Atomic Regulators, Are they worth it?

[NaplesScuba]

We are impressed with the apparent quality of Atomic Regulators, would like to hear from users if they are pleased with their regulators?

 

[FishOutUvH2O]

I have absolutely no complaints with either my ST1 or my SS1. I only have a little over 100 dives on these 2, but so far they have performed beautifully to depths up to 136fsw (that's as deep as I've gone). Are they worth the $$$$. . . . Don't know. But contrary to popular belief, they are priced competitively;

Atomic Ti2= $1549.00
Scubapro S600t/Mk25t= $1577.00

Atomic ST1= $899.00
No current competitor using stainless steel.

Atomic Z2 w/comfort swivel= $574.00
Oceanic Delta IV= $569.95

*all prices are MSRP. Retail/Sale prices may differ.

 

[HatchetJoe]

I havea T2 and SS1 combo for goof off dives and am really impressed, Still they are at less than 200 dives. I also have a pair of M1s for technichal dives and all I can say is theya are awesome. If I could think of a drawback it would only be that local servicing can be a challenge, for that we have UPS and/or FED EX.

 

[Scared Silly]

The main difference between their regs is the metal used. I am Z2/M1 kinda of diver as my dives are a mix of technical and rec dives. Personally, the Ti and SS versions are for those with $$. A good brass reg will last just as long and be just as serviceable if you rinse it well after each use.

You might also do a search as Atomic regs get discussed a fair amount.

 

[AbyssalPlains]

I've had my Z2 for two and a half years now and it has performed not only flawlessly, but delightfully. My reg has not seen the shop yet (although it is over-due for service) and breathes as easily as on the first day. I have tried several other regs since I got my Atomic and each time, I'm surprised to realize how they simply can't hold the candle to the Atomic. I have yet to find another reg that truly has no inhalation effort. Even my other reg, which i use on my pony, a top-of-the-line Scubapro S600, breathes not as effortlessly as the Z2. I have done a fair amount of dives close to 130 feet and one below and each time, I didn't notice any change in regulator performance. Above all, the Atomic gives me the impression of being very well-made and sturdy, which in my case has caused me to be lazy about having it serviced. I put it off and off and off....


Disclaimer: I am not affiliated in any way with Atomic. I just love my reg. :blinking:

 

[beanojones]

The discussion splits about the titanium alot.

I personally like the breathing of the Apeks TX-50s better than the Atomic, but I am trying to get my rental fleet to be all Atomic titanium second stages for the no corrode, the seat saver, and the automatic venturi lever.

First stages I am no big fan of, but that's because I like my regs envirnmentally sealed for corrosion reasons.

I have three (I'll probably have a fourth one here in a little bit) Atomic brass first stages I'll trade for anything reasonable someone wants to offer me. (Mk2 first stages, Ocanic SP5 first stages, Atomic second stages, Atomic SS1s).

Overall the company did what the background of the guys starting it would suggest: They took Scubapro's best ideas and improved on them. Which is saying a lot.

 

[FishOutUvH2O]

Personally, the Ti and SS versions are for those with $$.

I'm no Bill Gates, but I have to say that I did buy my ST1 for nothing but shallow reasons. I went there to get the B2, they stuck the ST1's first stage in my hand along with the B2's, and I gave in to the "shiny". The bonuses were that the ST1 was lighter and came environmentally sealed.

Personally, I can't tell the difference in breathing between my wife's S600t/Mk25t and my Atomic. At that level of performance, I think that distinction is best left to a machine.

 

[maged_mmh]

Atomic ST1= $899.00
No current competitor using stainless steel.

BTW, SP has a version of the MK25SA/S600 which uses stainless alloy, not sure about the price though.

for when I tried it; honestly Atomic Z2 did not differ at all from my SPMK25/S600 down to 25 msw.

 

[Couv]

Hello Naples Scuba,

Welcome to Scuba Board. Filling out your profile will help members to further answer your question(s).

Couv

 

[diversteve]

my .02:

I bought my first Atomic, a B1 five years ago. I thought it was a great regulator. 2 years ago I bought a T2, it's even better. The first stage turret allows for really good hose routing and the 2nd stage swivel makes it a dream to dive with. It just breathes effortlessly.

I also carry-on my regs so although it's a minor difference, the extra weight savings of the TI is worth it on long walks through airports. And I suppose if airlines start checking carry-on weight it could be a factor.

I'm a videographer and often find myself finning down vertically in small spaces looking for stuff, the T2 breathes effortlessly in all positions and stays completely dry, even when fully upside down. My previous regs seemed to breathe a little harder in some positions.

The 2 year service interval on all Atomic regs now is also a plus. For me, part of the decision was also where to get it serviced, there are 3 Atomic dealers in Phoenix but only one Scubapro dealer and no Apeks dealers afaik. And my LDS is one of the three.

A couple of years ago, my tank/BC slipped off the back of a truck while we were gearing up and landed upside down on the valve/1st stage. I dusted it off and went diving. Never even bothered to have it checked and I used it on a later trip also. Although the top of the tank valve caught most of the impact.

The Atomics seem to be louder u/w than previous regs I've used. Maybe it's the piston design, my others were diaphragms.