Atomic regulator recommendations

[Ben Prusinski]

I just got certified and completed a dozen scuba dives and looking to purchase my first regulator and BCD. I did some research and like the product line from Atomic. However the range is huge and prices differ from $500-2000. I am looking at the Atomic M1, ST1 and B2 regulators with Atomic Octo setup as it has options for nitrox, mixed gases and I like the design better than the ScubaPro and Aqualung regulators that I used when I was learning to scuba dive. Any ideas which to get? Would like to hear some unbiased opinions for those who have dived with Atomic regulators in terms of what you like and disliked.

 

[coldwaterlloyd]

They are all great , buy the one you are most comfortable within your budget . I have had a few and zero complaints .

 

[a22shady]

I own two Atomic M1's and Love them zero problems and a big plus with Atmoic if you ever do have an issue or question you can actually call them and someone answers a phone and you get to talk to someone.

I do also own 2 MK17/G250V's which are also great reg's. But as for the ones you questioned I personally liked the M1's

 

[diversteve]

They're all going to breathe the same. So the difference is mostly in the metals used. If you haven't seen it, this chart might be useful: Atomic Aquatics Regulator Systems Comparison Chart

I dove a B1 for about 5 years and now have a T2. I doubt you could tell the difference in a blind breathing test. I've read that all Atomics - even the Z2x - breathe the same. Before I bought my T2, I seriously considered an ST1 also. One reason I liked it over the B2 was that the 1st stage was all stainless instead of monel/stainless/brass. Brass does corrode but I doubt it makes much difference with regular maintenance.

Also I believe the M1 doesn't come with the 2nd stage swivel standard. I really, really like mine. I didn't have one with my B1 and after 3-4 dives (typical day for us) I did notice it pulled a little. Sometimes with the T2 I forget it's there - even when the 2nd is under pressure it still moves easily.

If you're diving in cold/silty conditions the sealed 1st stage is only standard on the M1/ST1 - it's an option on the B2.

Personally I'd save $60 and get a Z2 octo no matter what reg you buy. I have a Z1 octo on mine.

hth,

 

[Thalassamania]

Atomic makes great regulators, unfortunately they are not any better than a lot of regulators that sell for half the price and less.

 

[SeaCobra]

I have had my Atomics for about 9 years and they have been flawless. I have an M1 and Z1 for my doubles, most of my diving is the deeper wrecks off of the Jersey coast. Cold water, salt and sand I am not very good about rinsing my gear, that's what lake diving is for You won't find a performance difference in the regs, just some features that may suit your diving better than others.

Saying that a reg for half the price is just as good is like saying that a Kia is just as good as a Mercedes. Sure it will start and get you to work, but its just not a Mercedes. The main value in the higher end regs, besides performance, is longevity. You will have your Atomics for a long, long time and the only reason you will another reg is because you wanted to, not because you had to.

 

[Fishpie]

What utter balderdash about longevity from someone who should know better.

 

[herman]

I have had my Atomics for about 9 years and they have been flawless. I have an M1 and Z1 for my doubles, most of my diving is the deeper wrecks off of the Jersey coast. Cold water, salt and sand I am not very good about rinsing my gear, that's what lake diving is for You won't find a performance difference in the regs, just some features that may suit your diving better than others.

Saying that a reg for half the price is just as good is like saying that a Kia is just as good as a Mercedes. Sure it will start and get you to work, but its just not a Mercedes. The main value in the higher end regs, besides performance, is longevity. You will have your Atomics for a long, long time and the only reason you will another reg is because you wanted to, not because you had to.

The old 45 yo DA Aquamaster I dive must be a Royals Royce.

 

[jd950]

I have owned and used regs from a variety of manufacturers. I have also read a lot of reviews and discussions on regs and have come to the conclusion that most regs by most manufacturers are just fine for almost all of us. The differences really come from things like size, weight, cold water suitability, location and number of ports, suitability to high levels of oxygen, appearance, swivels, availability of servicing, ease of service if you want to service it yourself, etc.

As to Atomic I like the fact the regs are made in the U.S. and if you have a problem or question you can call and speak to Darcy or another human. Both of those are plusses to me, but they may not be to the next guy. Mine have breathed well and been reliable. Atomic regs also have a seat saver feature not found in other regs and a corresponding 2-year service interval. The downside is you have to use a bit more care in the rinsing/soaking of Atomic regs. That can be a problem in some situations. Whether any of those things are valuable is a personal decision. I also like the idea that you don't void the Atomic warranty by missing a service or having service performed by other than an authorized shop. I don't know if this really amounts to a financial saving, but I like the policy better than the "you must have service at 12 month intervals by an authorized dealer." On the other hand, parts are not "free" when you get an Atomic serviced.

I think the Z2 is actually a very good deal in a reg and you cannot buy a "comparable" reg for half the price. The T and B and ST1 are quite expensive and you could find a reg that performs similarly for much less. I like the fact that Atomic have a nice range of regs at different prices but all of them offer similar performance, as opposed to lines where the best regs are nice but the cheapest are not really so good.

But, I would be able to make an equally good sales pitch, along different lines, for Scubapro, Aqualung, Zeagle and a couple others. Buy what you like and can afford and know that whether it is called a Legend or an A700 or a B2 or a Flathead, or whatever it will be a good reg. For the most part, the differences are in the details and you should be sure the reg meets YOUR needs. I, for example, do not dive in ice cold water so I don't expect my reg to do so either.

You said you like Atomic better than Scubapro and Aqualung and that's fine...you don't need to justify the feeling. The difference within the Atomic models is limited to different materials and cosmetics. You can seal any of their first stages, so the Z2 is an obvious "economical" choice. I happen to like and own the ST1 because I like the theoretically better corrosion resistance of that model, I like the swivel, and I like the looks of the stainless first stage. I use a Z2 as an octo and my backup/loaner reg set is a Z2 and Z2 octo. Is the ST1 worth the price? To me yes, because I like it and see value in the stainless construction. To the next guy, maybe not.

Look at the Atomic chart linked in one of the replies above and you can see the differences in the regs. Buy what will make you feel good whether you really "need" it or not. If you can afford it, a "better" reg may keep you happy longer (or it may not). Any good reg will last a long time if maintained. If you are like many of us, you are going to succumb to new reg lust long before the reg needs to be replaced.

Two concrete suggestions:

Be careful about being an early adopter of a "new" design or technology. Search Sherwood SR1 and you'll see what I mean

Think twice before getting a reg with only 1 hp port. That is reg you may well "outgrow" before you would want to.

Good luck with your diving, maybe I'll meet you on a boat one day.

 

[rboyer]

I have the ST1 and my wife dives the B2. We both love these regs. I have owned several different regs and these are the best I have ever dove. The ST1 even extended my bottom time a little bit on the same dive that I do weekly. (about 10 mins) I don't think you will go wrong with any of the Atomics. But as they say be sure to get one that is comfortable to you and your budget! Welcome to the best sport on the planet!