OP
Scuba Duffer
Contributor
Huh?? How can they be the same second stages???
From the Apeks site, I can't find the weight specs.
And yes your right - the Mares Orbitor is a metal housing.
Environmetally Sealed??????
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Huh?? How can they be the same second stages???
From the Apeks site, I can't find the weight specs.
And yes your right - the Mares Orbitor is a metal housing.
Boogie711
Guest
A second stage is a second stage. A first stage is not a second stage. You can put a Scubapro second stage on an Apeks first stage if you wanted, as long as the IP matches up for each component.
The difference between an ATX50 and an ATX200 is that the ATX50 uses a DS4 or DST first stage. The ATX200 has a different first stage, but the second stage is still the same. Maybe different cosmetically (I don't know) but still exactly the same. Apeks even admits it.
I don't know about weight, but they're not metal. I'm assuming it's plastic of some sort, but I don't know what kind. Definitely lighter than a Mares, I'll tell you that.
The difference between an ATX50 and an ATX200 is that the ATX50 uses a DS4 or DST first stage. The ATX200 has a different first stage, but the second stage is still the same. Maybe different cosmetically (I don't know) but still exactly the same. Apeks even admits it.
I don't know about weight, but they're not metal. I'm assuming it's plastic of some sort, but I don't know what kind. Definitely lighter than a Mares, I'll tell you that.
OP
Scuba Duffer
Contributor
The Atomic web states Atomic Ti regs are factory Nitrox ready.
If price does matter, also take a look at the Atomic B2 and M1.
They all have 2 year service intervals, the same as the T1.
Z1 has same performance, but without the swivel and has 1 year service intervals. All Atomic regulators have very similar performance. (read: VERY VERY GOOD)
The IP creep problem existed mostly with HP tanks, although not very common. It has been fixed with a new piston design they are using with all regulators being sold now.
All Atomic regulators can be used with Nitrox up to 40%. Titanium only becomes a problem at higher concentrations of O2. The M1 uses other metals to be compatible with up to 80% O2. The M1 is also environmentally sealed from the factory.
The B2 and Z1 can also be environmentally sealed relatively simply as an upgrade.
In terms of performance, all are very similar, and outstanding, according to lots of different people. The Z1 is cheaper than the ATX200. The B2, M1 are a little more expensive. The T1 is REALLY expensive, to the point of exotic, and I won't buy that one unless cost doesn't really matter to me at all. The only difference is that the first stage is titanium, and thus is immune to corrosion and much more durable. (and a little lighter for travel.. )
I think a fair comparison in terms of price between Apeks and Atomics would be between the Z1 or B2 and the ATX200.
I have been diving with a B1(predecessor to B2) and really love it. When I buy another regulator, it will be an Atomic. I don't have experience with Apeks, but they seem to have a very good reputation as well.
Superficially, from what I saw at my local dive store, the Atomics seem to have better build quality and better materials both internally and externally, but that may not mean anything.
They all have 2 year service intervals, the same as the T1.
Z1 has same performance, but without the swivel and has 1 year service intervals. All Atomic regulators have very similar performance. (read: VERY VERY GOOD)
The IP creep problem existed mostly with HP tanks, although not very common. It has been fixed with a new piston design they are using with all regulators being sold now.
All Atomic regulators can be used with Nitrox up to 40%. Titanium only becomes a problem at higher concentrations of O2. The M1 uses other metals to be compatible with up to 80% O2. The M1 is also environmentally sealed from the factory.
The B2 and Z1 can also be environmentally sealed relatively simply as an upgrade.
In terms of performance, all are very similar, and outstanding, according to lots of different people. The Z1 is cheaper than the ATX200. The B2, M1 are a little more expensive. The T1 is REALLY expensive, to the point of exotic, and I won't buy that one unless cost doesn't really matter to me at all. The only difference is that the first stage is titanium, and thus is immune to corrosion and much more durable. (and a little lighter for travel.. )
I think a fair comparison in terms of price between Apeks and Atomics would be between the Z1 or B2 and the ATX200.
I have been diving with a B1(predecessor to B2) and really love it. When I buy another regulator, it will be an Atomic. I don't have experience with Apeks, but they seem to have a very good reputation as well.
Superficially, from what I saw at my local dive store, the Atomics seem to have better build quality and better materials both internally and externally, but that may not mean anything.
squidguy
Contributor
Well actually the Atomics site sez factory Nitrox ready to 40% - which is the case with most regs. For use with higher concentrations of O2, titanium is not a good thing... something about it being reactive metal. Do a search on the board and you will see quite a few threads on this subject.
cstreu1026
Contributor
I own a Scuba Pro Mk25/S600/R380 and an Apeks Atx40/Atx40 setup. Persoanlly I am not really that impressed by either...especially the Scuba Pro. However, I am very impressed by the Atomic regs. They are all fundamentally the same. The Z1 does not have a swivel and uses tradional metals in construction. the B1/T1 is a brass first stage with a titanium second, and the T1x is all titanium. Then there is the M1. I don't recall the actual name of the metal used but it supose to be very compatable with nitrox. My next set of regs will be Atomic with out a doubt. The are the easiest and smoothest breathing regs i have ever tried. And at $399 list price for an environmentally sealed Z1 its got to be just about the best bargain on the market.
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