Atomic....Z2/3....B2...M1.......thoughts?

[p_kos]

M1 has everything you’ll ever need for virtually any type of diving. I also like the wider exhaust T it comes with, although you can add that to other models as well.

 

[Geo7]

For ocean diving I would not be worried at all at 10°C, even with an unsealed Z2. For freshwater at 10°C and below I'd want it sealed (but there are are more reasons for sealing than temperature). The M1 second stage has a better heatsink, but I doubt this matters until you go below 4°C (which I have with either).

I'd recommend the M1 only if you specifically plan tech diving, and/or cold freshwater diving well below 10°C. I have owned several Atomics, and must say the Z2 positively surprised me recently when I set one up for a friend. It is really great for most diving, and I can't imagine anyone regretting not having the other features. The swivels don't offer me real advantages in my configurations.

Exception is rich nitrox mixes >50% (= tech diving), which the M1 is better prepared for than most regs (and note beside: Two german Atomic manuals I have specify 100% O2 for the M1, not 80% as in the US. That's likely an EU requirement as soon as you deliver it with the M26-thread DIN fitting).

Other than that: can't go wrong with any of them!

 

[StefinSB]

Hi all,
Another quick regulator question...I haven't decided if I'm going for Atomic or not, but just in terms of the models....
So, I understand that Z3 is just a Z2 with the comfort swivel.
B2.......am I correct that the only difference again is a marginally nicer first stage (swivel, which may or not matter?). It's lighter, but all of about 40g....seems like a big price jump for not much difference.

Then the M1......if I'm not mistaken, the M1 is for 80% EAN (well, I'll never be tech diving)...I'll never cave dive....but it's also for colder water too, isn't it? I don't dive cold now (in Melbourne Australia)....I think the Z2/3/B2 can go down to about 10deg C, does the M1 go colder than that? I'm just thinking 'what if I go somewhere colder'......the M1 also advertises a different 2nd stage design to minimise free flow in current (is that a thing I actually need to care about?)....

Kind of thinking that if I don't care about the comfort swivel, then surely there isn't really any reason to get the B2 over the M1 - so just a matter of deciding whether it's worth the price jump from the Z2/3, right?

And as for the swivel - well, a flexible braided hose reaches the same outcome of not having the hose pull the reg against my mouth, right? That's why I'm thinking that no swivel might be good (kinda like the idea of swapping out the hose, even if I get the M1).

(Okay, that wasn't so quick. Not sorry!)

All Atomics breath the same. All Atomics first stages can be sealed. If you want to show-off bling, then get the titanium version. If you want to recreationally dive get the Z2/Z3. Like Lexvil I don't care for 1st stages turrets for single tank, but it doesn't hurt to have one. The "comfort swivel" on the 2nd stage is nice but not necessary. I would get the 1st stage sealed to keep particulate out more than to dive in water <10C.

 

[Joneill]

All Atomics breath the same. All Atomics first stages can be sealed. If you want to show-off bling, then get the titanium version. If you want to recreationally dive get the Z2/Z3. Like Lexvil I don't care for 1st stages turrets for single tank, but it doesn't hurt to have one. The "comfort swivel" on the 2nd stage is nice but not necessary. I would get the 1st stage sealed to keep particulate out more than to dive in water <10C.

It has nothing to do with “bling” - it was about quality, ultimate corrision resistance, fantastic durability, super light weight and the unconditional lifetime warranty. I don’t baby my gear at all and my reg set still looks almost new after 6 years... but thanks for your judgmental comment on the purchasing motivators for people that you don’t know.

Also, I love the swivel turret as it helps with hose routing. My brother-in-law got the Z2 and regrets not going for a swivel turret.

 

[Scared Silly]

FWIW we bought Z2 with a first stage swivel. We did special order with Atomic.

 

[Geo7]

It depends on your configuration. Perhaps these photos help?

 

[StefinSB]

It has nothing to do with “bling” - it was about quality, ultimate corrision resistance, fantastic durability, super light weight and the unconditional lifetime warranty. I don’t baby my gear at all and my reg set still looks almost new after 6 years... but thanks for your judgmental comment on the purchasing motivators for people that you don’t know.

Also, I love the swivel turret as it helps with hose routing. My brother-in-law got the Z2 and regrets not going for a swivel turret.

You are welcome.

 

[Geo7]

For this routing (octo on 5th port) with this type of wing, it makes little difference for me to have the turret or not. Perhaps you come to a different conclusion with an identical setup, or need the turret for a different setup. I tried to switch to a diaphragm reg for convenience, but love this routing. Sealing it makes it work well in sandy or cold conditions. Titanium means there is no need to open the reg for 3 years (if you go by the book, or more if you know what you are doing). But most of these these are "nice-to-haves" (a more neutral expression than "bling"), not "must-haves". I think what we are trying to say is that the higher end models are nice, but there is no need to stress your budget. Hope this helps...

 

[BoltSnap]

For this routing (octo on 5th port) with this type of wing, it makes little difference for me to have the turret or not. Perhaps you come to a different conclusion with an identical setup, or need the turret for a different setup. I tried to switch to a diaphragm reg for convenience, but love this routing. Sealing it makes it work well in sandy or cold conditions. Titanium means there is no need to open the reg for 3 years (if you go by the book, or more if you know what you are doing). But most of these these are "nice-to-haves" (a more neutral expression than "bling"), not "must-haves". I think what we are trying to say is that the higher end models are nice, but there is no need to stress your budget. Hope this helps...
View attachment 626672

And why your BC LP hose coming over and crossing the HP gauge hose???????

 

[Geo7]

The inflator hose can move a little as I lift the BC corrugated hose (both are very short), and this avoids moving the HP hose (the one hose I want to move the least). I tried it the other way around (and have a pic for that somewhere), but this seems to work. Might switch, but I can't make a general recommendation, as it depends on the LP inflator hose length. As you can imagine, figuring out the right lenghts and ordering the hoses is a nightmare, especially if you are loocking for high quality 500 PSI hoses (Piranha). If you ask why, I'll ask: why not?