Atomic SECOND Stages

[Diver-6873]

Considering new regs (200-300 dives annually) and looking to see if there any differences in the second stages of the Atomic T3 and B2 - they appear to be identical…. ?

 

[Mobulai]

the 2nds are the same (maybe some minor differences I can’t remember)

 

[Mobulai]

A quick search:

Last I checked the schematics, the B2 and Ti2 are identical except for knob, faceplate/retaining ring and hose setup: The B2 has no jam nut, as it has a swivel hose. The Ti2 has a jam nut for the standard hose.

All knobs are interchangeable, although the M1 knob is longer and needs it's own retaining screw that is also longer. I like the black Z2 knob the most (one solid piece with no soft inlets).

The faceplates of the T1, Ti2, Z1 have an edge that needs a different retaining ring than the T2, T3, B2, Z2 and Z3. The schematics are very nice in providing a good overview on that.

The T2X an T3 have a slightly different lever than all the other regs: All Atomic levers are titanium of the same dimensions, but the T2X and T3 have the so called "magnum lever". According to Rob it is covered in a golden coating that makes it slicker. You guys identified it as Titanium Nitride. Hopefully Rob steps in to verify this list...

The other notable difference is that the orifice in the M1 is made of steel, and all others are titanium.

And last not least, early housings (T1, B1, Z1) have an imperceptably smaller mouthpiece bore and are marked by a black venturi AFC vane, while the T2/B2 generation have a a gray vane. The early housings would be great for kids with the smallest Aqualung comfobite mouthpiece that fits perfectly.

The greatest plus is to be able to fit three different sizes of exhaust Ts on an Atomic second.

edit: So yes, I feel a T3 faceplate on a Ti2 is not misleading: if you add a larger exhaust and the magnum lever you have an identical reg. Mine started as Ti2s and now have either T1X or Ti2 faceplates (with the original T1 retaining ring made of full titanium).

Back to the TFX

 

[Scared Silly]

TLDR, the only substantial difference is the bling. Mechanically they are the same.

 

[Curious_George]

In addition to the excellent detail from @Geo7, it’s worth mentioning that the second stage valve body material is different - made of either titanium, < NOT > stainless, or chrome plated brass depending on model, which can make a difference in performance over time and maybe jaw fatigue for some people. Depending on how well maintained the regulator is, and how focused someone is on the weight of their second stage.

 

[Mobulai]

In addition to the excellent detail from @Geo7, it’s worth mentioning that the second stage valve body material is different - made of either titanium, stainless, or chrome plated brass depending on model, which can make a difference in performance over time and maybe jaw fatigue for some people. Depending on how well maintained the regulator is, and how focused someone is on the weight of their second stage.

But specifically the B2 2nd barrel/lever is also made out Ti just like the T3, besides the extra coating on the lever AFAIK

 

[Scared Silly]

In addition to the excellent detail from @Geo7, it’s worth mentioning that the second stage valve body material is different - made of either titanium, stainless, or chrome plated brass depending on model, which can make a difference in performance over time and maybe jaw fatigue for some people. Depending on how well maintained the regulator is, and how focused someone is on the weight of their second stage.

The AA inlet tubes are Ti or brass, none are stainless. Further the inlet material does not make difference in performance. Even over time. That is any impacts to flow due to corrosion (e.g. roughness) are negligible.

The orifice is either TI or stainless (M1 only). All other parts are the same.

The weight difference between them all is half an ounce. Which is not significant. Comparing the M1 and B2 there is more difference in weight from the bling, nearly a full ounce.

At the end of the day the difference is the bling.

 

[Geo7]

Lot's of good posts, I think we are all on the same page here. I think the OP's question narrows it down to only 2nd stages with titanium barrels.

Specifically, the difference between the B2 and T3 is the hose. It's a brass swivel in the B2, and titanium swivel on the T3. If you add a titanium swivel hose to a B2, it is practically a T3. With it, the second stage practically floats in saltwater when full of air!

Only the nitride covered lever is missing, but I'd argue a good technician that adjusts your reg is more important than that coating. Apart from the hose difference, the metals are the same (titanium), but faceplate and knobs differ (hence "bling").

 

[Geo7]

TLDR, the only substantial difference is the bling. Mechanically they are the same.

I would take @Scared Silly's word when it comes to Atomic regs, he knows them inside out...

 

[Curious_George]

Thanks guys. I stand corrected - my ST1 TI valve body looked like stainless.

But I do still believe there is more potential for corrosion on chromed brass than titanium if poor maintenance - which could effect performamce.

Edited my post above so the bots won’t read it as real.