Atomic SS1 experience

[DiverNordic]

Want to make my gear more streamlined by removing my octo and getting the SS1. Does anyone have any experience input regarding this reg? Im well aware of the Atomic quality, i use a full M1 set including the octo.

 

[lexvil]

It’s a good alternative reg for your plan.

 

[davehicks]

I am not a fan. You add a bunch of single points of failure and add a proprietary lp inflation hose and BC inflator. If the SS1 fails and you don't know how to fix it you lose a 2nd stage and the entire BC. With an octo reg you can just swap it out or even remove it.

I have seen multiple people burned by these on long dive trips. Others love them and bring a spare SS1 because they were burned before.

 

[lexvil]

I am not a fan. You add a bunch of single points of failure and add a proprietary lp inflation hose and BC inflator. If the SS1 fails and you don't know how to fix it you lose a 2nd stage and the entire BC. With an octo reg you can just swap it out or even remove it.

I have seen multiple people burned by these on long dive trips. Others love them and bring a spare SS1 because they were burned before.

Lack of planing, there aren’t really any increase in failure points and a simple adaptor for the hose and a Zeagle inflator is all it takes to save a trip. Not really advocating the use over a standard octo but it’s not the real world problem it’s make out to be

 

[scrane]

Sharing air and controlling ascent seems too complicated for me.

 

[P-Dog]

Want to make my gear more streamlined by removing my octo and getting the SS1. Does anyone have any experience input regarding this reg? Im well aware of the Atomic quality, i use a full M1 set including the octo.

Funny you should ask this now. I live on the Big Island of Hawai’i and use the Atomic SS1. I rescued another diver this week on a dive when her octo hose failed. The regulator blew off and the hose drained her tank.

I shared air with her, gave her my primary and I used the SS1. It is a bit awkward because my primary air hose is short - and her octo hose was shooting air directly into my face.

I needed to get the air out of my wing in order to achieve a slow ascent. That entailed taking the SS1 out of my mouth (admittedly it took me a second to realize my deflater was in my mouth!). When I went to breath again I sucked in water. I didn't realize that if the SS1 is being used as an air source, and is removed from your mouth, it must be purged before you start breathing again.

I called Atomic Aquatics and told them what happened with sucking in water and the tech confirmed needing to purge the regulator to get the water out. Something to remember during an emergency/rescue.

 

[lexvil]

Sharing air and controlling ascent seems too complicated for me.

And how many times have you had to do this?

 

[lexvil]

Funny you should ask this now. I live on the Big Island of Hawai’i and use the Atomic SS1. I rescued another diver this week on a dive when her octo hose failed. The regulator blew off and the hose drained her tank.

I shared air with her, gave her my primary and I used the SS1. It is a bit awkward because my primary air hose is short - and her octo hose was shooting air directly into my face.

I needed to get the air out of my wing in order to achieve a slow ascent. That entailed taking the SS1 out of my mouth (admittedly it took me a second to realize my deflater was in my mouth!). When I went to breath again I sucked in water. I didn't realize that if the SS1 is being used as an air source, and is removed from your mouth, it must be purged before you start breathing again.

I called Atomic Aquatics and told them what happened with sucking in water and the tech confirmed needing to purge the regulator to get the water out. Something to remember during an emergency/rescue.

True with any second stage.

 

[davehicks]

Funny you should ask this now. I live on the Big Island of Hawai’i and use the Atomic SS1. I rescued another diver this week on a dive when her octo hose failed. The regulator blew off and the hose drained her tank.

I shared air with her, gave her my primary and I used the SS1. It is a bit awkward because my primary air hose is short - and her octo hose was shooting air directly into my face.

I needed to get the air out of my wing in order to achieve a slow ascent. That entailed taking the SS1 out of my mouth (admittedly it took me a second to realize my deflater was in my mouth!). When I went to breath again I sucked in water. I didn't realize that if the SS1 is being used as an air source, and is removed from your mouth, it must be purged before you start breathing again.

I called Atomic Aquatics and told them what happened with sucking in water and the tech confirmed needing to purge the regulator to get the water out. Something to remember during an emergency/rescue.

So, what will you do now after this experience? Are you still sold on the SS1 or will you get an octo?

 

[scrane]

And how many times have you had to do this?

Never. I use a traditional safe second. That's why I said "seems".
What's your take on air sharing and controlled ascent w/ ss1?