atomic b2 vs st1 couple with Oceanic alpha 8 octo

[eelnoraa]

This maybe a repeated question. I am looking to get my own reg after using rental for about 10 dives. I am interested in Atomic Aquatics, namely Z2, B2 or St1. I like B2 and ST1 better because of the comfort swivel 2nd stage. Z2 + swivel upgrade is about the same price as B2 already. The ST1 another ~$100, I wonder if it is worth it.

For Octo, I want to use a cheaper 2nd stage like Oceanic alpha 8. I figure this will be a for backup purpose only, it will hardly get used, so the performance is not too important. I just wonder if they will fit together, and how will the service interval go.

 

[vinegarbiscuit]

Financial considerations aside, I'm not a fan of stinting on one's octopus. Why? Because although it may be seldom used, when it IS needed, it's needed badly. Moreover, the chances are very good that it's going to be YOU that's breathing off the octopus, rather than another party. I hope it never happens to you, but an out-of-air diver is likely to go for the mouthpiece he/she KNOWS is working...and that's the lovely Atomic second-stage that's in your mouth. Meaning YOU have to change to your second-class octopus, and to add injury to insult, you have to deal with an OOA situation while pulling frantically at your unbalanced second-stage octo! I can tell you from experience, that's not fun. Plus, if ever you decide to switch to a long-hose configuration and wear your octo on a necklace, you will be passing off your primary to an OOA diver and are guaranteed to be stuck with an inferior second stage for your own use. That's even more motivation not to stint for as good an alternate second stage as you can afford.

I currently have a an AquaLung ABS octopus on my B2 Atomic, and while it works just fine, I'm already fantasizing about the day I save enough money to buy another Atomic second stage.

 

[Captain12Pk]

The primary difference you'll see between the B2 and ST1 is that the B2 first stage is composed of a plated brass, while the ST1's first stage is composed of stainless steel. The stainless steel will be much more durable than brass. Also, as you noted, much more expensive. I have 2 ST1's and have had wonderful luck with them. I also have 2 B2's and have had wonderful luck with those. There is absolutely no difference in breathing between the B2's and ST1's. Or at least there shouldn't be.
As for the octopus, I personally run matched sets. As vinegarbiscuit said, if the fit hits the shan, you might wish you had a higher end octo. Something to consider.

Good luck,
K

 

[Carlos Danger]

My GF uses the Alpha 8; probably one of the better performing entry level 2nd stages for the price. The maintenance interval may be different though. Personally, I'd go for all Atomic if you can; excellent stuff. I use the B2 w/ the M1 exhaust-t, along with an SS1 octo.

 

[eelnoraa]

I just looked up Z2 octo, it is expansive, almost $300. I think I will just go with B2 + Z2 octo.

I will order them online. Can I put them together? or do I have to have some tech in LDS do it?

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

I just looked up Z2 octo, it is expansive, almost $300. I think I will just go with B2 + Z2 octo.

I will order them online. Can I put them together? or do I have to have some tech in LDS do it?

It is very easy to assemble yourself, but you can probably request that the regulator be assembled before it is shipped.

Best wishes.