Question Does anyone use Atomic Z3's in there rental fleet?

[TahoeDive]

Seems like a good choose since it would save on servicing costs and because its an atomic. Any one else have any thoughts/experience about doing that?

 

[Scared Silly]

A local shop has used the Z series as their rentals. I have seems other rentals as well. Not sure of the shop.

 

[Cthippo]

I think I learned on a Z3. It worked.

 

[TahoeDive]

I think I learned on a Z3. It worked.

"It worked", could you elaborate a little more?

 

[Mobulai]

Haven’t used one myself, but I hear good things
I have recently got a used T2 and that’s all the 1st hand experience i have
Are you considering them for fresh water diving or salt water?
Sealing would be a nice factor here for either cold water or salt

IIRC @BoltSnap does use them for dive school purposes, he might have better thoughts than the lil I can offer

 

[Mobulai]

Z2s, but I believe there’s only one main diff (not sure); the monel piston in z3 vs SS(? @Geo7 )

In my experience, Atomic regulators have been the most reliable and trouble free compared with other brands I have used for my personal diving and/or for dive center; Mares, AL, Scubapro, Cressi, Seacsub, etc. I have tried most brands that have international presence. I have Z2's in the training fleet. Scubapro can take 3 - 4 years between servicing, Mares, Cressi and Seacsub 1 - 2 years. AL perhaps 3 years but I haven't used too many of AL regulators to judge. Up until COVID, I used to teach several courses during the year but I have slowed down teaching since COVID but do more "fun" diving with my friends/former students now. I test all of my regulators, personal and rental, on frequent basis.

For context the thread is about IP issues after service, evolving into a discussion about various pistons materials in atomic lineup (and the dangers of a bad sealing job)
Worth checking out in regards to your question

 

[TahoeDive]

Haven’t used one myself, but I hear good things
I have recently got a used T2 and that’s all the 1st hand experience i have
Are you considering them for fresh water diving or salt water?
Sealing would be a nice factor here for either cold water or salt

IIRC @BoltSnap does use them for dive school purposes, he might have better thoughts than the lil I can offer

Only diving in fresh alpine lake water that is better than drinking water. Yes it does get down to 36 F or so, but most of our business is when water is above 50 F. I have read the seal does little for freezing protection on the atomics?

 

[davecampbell]

we don't have a dive center, but my wife and I have a "fleet" of Atomic regs. Between us, we have 8 first stages, and 12 second stages. They're a mix of z2, b2, m1.... all DIN, all sealed. We dive predominently cold water (Great Lakes) and have never had an issue related to freezing. Hour long dives at 37-38°F have been blissfully uneventful. I service them all myself, and find them incredibly easy to maintain, albeit the service kits are a little expensive. Performance has been great.

I think they would make excellent fleet regs, especially if it is staff responsible for the soaking/rinsing of the regs. That would avoid the often mentioned "issue" with soaking Atomics.

 

[TahoeDive]

we don't have a dive center, but my wife and I have a "fleet" of Atomic regs. Between us, we have 8 first stages, and 12 second stages. They're a mix of z2, b2, m1.... all DIN, all sealed. We dive predominently cold water (Great Lakes) and have never had an issue related to freezing. Hour long dives at 37-38°F have been blissfully uneventful. I service them all myself, and find them incredibly easy to maintain, albeit the service kits are a little expensive. Performance has been great.

I think they would make excellent fleet regs, especially if it is staff responsible for the soaking/rinsing of the regs. That would avoid the often mentioned "issue" with soaking Atomics.

wait, what is the issue with soaking the regs? and yes we rinse and then hang them.

 

[Mobulai]

I have read the seal does little for freezing protection on the atomics?

Sealing any reg helps prevent freezing in cold water in general, piston or diaphragm

wait, what is the issue with soaking the regs?

Atomic 2nds have the AFC (a retracting orifice, corrected after scaredsilly made me aware of the mistake), so the orifice is open when unpressurized; so when soaking keep the 1sts a bit higher than the 2nds to avoid water ingress up the hose reaching the 1st stage

If you do only fresh water, probably all you need is a quick rinse instead of soaking anyway