Apeks Atx200 or Atomic B2 ?

[koo]

Hi all,
Thank you so much for the responses.
Tomorrow , I am going to view the Atomic B2 ( as second stage of B2 is Titanium - lightweight and corrosion free, plus the warranty deal ) However, the Atomic B2 here is US$120 higher than the ATX200 ( B2 almost the same price as the Black Pearl ) Hmm...will check whether it is worth going after.

SF

 

[paulwlee]

I find the adjustments of the Atomic regulators better than the Apeks'. The Apeks has a predive/dive switch to prevent freeflow, Atomics have a automatic switch that works off water pressure. The cracking pressure adjustments are similar, although I prefer the Atomic as it has fewer turns.

The lack of an environmental seal is not a problem for beach diving. Just look at all the people that have been diving piston regulators (Scubapro, Oceanic, Dacor, etc.) for all those decades. It will be more relevant if diving in fine silt (as in caves) or in very cold water (as in ice diving).

 

[murphdivers286]

The lack of an environmental seal is not a problem for beach diving.

I had my B2 environmentally sealed. All Atomic regs can be sealed.

 

[rescuediver009]

I had my B2 environmentally sealed. All Atomic regs can be sealed.

I realize this, but what is it that seals the atomics? I can only assume that with a flow through piston, it would be the good old blob of cristo lube....

 

[Charlie99]

....... but what is it that seals the atomics? I can only assume that with a flow through piston, it would be the good old blob of cristo lube....

Yes. The blob of expensive cristolube has worked well on my B1.

I've tried a lot of other regs besides the B1, but have never found one that is as smooth, effortless, and natural feeling with the slow 10 second long inhales that I use. The B2 is probably the same.

My only complaint about the B1 is that I've never made it to the 2 year/ 300 hour point -- 3 times now, it started a very slow IP creep (1psi/sec sort of rate) after somewhere between 100 and 125 dive hours. The piston design changed between B1 and B2, partly to minimize this problem.

Charlie Allen

p.s. The B2's jet piston can be retrofitted into the B1. I did so earlier this year and so far no problem after about 80 hours.