Decision time - Atomic or Mares?

[David_57]

Be careful on this site, it's a VERY tech based forum that may rub some people the wrong way, they are also more for the Kingston-Ottawa region. I check it from time to time but don't spend any real time on it personally

There are some good people on there but most have big egos, its more geared towards DIR but there are some forums that can be interesting.

 

[TroupH2O]

I have not tried the Mares, so I'll refrain from comparing. But, I am very happy with my Atomic. It is a well built regulator and has great response.

 

[Ontwreckdiver]

The Mares Abyss Extreme comes with a cold water kit installed and the second stage has a fluoropolymer resin finish. I dive in the Great lakes with a Mares MR22 Abyss that isn't enviro sealed and have never had a problem with it. I chose the Abyss and will choose it again if ever needed, because it doesn't have any adjustments. It breath's like a dream at any depth. Why buy a reg that needs to be adjusted at different depths. The Mares is a lot cheaper than an Atomic. There are 3 Mares dealers within 2 hours of Toronto that I know of, so service isn't an issue, and you get free parts for life if you get your reg serviced yearly.

 

[M_Bipartitus]

That could be, the only versions of the Apeks Flight I've read about were intended for warm water, but an alternate version could work. I was just saying to be careful. Apeks a has good cold water reputation, if any designers could make good lightweight cold water regs, they are likely the ones.

I might be able to test a HOG with the cold water seal over the next few weeks, but it may only be pool dives. I guess one of the guys at the shop decided to try one during the sale.

The information I got is that the Apeks Flight (at least the Canadian version) will be cold water rated, and will be available in late January early Feb. It was supposed to be available in November but it did not pass Apeks Cold water testing and has been delayed.

If this reg is cold water rated as promised this would be the ultimate reg set.

Also it's funny you Mention HOG, I bought one of the 2nd stages during the thanksgiving sale and I have yet to test it, I do have to admit it looks and feel good. I'll find out in my next pool session or in Bonaire/Cayman as I will more than likely not venture below the ice this winter.

 

[elan]

There are some good people on there but most have big egos, its more geared towards DIR but there are some forums that can be interesting.

Yeah while reading the forum one should just cut the ego BS and use the information what is useful

 

[David_57]

Oh to answer the OP question I dive up here in Canada, was diving an old mine about a week ago max depth 100ft water temp 38F my Apeks XTX 200 regs had no problems with freeflow or performance. Apeks are one of the favourites up here where the water in lake Ontario is never above 55F even in the summer. Winter we ice dive at least 4 or 5 times in the winter, dove Les Esoumins in Quebec where the salt water temp was right at freezing again the apeks XTX 200's never flinched performed flawless the whole dive, cant say the same for me even with a dry I froze my b...s off ;-)

 

[elan]

Just spoke to a technician and he told me that Atomic does not cover the parts for the regular service, they give a lower price though. And the crystolube here would costs in the 50 bucks range for one overhaul.

 

[fnfalman]

The Atomic M1 is a better regulator than the ST1 for cold water. Both have sealed 1st stages, but the M1's second stage has a heat exchanger to keep it from freezing as well.

Atomic just sent a bunch of M1s up arctic way for some diving adventures. I'm waiting to hear the report back to see how they perform in real cold water.

 

[pcheney]

good feedback, guys - went to the dive shop and looked at both up close again - think I will go with the Mares - this is one of my last major equipment choices - now have my computer (Suunto D4) and BCD (Halcyon Infinity) plus all the usual stuff - fins, mask, wetsuit, etc....
.....think the Mares will be good...... also thinking of getting the MR 22 octo to go with it... again, thanks guys - a great and informative discussion.....

 

[oren413]

aqualung glacia