Decision time - Atomic or Mares?

[pcheney]

My regulator decision is down to two finalists - Atomic ST1 (sealed) or the Mares Mr22 Abyss Extreme. I dive in both cold and tropical water. Here in Ontario, I've been diving wrecks in water that drops to 38 fahrenheit, and the rental regs really suck in that environment. So - I have tried an Atomic reg (M1) and it was good. Have also heard great things about the MR22 Extreme. The Atomic is a piston, the Mares is a diaphragm. They aren't far apart in price, and both have their fans. There are many pros and cons, and I'm not experienced enough to sift through them all. So I'd like to hear from divers who have used these rigs, and know more than me. Give me your input before I spend the money.
thanks guys....

 

[elan]

Just get SP Mk17/G250V and forget about it, if you live here in Ontario. It's one of the workhorses for cold water. Another good option is Apeks , I cannot advise you on the model though.

 

[tfsails]

I'd say you can't go too wrong buying either. If you dive in cold water, you might want to environmentally seal the Mares to keep it from freezing up.

I can tell you as a reg tech that I HATE to see sealed Atomics come into the shop. They have about 3 oz. of Christo-Lube in 'em that you have to clean out before you can clean the parts of the first stage. Atomic's second stages are second to none, though.

Have you considered the Mares Proton Ice second stage?

 

[300bar]

I've been diving the MR22/Abbys for 15 years, 6 years ago, I went for the Atomic Ti1.
That was a I would NEVER go back.
If you can afford the Atomic and get it serviced localy, my choice would be atomic.

 

[scubafanatic]

I'd say you can't go too wrong buying either. If you dive in cold water, you might want to environmentally seal the Mares to keep it from freezing up.

I can tell you as a reg tech that I HATE to see sealed Atomics come into the shop. They have about 3 oz. of Christo-Lube in 'em that you have to clean out before you can clean the parts of the first stage. Atomic's second stages are second to none, though.

Have you considered the Mares Proton Ice second stage?

...I believe the new Mares Abyss Extremes are now equipped with a dry-sealed first stage from the factory. I've got both some Atomics and some Mares regs.....I'd give the Mares the 'advantage' with it's more modern dry-sealed first stage....but I'd give the Atomic the 'advantage' with respect to it's diver-adjustable 2nd-stages...it really boils down to your own personal priorities.....

 

[pcheney]

Evert:
What do you prefer about the Atomic? Does it breathe better? Easier service?
Pete

 

[300bar]

Evert:
What do you prefer about the Atomic? Does it breathe better? Easier service?
Pete

Ease of service was no issue for me because, I'm a servicetech for both.
But with the Abyss, I allways had jaw cramps after longer (1hour +) dives. The full metal body is just way to heavy for my liking.
And since I dive the Ti version, the overall weight became very important while traveling. The MR22 weighs a ton, compared to the Atomic.

Does it breath easier, yes it sure does, but was not the most important for me.

 

[David_57]

Apeks XTX 200 works for me never free flows the WOB is excellent, reg stays the same no matter the depth love it decided on this after about 6 different regs.

I have heard nothing but great things for the Mares Abyss in fact one of my regular dive buddies dives with one.

 

[pcheney]

Evert:
Thanks for that. So there is a noticeable improvement in breathing effort with the Atomic compared to the Mares? Since you're a tech, what do you think of the mechanics and quality of the two?

 

[elan]

pcheney as a side note, do not be obsessed with the breathing effort so much Most of it is just marketing hype. When you dive cold waters you would need to make sure you make long slow breaths so the reg does not cool down quickly. Besides once you put more dives you will notice that your air demand will drop thus you will not need to that much air into your mouth.
The more sensitive the reg and the more air it pushes into your mouth the easier it free flows.

Personally I dive with the knob cranked all the way down all the time. I can tune my Zeagle so it breathes for me but then it's much more difficult to control it.

I hate my Aeris which pushes the air in the mouth. Even on the lowest IP and the knob turned all the way down it still does that which I hate.