Atomic Aquatics to Launch a new product (Regulator) on June 3rd....

[wetb4igetinthewater]

I'm not saying it's worth it's asking price,

When Lamborghini in collaboration with the University of Washington (UW’s newly named ‘Lamborghini Lab’ brings composite parts to sports-car arena - a friend of mine worked in this lab) developed a frame made out of composite material, they didn't double the price.

I do think that this regulator does come at a premium, maybe $1000, $1200 max (though I wouldn't still buy it at that price as the improvements will not be significant enough, noticeable maybe, but that's it). But $2300? GTFOH.

 

[buddhasummer]

When Lamborghini in collaboration with the University of Washington (UW’s newly named ‘Lamborghini Lab’ brings composite parts to sports-car arena - a friend of mine worked in this lab) developed a frame made out of composite material, they didn't double the price.

I do think that this regulator does come at a premium, maybe $1000, $1200 max (though I wouldn't still buy it at that price as the improvements will not be significant enough, noticeable maybe, but that's it). But $2300? GTFOH.

I hear ya.

Apparently the second stage, all I'm interested in, will run around $850. Although easier to swallow than the cost of the set it's still beyond my means and not awesome enough for me to sell a kidney.

Like I said, I loved the D400, was like breathing on land, effortless. If it came in at around $500 I'd attempt the purchase.

Until then I'll stick with my humble G250s and Titan first stage, total cost around $225, more than good enough, awesome in fact.

One day I hope though.

 

[drrich2]

Like I said, I loved the D400, was like breathing on land, effortless. If it came in at around $500 I'd attempt the purchase.

It is not a novel design, so it can only be marginal improvements from the D400 it is based on. Iterative improvements are still meaningful but it is not a novel design so they could have spend a decade to gain an extra 10% or whatever it is. The D400 was a bloody good regulator and there is only so much that can possibly be left given the constraints of case geometry.

Ironically, this D400 some of you posted about is more interesting to me than Atomic's new high-priced regulator. Please tell me a bit more about it, particularly these things:

1.) Since it reportedly breathed so well, why aren't most recreational divers diving it, or an imitation of it?

2.) If it's protected under patent, any idea when that's likely to end so competitors can offer cheaper versions?

The cost is because it's machined from titanium which is horrifically expensive, especially given what is going on with China and Russia right now, so that is where most of the cost has gone,

3.) Is there any reason a D400-inspired reg. couldn't be made without (or with minimum) titanium and sold at a mid-range price for regulators? If so, why aren't people doing it?

Apologies in advance if the info.'s common knowledge; it's new to me.

 

[-JD-]

Ironically, this D400 some of you posted about is more interesting to me than Atomic's new high-priced regulator. Please tell me a bit more about it, particularly these things:

1.) Since it reportedly breathed so well, why aren't most recreational divers diving it, or an imitation of it?

2.) If it's protected under patent, any idea when that's likely to end so competitors can offer cheaper versions?


3.) Is there any reason a D400-inspired reg. couldn't be made without (or with minimum) titanium and sold at a mid-range price for regulators? If so, why aren't people doing it?

Apologies in advance if the info.'s common knowledge; it's new to me.

1. It is "weird". My guess is that is a major factor. Since it doesn't look like a "normal" 2nd stage, general buyers sort of bypassed them/shops were reluctant to stock them in a self-reinforcing way. Differences in service and tuning for a limited-volume product would make getting them serviced (well) more difficult.
2. Don't know, but the fact that AA is building the TFX would suggest that they are expired or easy to work around. I'd be very surprised if they are licensing SP's IP, but then again I could be surprised.
3. The amount of metal in a D400 is pretty minimal. Honestly Ti as a factor should have a relatively small but not trivial additional part in the overall cost manufacturing. (compared to engineering and tooling).
   "Exploded" D400 from @rsingler 's thread: How to restore a Scubapro D300, D350 & D400: Theory and Practice
   

 

[scrane]

I hear ya.

Apparently, the second stage, all
I'm interested in, will run around $850. Although easier to swallow than the cost of the set it's still beyond my means and not awesome enough for me to sell a kidney.

Like I said, I loved the D400, was like breathing on land, effortless. If it came in at around $500 I'd attempt the purchase.

Until then I'll stick with my humble G250s and Titan first stage, total cost around $225, more than good enough, awesome in fact.

One day I hope though.

If the Atomic second lives up to its potential and goes for $850. (Yikes) I would be tempted. It would depend on my power of rationalization at a given instant.

 

[Robert H. Diver]

If the Atomic second lives up to its potential and goes for $850. (Yikes) I would be tempted. It would depend on my power of rationalization at a given instant.

Just have a few drinks then start online shopping, makes it easier

 

[BoltSnap]

Ironically, this D400 some of you posted about is more interesting to me than Atomic's new high-priced regulator. Please tell me a bit more about it, particularly these things:

1.) Since it reportedly breathed so well, why aren't most recreational divers diving it, or an imitation of it?

2.) If it's protected under patent, any idea when that's likely to end so competitors can offer cheaper versions?


3.) Is there any reason a D400-inspired reg. couldn't be made without (or with minimum) titanium and sold at a mid-range price for regulators? If so, why aren't people doing it?

Apologies in advance if the info.'s common knowledge; it's new to me.

Check this thread:

The New Atomic TFX

Well, it's out. I had the pleasure of listening to Dean Garraffa introduce AA's new second stage (and tweaked T3 first stage), and I can't wait to get my hands on one. Mr. Garraffa was with Scubapro back in the day, and along with Doug Toth (who designed the D400), they came over and formed...

scubaboard.com

 

[scrane]

3.) Is there any reason a D400-inspired reg. couldn't be made without (or with minimum) titanium and sold at a mid-range price for regulators? If so, why aren't people doing it?

There are reasons why the old D series regs are long discontinued. The TXF seems to be the logical successor to D series technology. There is no reason why an Atomic center balanced second cannot be offered at a moderate price. A price of $2650. represents a marketing strategy.

 

[-JD-]

There are reasons why the old D series regs are long discontinued. The TXF seems to be the logical successor to D series technology. There is no reason why an Atomic center balanced second cannot be offered at a moderate price. A price of $2650. represents a marketing strategy.

Yes, I believe there is a good amount of "marketing strategy." But ...

The Ti-factor is WAY higher in the production of the 1st stage vs the 2nd. Certainly an order of magnitude more material and more machining. They are also marking up the additional manufacturing costs, so if it costs $? additional to make, MSRP will be maybe $3? to $4? more than a version of a lower-cost material.
As a new product, the engineering and tooling of the TFX 2nd needs to be amortized. Unfortunately higher price and limited volume leads to higher amortization and production cost per unit in a self-reinforcing way. It is the classic manufacturing/economic chicken and egg problem ...

 

[Wibble]

What’s so good about titanium for first stages?