Atomic Z3 reg vs. Aqualung Legend LUX

[buddhasummer]

Anymore I would not put much stock in dealer networks when one travels. What is serviced by a local shop is probably more important, especially as one should test their regs before a trip and especially after servicing. But otherwise I agree either would be a fine reg. I prefer Atomics and sealing is not really needed unless you are diving sub 50F water (Atomic recommendation) and even then it is more like 40C.

I bought an Atomic Z2, my first piston reg, booked a liveaboard in Thailand with some additional day trips. Tested the reg before setting off worked fine. About 5 dives in it began a very high pitched squealing on inhalation it was most distracting. Once back on dry land I spent a day trying to find someone who would service/look at it for me but had no luck. If it was AL or SP it would not have been a problem. It wasn't a catastrophic failure but very annoying nonetheless. I sold them, they were nice regs but offered nothing over the Apeks stable I already owned of which I can service myself. I bought them more out of curiosity than need and that one small issue put me off a little and seeing as not needed thought I'd pass. I guess if I knew how to service Atomic maybe I could have sorted but I had/have no idea as to ease or if any proprietary tools are required, avalability of service kits etc. I'm heavily invested in Apeks and to a lesser degree SP, couldn't/can't afford to invest in another brand.

Sorry, went off on a tangent, but because of this I won't travel with a reg I can't service myself or that doesn't have dealers. I agree with you that local dealer is important.