Atomic M1 or ?

[ScubaDuke]

Anybody have experience/opinion on the new Atomic M1 reg? I hear good things but I would like more info.

I am thinking about buying a new reg and would like some advice. I would like to buy from my LDS if possible. They don't carry Apeks (darn!), USD/Aqualung, Scuba Pro, or Zeagle.

They do carry: Atomic, Oceanic, Dacor, Cochran, and one other I can't think of right now.

Thanks!

 

[noshow]

Atomic B1....

The guys at my local dive shop said both the Atomic and Apeks were awesome regs. A lot of experience with both. I am going with the Apeks ATX200 but my second choice (and it was my first choice not long ago) was the Atomic B1.

Good Luck!

 

[buff]

I would go with the Oceanic over the Atomic just on a cost basis-if you want to buy from your LDS.

Atomics are very similar to ScubaPro and they are great.

I would chose the Oceanic Alpha(probably the best deal reg. out there) or a Delta with the DX4 first stage diaphram.

Actually, what I would do is buy an Apeks TX50 with TX40 octo at www.diveinn.com if I didn't have to buy from the LDS

 

[ScubaDuke]

I can't believe I forgot about Mares - the other brand my LDS carries that I couldn't remember. I have looked at the Mares Ruby also.

What intrigues me about the Atomic M1 is the use of the metal 'Monel'. Monel has characteristics similar to Titanium in that it is light, strong, and corrosion & temp resistant yet costs less.

Another question: Diaphram or Piston? I believe I read some posts here on the board but I'm asking again.

Thanks and keep those replies coming!

 

[buff]

"Monel"?????????????

I have heard of a lot of metal alloys but never of Monel. It could be a combination of titanium and aluminum. Titianium is corrosion reistant-no doubt-but once you do your annual check-up on a reg. you put in a bath to remove the corrosion and it makes the point of having very expensive titanium, corrosion resistant reg. moot.

Mares makes good, inexpensive regs. that are for sale on www.diveinn.com.-very inexpensive.

I would prefer a diaphram over a piston but with annual maintenance it probably doesn't matter much unless your're diving in ice or a contaminated environment.

The Mares Ruby is expensive and the rest of the Mares line has the same excellent quality.

IMHO divers put too much emphasis on the reg. and not enough on the B.C.-this is the piece of equipment that has to "fit" well to work well. And for the latter I recommend a backplate and harness(it fits you NOT you fit it) as do 99% of the members on this board.

 

[noshow]

If you're looking at either the best or the second best reg in any product line, I think you should do well. One of the LDS I deal with recommended a diaphram type reg to me. They said they only carry these because in their opinion it is the better of the two wrt design. This may be because they only have these to deal and discourage customers from the piston. This may be because it is true or it really is what they believe in, not sure. Either way I really like the Atomic B1, Z1(if youcan afford it). If you want a diaphram then go one down from the ruby to the Abyss (I think) or go Ruby (if you have the $). Again, I'm going with the Apex ATX200 but still have this pull towards the Atomic B1!!!

Have fun...

 

[Scottri]

Buy the Atomic! I wouldn't dive anything else! Except maybe an Apex. I love my Atomic and would buy one tomorrow if I needed a new reg.



Scott

 

[miztflip]

Stay away from alloy. There is no reason to go with anything except brass first stage. The local tech has had problems with alloys like Scubapros MK25.

All the instructors I work with use atomic. Not because we get deals because we don't but because we like and trust them. We use z1, b1 and t1. I personally use the Z1 and have no use for a titanium reg. Take weight off your reg and you add it to your belt. A coated brass reg will outlast any diver with go care and regular service. All the atomic regs have the same performance ratings and only the z1 does not have the swivel which is only another failure point. I dove mine almost 350 times this year and have yet to get it serviced. It still breathes like new at any depth.

Also did I mention that the Z1 is also much less expensive.

Definately go with atomic and I highly recommend the Z1.

Hope this helps.

Chris

 

[ScubaDuke]

Thanks for all the replies and info on the various regs. I would still like info on the M1. It may be too new for anyone to have tested it yet.
I am still looking into the other brands but leaning toward Atomic.

 

[noshow]

miztflip

the guys in the LDS i deal with LOVE the atomic too and they sell scubapro, aqualung, and apeks as well.

How does the Z1 and B1 fair in cold water? Is it environmentally sealed? What do you use as your octopus?