Apeks ATX100 vs. Atomics M1

[Dr. Jay]

Okay, I know this one (or sort of like it) has been done before, so I apologize in advance. The difference in this one is I'd like to compare just the two regs in the poll. Both really fall in my price range. I've also decided against Scubapro (although I'm sure that'll make some Scubapro fans :angry: - sorry in advance). Anyway, Atomics are old Scubapro engineers (from what I've heard) so I guess that's worth something.

Okay, really...I was just curious as to who owns either of the two regs, and/or who knows enough about just those two to provide good info on pros or cons, etc.

I was also thinking of transferring my Sherwood Oasis to a pony bottle as a backup. Any good ideas on going about doing that

My current setup is a Sherwood Oasis w/Shadow+Octo, all on single 80 cylinder

 

[MechDiver]

Of the two you listed, I'd have to go with the Atomics. Either will work fine and I think you're down to price, features and support.

As far as the pony, as long as the Oasis is reliable I see no reason not to use it. You could also use it to hold one of your spare lights

Phil

 

[DiverBuoy]

HANDS DOWN - Atomic rules! I've posted some other information on this comparison before here:

See third post down for excruciating details

I am so very happy with the performance, weight, size, comfort, look, everything about the Atomic T1/T2 regulator. By the way - I've already had the M1 exhaust diffuser assembly installed on my X and right after my Jan cruise is over, I've already got an appointment to have the 1st stage over-hauled with M1 piston and components - which are the main differences between the M1 and X.

 

[supervisor]

diverboei...

and what about the recalls regarding the atomic regs..... atomic has recalled regs multiple times in the past 5 years for serious defects.

apeks has had no important recalls in the past 5 years.

 

[Scubamedicjoe]

first I have tried both and have choicen the one I feel is the best one the apeks !!!!

 

[buff]

Apeks has to be so much cheaper from the overseas markets: SimplyScuba, DiveInn, and any of the U.K. dive shops that sell online-that it would be silly to pay so much more for an Atomic reg.

 

[DutchDown]

to have the choice between these two regs. I live in Holland and according to the Atomic website, my nearest authorized dealer is about an 8 hour drive away, down in Southern Germany. After reading a fantasic review of the M-1 in a British mag, I decided that's the one I want. Another problem is that the M-1 doesn't yet have CE approval. The factory will mail one to me direct, but at list price. Don't blame 'em, but I'd like to buy one a little cheaper from an Atomic Aquatics dealer. Suppose I'll go with the Apeks as a consolation prize, not that I think it's a bad reg. Whatever arguments folks back home in the U.S. have over which is the best and so forth, be glad you have the choice!

 

[Scottri]

Huh? I've had my Atomic for almost 5 years and it's never been recalled. It's a great reg. I haven't tried an M1 but I would strongly consider it if I was in the market for a new reg.


Scott

 

[large_diver]

Just to be clear....

There was an Atomic recall in early 2001 for all Atomic regulator models produced during a certain time frame back in 1999. Here is a link to the original announcement from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission:

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml01/01126.html

See this link as well for further details regarding this recall:

http://www.scubadiving.com/talk/read.php?f=1&i=622724&t=622654

 

[DiverBuoy]

Supervisor, Atomic had recalled some T1 first stages because some users had reported the spring had a tendency to break during use. The report makes the issue out to be scarier than it was. The failure was not fatal but would cause difficulty during inhalation and obviously ended your dive. The full report is here:
Atomic Reg Recall

Regarding the upgrades that are available to turn your X into an M1 -
The M1 exhaust diffuser assembly has a couple of significant changes it is wider and has soft rubbery edges - the older style was more narrow and used the same material throughout the assembly. Two reasons for this improvement according to Atomic Aquatics -

• When users would drop their second stages or swing them into a hard surface the diffuser had a tendancy to pop off - often undetected. Of course you'd notice quickly as soon as you were underwater.
• Many users were complaining that the bubbles run into your face or almost straight up the front when exhaled. The wider design should help eleviate this problem (in my experience there is only minor difference in the experience, but this has never been an "issue for me - bubbles don't get in your face so it really doesn't appear to be any improvement. Though some claim it has made all the difference.)

The piston replacement (not related to the 2 year ago recall) is an improvement to the performance consistency of the 1st stage and is considered a luxury not a necessity. Atomic - what a regulator!