Atomic B2

[Arkman]

I got a really good deal on an Atomic B2...free. My local dive shops don't service it but the one shop(the guy I like best) said he would take a look and see what he can do. Now I don't know that it needs to be serviced, but I do want to have it inspected to make sure. (Although its only a sort of important piece of equipment)

What do you guys think of this? Should I look farther away to service my reg or bring it into the LDS and have him look. As far as I know its not under warranty or anything, even if it was I'm assuming that goes away when transferring to a new owner.

What should I expect with this regulator? I know that it hasn't been used for a few year but it was taken care of before that. Its really just sat in storage since then. I would assume they will inspect, and then repair whats needed. Is this a really expensive process usually? I'd really like to use this regulator but I'd prefer to not drop a ton of money on it right now. Although if there is one thing I'm good at its spending money.

I am also getting the Atomic SS1 integrated octo and have the same questions. Now I don't need this since I have a perfectly good Seaquest airsource on my Seaquest balance. I don't even know if the Atomic SS1 will fit on my BC yet but anyhow, I have basically the same questions for this as the B2.

Any help would be great!

Josh

 

[The Kraken]

The B2 is, simply put, a fantastic, workhorse of a regulator. Just have it serviced and go on you happy diving way.

Don't particularly care for the intergrated "safe-seconds" - a bit problematic, in my OPINION if you have to do an emergency ascent with a buddy.

the K

 

[diversteve]

The B2 has their patented seat saver orifice in the 2nd stage. So the whole time it's been stored, there's been no pressure on the seat so there's probably no issue with that now.

How long has it been stored? A B2 has a standard 2 year service interval. Ask your local shop to test it first. Although I think I'd probably want it serviced anyway.

If you want to send it to an Atomic Dealer, Scubatoys in Dallas is one. I've read they turn them in about a week.
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/regs/regrepair.asp

If the Airsource is "perfectly good" why change? For the once or twice you might need the SS1, it seems like a poor ROI.

Or are you getting the SS1 free also?

From Atomic's website:

• Multi-Configuration Adaptability
The first product of its kind adaptable to a wide variety of BCD hoses and sizes. The SS1 can be fitted to virtually any make or model BCD.

 

[Arkman]

I would guess that the last time it was used was 2 years ago. I did talk to the guy who is giving it to me and he said he would bring it in for service if its a warranty thing. I guess my biggest concern is that the only person in town isn't an authorized dealer but he said he'd take a look anyways. Is this a mistake. Maybe I should just have him test it and if it works then I can use it till winter? Or is that a bad idea?

 

[fnfalman]

What should I expect with this regulator? I know that it hasn't been used for a few year but it was taken care of before that. Its really just sat in storage since then. I would assume they will inspect, and then repair whats needed. Is this a really expensive process usually? I'd really like to use this regulator but I'd prefer to not drop a ton of money on it right now. Although if there is one thing I'm good at its spending money.

Send the unit back to Atomic Aquatics for a service if you're that worried about it. The cost is probably around $150 when it's over and done with. Consider that your payment for a barely used B2 set of reg.

I am also getting the Atomic SS1 integrated octo and have the same questions. Now I don't need this since I have a perfectly good Seaquest airsource on my Seaquest balance. I don't even know if the Atomic SS1 will fit on my BC yet but anyhow, I have basically the same questions for this as the B2.

Any help would be great!

Josh

The SS1 comes with an adapter kit that would make it fit on most corrugated hoses.

I like the inline octo. It's no trouble to use if you were to practice with it instead of waiting until there's a real emergency and then use it under duress. This applies to conventional octo setup as well.

I like the SS1, and fit it to all the BCs that I own. Very easy to breath. The control buttons are intuitive and easy to use.

If and when you send the SS1 back to Atomic for service, it costs the same. Atomic charges the same labor and replacement parts kits for either stages.

 

[Arkman]

I'm not "that worried about it" but everyone says to have a reg serviced when its a used one. I just wanted to make sure its not a bad idea to have it serviced by a non authorized dealer.

Thanks for the feedback. I'm wondering if the SS1 will come with that kit since its set up on the zeagle ranger I'm getting with it. I'd like to sell the ranger but keep the SS1. If it doesn't fit...oh well. Maybe I can find the kit to convert it if it doesn't come with it.

 

[Arkman]

If the Airsource is "perfectly good" why change? For the once or twice you might need the SS1, it seems like a poor ROI.

Or are you getting the SS1 free also?

From Atomic's website:

The only reason I wanted to change it is so that my wifes seaquest pro qd could use the Airsource. Not a big deal since she hardly ever dives.

I'm not getting the SS1 free but It will be a really good price so I was thinking about keeping it.

 

[halocline]

Any competent tech can inspect the reg and tell you how it's working without taking it apart. I don't know if those first stages are packed with Christolube, but if they are, chances are the first stage is in excellent condition on the inside. You could ask the tech to take the 2nd stage cover off, see if there's any salt corrosion in the 2nd stage, and use that as an indication of the condition of the first stage. That's probably what I would do. This is in addition to simply hooking it up to a tank, checking for leaks, and checking the IP and cracking effort. It's a pretty new reg, if it's been taken care of chances are it doesn't need a full service.

I'm also not a fan of the octo/inflators, but to each his own. If you are really interested in using one, I would suggest a 5 ft hose on your primary 2nd stage that routs under your arm across your chest and behind your head. This makes air sharing much more comfortable.

 

[Kunundrum]

Atomic Regulator do not have "required" service interval, the warranty is Lifetime, regardless of service. The recommend servicing every 2 years or 300 dives. I serviced a T2 with 400 + dives and 3 or year interval ans it was spotless inside.

However the parts are not free on the Atomic services.

The 1stage is probably sealed and full of Cristo-Lube, if the I.P. is within range I would not bother with a "service" a quick inspection of the second stage is not a bad idea though.

these regs are pretty bulletproof.

I have an SS1 and love it.

 

[Scared Silly]

The B2 is a fine reg I have taken apart a rebuilt several. The lubricant is typically christolube but it is probably not sealed. You just got a $300 present.

As for service, as said any competent tech should be able to do an inspection checking the IP and cracking pressure. As well as any wear. If they see anything of concern I would send it off to a tech that can get the necessary parts. And as mentioned you can always send it directly to Atomic for service.