Atomic Aquatics Regulators (M1 and ST1)

[TheAlmightyHubbard]

First off, a quick introduction. I'm 21 next month and spent my whole life in South Florida until I joined the Army a couple years ago, and have been jumping out of planes for the past year. Just got back from a year tour in Korea and after going temporary duty in Guam it hit me hard; I WANT TO DIVE! So I went ahead and got my PADI Open Water last week. I've done 4 dives using rental equipment from my instructor and have finally put together everything I need, except a regulator.

SP Twin Jet Fins
SP Marin mask
Oceanic Probe LX BCD
Oceanic Veo 100 NX Triple Navcon SWIV w/ compass
Cressi-Sub XS Octo

So, now my question. I am very interested in the Atomic regulators.

I was offered a good price at a local dive shop for the ST1, but it is fairly new and I could not find any reviews on it. For those who have used it, what do you think? I would assume it's a great piece just like the others. Also, opinions on the M1 and other Atomic regs besides the T2 (a little out of my range as a beginner)?

Thanks alot guys!

EDIT: Not sure if it matters, but I'm looking for a yoke. I could just get a DIN adapter if I needed to right?

 

[ronbeau]

First off, a quick introduction. I'm 21 next month and spent my whole life in South Florida until I joined the Army a couple years ago, and have been jumping out of planes for the past year. Just got back from a year tour in Korea and after going temporary duty in Guam it hit me hard; I WANT TO DIVE! So I went ahead and got my PADI Open Water last week. I've done 4 dives using rental equipment from my instructor and have finally put together everything I need, except a regulator.

SP Twin Jet Fins
SP Marin mask
Oceanic Probe LX BCD
Oceanic Veo 100 NX Triple Navcon SWIV w/ compass
Cressi-Sub XS Octo

So, now my question. I am very interested in the Atomic regulators.

I was offered a good price at a local dive shop for the ST1, but it is fairly new and I could not find any reviews on it. For those who have used it, what do you think? I would assume it's a great piece just like the others. Also, opinions on the M1 and other Atomic regs besides the T2 (a little out of my range as a beginner)?

Thanks alot guys!

EDIT: Not sure if it matters, but I'm looking for a yoke. I could just get a DIN adapter if I needed to right?

I believe the ST has been out for over a year now.

All Atomic regulators are of the same design. The only difference is the material that is used to make the first stage.

The breathing characteristics should be identical to other Atomic regulators such as the B2, T2 and Z2.

I can't comment on the M1 but I don't think the T2 is worth the money to save 8 ounces of weight in the first stage. Also, Atomic states that you must decide at the time of purchase whether the regulator will be dedicated to air diving or NITROX.

My Atomic B2 which costs a lot less than the T2 does not have that restriction. I can switch between air and NITROX (up to 40%) with no problems.

I would say that if you can get a great deal on the ST1 I would go for it.

 

[maged_mmh]

can't you ask for the same offer for B2 or Z2?
also SP S600/MK25 worth considering.

 

[vladimir]

I think the M1 is constructed without titanium in certain parts (they use Monel, whatever that is) so you can use higher O2 mixes. It also has an environmentally sealed first stage, so it is more suitable for cold-water use than the other models.

 

[TheAlmightyHubbard]

Thanks alot for the info guys! I didn't know that the T1 had that air/nitrox restriction.

I'm gonna take a ride down to the shop tomorrow or monday and see what they'll offer on a B2/Z2 also. I don't believe the Z2 has the swivel option which seems like it would be worth it for comfort reasons.

 

[ronbeau]

Thanks a lot for the info guys! I didn't know that the T1 had that air/NITROX restriction.

I'm gonna take a ride down to the shop tomorrow or Monday and see what they'll offer on a B2/Z2 also. I don't believe the Z2 has the swivel option which seems like it would be worth it for comfort reasons.

There are two different swivel options on Atomic regulators.

First stage turret swivel

Second stage hose swivel between the end of the LP hose and the second stage itself.

The B2 comes with both. The Z2 does not come with the first stage swivel turret but it can be added. I forget whether or not the Z2 comes with the second stage swivel hose or not.

 

[TheAlmightyHubbard]

I'm probably going to get a call from my bank after this... :11doh:

 

[spica]

Congrats on the purchase. May I ask how much you spent? Thanks.

 

[TheAlmightyHubbard]

$710 after tax with the adapter to convert from DIN to yoke.

 

[KingOfTheGeeks]

I think the M1 is constructed without titanium in certain parts (they use Monel, whatever that is) so you can use higher O2 mixes. It also has an environmentally sealed first stage, so it is more suitable for cold-water use than the other models.

Just for the record Monel is a non magnetic steel, i use very large monel pipes to drill oil wells because it allows us to run magnetometers in the drill string without interferance from magnetized steel.