Advice Needed

[TTT103]

I'm trying to decide between three different regulators. I primarily dive in warm water a few weeks a year. I've read the postings in this forum, as well as on other sites. What I'm considering is the Atomic Z2X, Cressi Ellipse Balanced MC9-SC, and the Mares MR42 Metal. All are relatively in the same price range, and are available through my LDS.

The MR42 and Cressi in general don''t seem to get much attention. Any thoughts positively or negatively would be appreciated. One thing I do like about the Atomic is the lifetime parts guarantee (not subject to proof of service). On the other hand, I like the fact that the Mares is metal, and may therefore be a bit more durable.

 

[stairman]

My vote is for the Atomics. Had em for years, great regs.

 

[Capt.Gene]

That's an easy choice.

 

[USdiver1]

I would go for the Mares. They are built very well and last forever.

 

[Crush]

If the price differential is modest (and it likely is) I would go for an environmentally sealed unit/cold water reg - it will work perfectly well in cold and warm water (including deep dives in warm-ish water) and will be less prone to problems in dirty water.

 

[TTT103]

It always seems like Atomic is the way to go. I just don't understand why Mares and Cressi receive such little attention compared to Atomic. All three that I'm considering can by configured with an environmentally sealed first stage. Are the Atomic's that good that they stand out over nearly all other regs?

 

[Jim Lapenta]

I have used them and in my experience the answer for the average OW diver who is doing warm water and no technical or deep stuff the answer is no. A well tuned newer Sherwood Brut that has a balanced first stage that is now standard would be hard for the average diver to tell the difference. There are other regs for far less money that can be set up for cold water that will perform just as well and be easier and cheaper to service. My HOG and Edge, and Oceanic regs breathe just as good or perhaps better than any of the Atomics I've tried. From the ones that Epcot uses to the new demo's one local lds has. And they were half the price or less.

 

[eelnoraa]

There are a few things going for Atomic, mostly non performance related

1) is their 2 year service intervel. However, I don't know parts are part of the warranty. Atomic user WILL pay for parts everytime the reg needs an overhaul. Here in SF Bay Area CA, the labor cost of reg service is far higher than parts. So having a less frequent service interval does help to reduce the ownership cost.

2) 2nd hand market of Atomic is quite hot. You can easier resell your Atomic (assume you didn't beat it up) at a relatively high price, so you don't lose as much.

As for performance, assume the reg is properly maintained & turned, I highly doubt any recreation diver will be able to tell the differences.

So, between OP's choice, I will go with Atomic Z2 (not Z2x) because I don't think the 2nd stage swivel is useful enough to demend a $100 increase in price.