Atomics vs Apeks

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I bought a Mk25/S600/R380 combo. If I had to do over again I would go with Atomic Z1's and save a bit of money. Getting them serviced around my neck of the woods is not a problem since there is probably a half dozen Atomic dealers in town. With a $399 list price for the environmentally sealed Z1 I think Atomic should be considered one of the best values on the market. I do agree though that their other regs are a tad over priced.
 
As expected, I got a wide range of opinions - and believe it or not, I value them all. A special thanks to you frogman, review was awesome.

I am looking into deeper dives and wrecks. I need another reg as a back up anyway. That's why I was looking at the other two (Atomics or APEKS). I believe there is a lot of logic in getting another SP reg (I don't have issues with it, breathes well, easy to maintain). Just wanted to know if I was sticking with outdated technology with better, more improved equipment available.

Finally, I plan on periodically (once or twice a year) going to Washington State/British Columbia for some diving. As I seriously doubt I'll be playing in the water during the winter time (only from April thru September), I don't believe freezing will be an issue with the SP regs. Is this a true assumption?

Again, thank you all so very much! Really appreciate the time and effort everyone made to respond to my question!

Safe diving!
 
Hoya97:
As expected, I got a wide range of opinions - and believe it or not, I value them all. A special thanks to you frogman, review was awesome.

I am looking into deeper dives and wrecks. I need another reg as a back up anyway. That's why I was looking at the other two (Atomics or APEKS). I believe there is a lot of logic in getting another SP reg (I don't have issues with it, breathes well, easy to maintain). Just wanted to know if I was sticking with outdated technology with better, more improved equipment available.

Finally, I plan on periodically (once or twice a year) going to Washington State/British Columbia for some diving. As I seriously doubt I'll be playing in the water during the winter time (only from April thru September), I don't believe freezing will be an issue with the SP regs. Is this a true assumption?

Again, thank you all so very much! Really appreciate the time and effort everyone made to respond to my question!

Safe diving!

Hoya, I had a lot of the same concerns a year ago when looking around for a new reg. Especially with the ScubaPro MK-25. The piston regs can have a higher propensity for freeze-ups. Lots of stories from people about freeflows at depth. But keep in mind also that depending on where you dive, it is still possible to get into the colder water temperatures even into the summer time. And the temperature is certainly a big factor in freezing regulators, but there are also other considerations such as your air consumption rate, how you manage your gas, etc.

One other factor you may not have yet considered is the quality of the air you are getting. Thanks to Pufferfish, I've recently been more aware of the risks of bad air and what to look for. For freezing concerns, moisture in the air and it's dewpoint can be a contributor to freezing as well. Might be something you want to keep in mind when diving colder waters, regardless of the reg you use. Not all air is equal.
 
This is what Sport Diver Magazine had to say.....And what about Zeagle and Beuchat regs they are good as well...And by the way all the reviews written about the M1 where like this:)Atomic Aquatics has announced the availability of its latest regulator, the M1. A natural addition to the acclaimed Atomic product line, the M1 combines the features and innovations unveiled and proven effective in the company’s three other regulator models. Further, Atomic engineers have developed several new features that make the M1 the most advanced and versatile regulator on the market today.

In 1997, Atomic redefined what divers looked for in a regulator with the launch of the T1 model, still considered the finest regulator in the world by the dive retail community. The use of Titanium components and high tolerance precision machining results in a regulator that performs like a finely-tuned machine. The M1, available now from authorized Atomic dealers, builds on those innovations in a major way.

“Atomic built its reputation on being innovative and relevant,” said Dean Garraffa, Atomic co-founder. “The M1 takes the best elements of regulator technology introduced in the T1, B1 and Z1 models and brings them all together to create the most complete, versatile and functional regulator in the world. We don’t say that lightly – we can back it up. The M1 has many features other regulator companies have only been able to talk about. We deliver them!”

With internal components built from Titanium, Zirconium, Kevlar and the latest revolutionary metal to be used in diving equipment, Monel, the M1 is designed for function and performance. The patented Atomic Automatic Flow Control (AFC) system (the first and only system of its type) makes the M1 a true “self-adjusting” regulator, delivering a constant, comfortable air flow at any depth.

Technical divers will appreciate the versatility the M1 provides. Atomic engineers designed the M1 with the capacity to accommodate different Nitrox or oxygen mixtures without the need for cleaning. This important feature is something long sought-after by the advanced diving community. Beginning divers will benefit from the simplicity combined with performance of the M1. Its patented features are expertly designed to deliver a reliable breathing flow in any underwater environment.

The M1 second stage is not only built with aesthetically-pleasing, two-tone hardened material, it has been specially designed to prevent freeflow in surge or swift currents. The lightweight housing also features a super-wide exhaust deflector to keep bubbles away from a diver’s field of vision. A unique, duo-molded mouthpiece will soon set new industry standards for comfort and durability. Built from both hardened and soft silicone, the anatomically-designed mouthpiece was created as a direct result of requests and comments from Atomic customers and dealers.

“Few scuba equipment companies build their products with direct input from their customers in mind,” said Doug Toth, co-founder. “Since Atomic produces its regulators here in the United States using finely tuned production techniques, we have the ability to make adjustments and updates to products other companies are not typically able to do. Our commitment to quality and service makes Atomic products a popular choice for divers wanting to dive with the best equipment on the market.”

Atomic products have been regularly recognized for quality by consumer diving publications, engineering periodicals, dive-oriented web sites and in the scuba community. The M1 carries an unprecedented two-year, complete factory warranty that includes free factory repair or replacement. Following that extended two year period, the M1 features a limited, lifetime warranty. Unlike other manufacturers’ warranty programs, Atomic’s warranty on the M1 does not expire or become void due to diver inactivity or missed service schedules.
 
Hoya97,

I read your statement about diving in Washington State and B. C. and I think you might want to consider reversing the April-Sept. to Sept.-April as the best diving up here is in the winter time. The vis. in the spring and summer is usually highly affected by the algae blooms and can drop to as little as a couple of ft. depending on the site you are diving. The winter time here is by far the best diving in the N.W. with the vis. in most places in Wash. around 50-60ft. and B.C. sometimes exceeding 100ft. There is very little difference in the water temp. during the year( a few degrees except at the surface and in the lakes) and the sea life is spectacular.

Hoya97:
As expected, I got a wide range of opinions - and believe it or not, I value them all. A special thanks to you frogman, review was awesome.

I am looking into deeper dives and wrecks. I need another reg as a back up anyway. That's why I was looking at the other two (Atomics or APEKS). I believe there is a lot of logic in getting another SP reg (I don't have issues with it, breathes well, easy to maintain). Just wanted to know if I was sticking with outdated technology with better, more improved equipment available.

Finally, I plan on periodically (once or twice a year) going to Washington State/British Columbia for some diving. As I seriously doubt I'll be playing in the water during the winter time (only from April thru September), I don't believe freezing will be an issue with the SP regs. Is this a true assumption?

Again, thank you all so very much! Really appreciate the time and effort everyone made to respond to my question!

Safe diving!
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/teric/

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