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

[Geo7]

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

You were right: I like it better uncrossed and settled on that now. It prevents a steep angle for the primary reg hose. I still think everyone should experiment with their entire setup though. For example, I have a Mk11 1st stage that I like, but with my BC the BC elbow gets in the way of the HP hose (I am talking single tank only here). With a different BC I'd had no problem, and different tank sizes (even valve types) can matter as well.

 

[StefinSB]

Zero difference in performance. No swivel, of course on the Z.
Yes, easy to have it sealed later. But find a good shop that does it properly. No bubbles inside.

OT @rsingler : Does your experience indicate that using the Atomic tool for adding the sealing goob creates bubbles?

 

[rsingler]

OT @rsingler : Does your experience indicate that using the Atomic tool for adding the sealing goob creates bubbles?

Let's just say I find it a waste of Christolube, and demanding of extremely slow fill rates to envelop the spring coils without bubbles.
If you think about the volumes involved when a piston shifts less than a millimeter during cycling, it won't take many tiny retained bubbles to reduce the reg's response to depth. If the bubble has to be compressed first, before the lube transmits ambient to the back of the piston head, then you have to have a volume of bubbles less than the volume under the environmental seal to preserve responsiveness. That's around 0.5 cc. Not much room for error.

I fill manually, PITA or not. But there is a better tool from Scuba Instruments that's syringe-based. Glynn Palmer, who used to own the huge repair shop Malibu Scuba Repair, recommends it.

 

[StefinSB]

Let's just say I find it a waste of Christolube, and demanding of extremely slow fill rates to envelop the spring coils without bubbles.
If you think about the volumes involved when a piston shifts less than a millimeter during cycling, it won't take many tiny retained bubbles to reduce the reg's response to depth. If the bubble has to be compressed first, before the lube transmits ambient to the back of the piston head, then you have to have a volume of bubbles less than the volume under the environmental seal to preserve responsiveness. That's around 0.5 cc. Not much room for error.

I fill manually, PITA or not. But there is a better tool from Scuba Instruments that's syringe-based. Glynn Palmer, who used to own the huge repair shop Malibu Scuba Repair, recommends it.

Thx. I fill manually too even though it takes a while but was just wondering about the tool. Problem is that the goob is opaque so one does not have any direct feedback. Have to have a look the tool. /OT

 

[stuartv]

I find no use for a swivel turret in single tank diving. But, I do like having a bottom port. I run my single tank setup like the pictures shown above, with one 2nd stage coming out the bottom port and going down under my right arm.

I use a sealed Z2 set, with a $25 swivel adapter from Cave Adventurers, a wider exhaust tee on my primary, and non-stock hose lengths. It works great! I would not pay the extra for the Z3, as I don't like the stock hose lengths anyway.

For OC technical diving, I use a set of M1s.

The Z2s are so inexpensive compared to their competition, I think they are the best buy in regulators for single tank use, from any of the major name brands. Similarly, the M1 regs are less expensive (here in the US, anyway) than a ScubaPro Mk25 EVO/G260 set, and they are sealed, have the AFC feature, and breathe just as well. For tech regs, the M1 regs are a no-brainer (to me).

 

[Pressurehead]

A little off topic, sorry if I posted this in the wrong area:
Anyway, a local guy has an offer for me to buy a brand new, never used, still in the box, Atomic M1 first and 2nd stages for $400 AU [$310 US].
The "bling" says 'buy me', I am weak when it comes price,quality and bling.
I have 4 hours to think about it,or some other tragic will buy it .
Yes, no ? I will buy it , hopeless case.

 

[p_kos]

A little off topic, sorry if I posted this in the wrong area:
Anyway, a local guy has an offer for me to buy a brand new, never used, still in the box, Atomic M1 first and 2nd stages for $400 AU [$310 US].
The "bling" says 'buy me', I am weak when it comes price,quality and bling.
I have 4 hours to think about it,or some other tragic will buy it .
Yes, no ? I will buy it , hopeless case.

That’s a killer deal, nothing to lose if you don’t like it, can resell it for much more.

 

[Geo7]

Yes, great opportunity!

 

[divezonescuba]

Glynn Palmer, who used to own the huge repair shop Malibu Scuba Repair, recommends it.

When did that happen? It could explain what’s going on with the Atomic service classes.

 

[Pressurehead]

Yes, great opportunity!

Done deal, rang him and I am on my way dollars OZ in hand.
He also has a computer for sale for the same money, I am flush with computers, Shearwater, Aqualung etc, wish I had the money for this one looks OK, and It's new.

The air integrated Atomic Aquatics Cobalt 2 console dive computer.