Atomic Z2

[Panulirus]

Been looking for another regulator and was wondering your thoughts on the new Atomic Z2. This is the second generation Z1 with a different second stage casing that BTW looks identical to the B2. According to the LDS it also breaths just like the B2. I was told that the main difference between the two is that some of the second stage titanium parts in the B2 have been replaced by Zinconium plated in the Z2. I think the same is true of a spring and possibly other parts in the first stage. The Z2 is also missing that cool hose swivel that the B2 comes standard with but it can be added at any time as an option. The warranty requires 1 year service instead of 2 year like the B2. I'd be interested to hear from anyone that has tried both the Z2 and B2 or that knows more about the Z2 than what I have already stated. I don't think it's been tested by any of the magazines yet since it just hit the market a couple of months ago.

 

[djanni]

They say it it breaths the same as a B2 which breaths the same as a T2. So if it breaths that good how could you possibly go wrong? The hose swivel is an option as well as the 1st stage swivel. Add those options and you're close to buying a B2.

BTW: It's zirconium

Been looking for another regulator and was wondering your thoughts on the new Atomic Z2. This is the second generation Z1 with a different second stage casing that BTW looks identical to the B2. According to the LDS it also breaths just like the B2. I was told that the main difference between the two is that some of the second stage titanium parts in the B2 have been replaced by Zinconium plated in the Z2. I think the same is true of a spring and possibly other parts in the first stage. The Z2 is also missing that cool hose swivel that the B2 comes standard with but it can be added at any time as an option. The warrantee requires 1 year service instead of 2 year like the B2. I'd be interested to hear from anyone that has tried both the Z2 and B2 or that knows more about the Z2 than what I have already stated. I don't think it's been tested by any of the magazines yet since it just hit the market a couple of months ago.

 

[Panulirus]

Don, you're correct once you tack on the swivel options you are pretty close to the price of a B2 w/o all the extra titanium and 2 year service. Looks like a nice option for someone that can live without all the bells and whistles of the B2 though. Long range it's probably more of a toss up as you figure in annual service charges.

Thanks for pointing out my typo :14:

 

[aquaholic901]

I've never dove the B or Z but I figured I'd chime in and say I love the swivel on my M1. I realize it adds an extra point or failure but the Atomic swivel seems second to none quality wise from what I've seen & heard. On another note, I've heard that the main differences between the Atomic models is the metal components:

Z-Zirconium
B-Brass
M-Monel
T-Titanium

Other than that they all supposedly breathe about the same. Good luck!

 

[Panulirus]

That goes along with what I was told....that the internal structure is the same in the Z2 and B2 just different metals used. If that's the case then they should breath the same. They sure look exactly alike except for the logo. I think Atomic Aquatics claims that all their regulators breath the same on their website. So I guess the real advantage of the B2 (besides the extra swivels) is the recommended 2 year service. Figuring that into the equation and assuming that you do only have to service it every other year then the B2 becomes that best deal if you are going to keep the regulator more than 5 or 6 years. If you want the extra hose and first stage swivel then it's a no brainer the B2 is your best bet.

 

[aquaholic901]

Yup, thats what I'd go with.

 

[shtepity]

Going to buy two Z2's tomorrow. Everything I've read and heard has been very positive.

 

[Glycerin]

Granted it is my first regulator and I have minimal experience with regulator but I have the Z2 with the swivel hose and I love it. I will be getting a custom mouth piece for it though.

 

[murphdivers286]

I have the B2 and love it. To express how much I love this reg, I have told people if I have an emergency where I had to dump all of my equipment at the bottom in order to survive, I would disconnect my B2 to take it with me.....

 

[CaptainNemo]

I have the B2 and love it. To express how much I love this reg, I have told people if I have an emergency where I had to dump all of my equipment at the bottom in order to survive, I would disconnect my B2 to take it with me.....

Murph, I second your opinion on the B2. If you decide to add the swivel later, it is part of the hose assembly and depending on where you buy it, it will cost anywhere from $65-$95. Atomic rocks.