Apeks as I can get service kits relatively easily, and can service myself (thanks for your help bubbletrubble), so always take a 1st and 2nd stage service kit when traveling.

[nashwl]

I have the TiX. In hindsight, I probably should have gone with the M1. Dont get me wrong, I love this thing. But the truth is I really dont dive enough to justify the money I spent on it. If you dive enough to justify double the price, then go for it. If not, just grab the M1. You will not go wrong with any Atomic regulator.

[poseident]

I must be the only one that's had a less-than-perfect experience with Atomic? I have an early serial number B1 (Ti Primary and Octo) that has always performed well, but not better than my SP D400. Also, these second stages have gone through more "soft parts" than any other regulator I've owned. I'm on my 3rd set up purge valves, 3rd set of hose protectors (at the 2nd stage end), and 2nd set of venturi knobs. These parts have broken down way too quickly for my liking. The SPs, Sherwoods, Mares, and US Divers/Aqualungs used and stored alongside the Atomics have not had this problem. Atomic has never covered these parts under warranty, so despite the 2-year service periods, they have cost as much or more to maintain. And before anyone says it...I maintain my gear VERY well.

Any comments?

[buddhasummer]

I have read numerous people reporting on the "noise" of the Z2 when breathing. Some of those people sent back to Atomic but continued to have the same problem. Gave me pause.

[Ben Prusinski]

Thanks everyone, guess at this point, I need to hit up my LDS and try out the different regulators before making a purchasing decision. Monterey is cold water diving so an Atomic M1 would be good here as well as for tropical island diving. I like the design just need to see how it breathes for me underwater before buying my first reg.

[Rkelleyj]

Could you purchase a B2, and when serviced pay for the stainless or titanium upgrade parts??

[Rkelleyj]

I have read numerous people reporting on the "noise" of the Z2 when breathing. Some of those people sent back to Atomic but continued to have the same problem. Gave me pause.

That's just a lube issue, they can be re-lubed at time of purchase in 5mins from what I was told.

B

[poseident]

Thanks everyone, guess at this point, I need to hit up my LDS and try out the different regulators before making a purchasing decision. Monterey is cold water diving so an Atomic M1 would be good here as well as for tropical island diving. I like the design just need to see how it breathes for me underwater before buying my first reg.

That is absolutely the correct thing to do. To several people's previous points, focus on comfort, suitability to your intended diving style, and "supportability." Name brand typically affects that last point more than it does the other two.

Good luck, and have fun with your "test driving."

Nate

[g8teach]

I own an Atomic Z2X, which is my first reg. Am extremely happy with it, love the swivel, but I wish I had purchased the B2 for one reason. The 1st stage articulates which allows for your hoses to move, not true for the lower level Z2. That said I will probably never own another brand of reg, I am that happy, but eventually I will upgrade to the top of the line T2X- all titanium, very light weigh and non corrosive

[Thalassamania]

Ah ... you might someday learn the joys of a balanced diaphragm regulator and come back from the dark side.