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I dive Atomics. I actually went to the store to buy a MK25/S600 a decade ago but came home with an Atomic instead. The breathing is just effortless across their entire line (my octo is a Z). I might pop the extra hundred for the Z3 as it adds another year to the recommended service interval and the swivel on the 2nd stage. I've almost dropped mine out of my mouth it's so easy on your jaw.
The 2-3 year service interval saves you money over time over a reg with a 1 year interval. I think both of the SP models you're considering are also 2 years now though.
As Saxman said all you have to do is keep water from running down the hose from the 2nd stage to the 1st since the seat saver orifice is doing it's job when the reg is not pressurized. My simple solution is to drop both stages in the water but hang the hose on the faucet - water can't run uphill.
I've been diving various Atomics for a decade. One time the tech came out front to explain that the only reason he'd used the service kit was because he had it apart b4 he realized it didn't really need it. He also gave me the old parts to use as spares since they were still good.
If you plan to self-service, Deep6 is probably your best option currently - they even include a service kit with your purchase. They make it pretty easy, the service manual is on their website. I believe they also offer a service class at times.
HOG does also - their class is a TDI certified class. It's often taught in one day at the dive shows if you're near one. One of my local shops sponsored one recently, - about 10 people attended and they brought in someone HOG recommended from this area to teach.
The 2-3 year service interval saves you money over time over a reg with a 1 year interval. I think both of the SP models you're considering are also 2 years now though.
As Saxman said all you have to do is keep water from running down the hose from the 2nd stage to the 1st since the seat saver orifice is doing it's job when the reg is not pressurized. My simple solution is to drop both stages in the water but hang the hose on the faucet - water can't run uphill.
I've been diving various Atomics for a decade. One time the tech came out front to explain that the only reason he'd used the service kit was because he had it apart b4 he realized it didn't really need it. He also gave me the old parts to use as spares since they were still good.
If you plan to self-service, Deep6 is probably your best option currently - they even include a service kit with your purchase. They make it pretty easy, the service manual is on their website. I believe they also offer a service class at times.
HOG does also - their class is a TDI certified class. It's often taught in one day at the dive shows if you're near one. One of my local shops sponsored one recently, - about 10 people attended and they brought in someone HOG recommended from this area to teach.
