Has anyone used both Atomic B2 and T2?

[Paco II]

I noticed that in the scuba diving mag reviews, T2 scored 68/70 for ergo, while B2 scored 58/70. Has anyone used both, and can comment on the differeing scores?

 

[paulwlee]

The T2 and the B2 has the same adjustments, and almost the same second stage, but the two scores for adjustment and comfort is 5's and 3's respectively.
What you can glean from this is that the scores are only useful for comparing the regulators that were tested at the same time and are on the same chart, and how the scores are put together differ from test to test. (2005 vs. 2006 etc.)

I have not tried the T2, but it is consistently said that they perform the same.
I hear that the B2 did get a couple of minor updates that makes the performance a teeny bit better (and that also goes in the T2) so you should look for a newer B2 if that matters to you, although I'll bet you won't be able to tell the difference.

 

[The Kraken]

Isn't the only difference, for any real purpose, the fact that the 1st stage is Ti instead of brass?

In that case, I would think, logically, that the only advantage would be a reduction in weight by about a pound.

That's one more pound you'd have to put on your weight belt to maintain the same buoyancy, all other things being equal.

I suppose it could have a little bit of an advantage if one were travelling a good bit. But that cost differential for one pound or so (not to mention the fact that brass holds up to higher O2 percentages better than Ti) is an interesting point to consider.

As I've stated before, in my poor opinion, I think it's just a matter of conspicuous consumption. Hey, guys, my reg cost $1200, how much did your's cost????

Now don't get me wrong. If you have X$ you want to drop on this reg, go ahead, it'll keep you alive.

But so far, nobody has yet to give me, what I consider, a good justification for the additional cost of purchasing one of these regs.

Some people I've talked to who have them, tell me that they purchased them because of the lighter weight so they wouldn't get overweighted on their checked baggage. Then they came back to tell me that they don't check their regs, they take them aboard the plane on a carry on. ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Have I missed something here?

the K

 

[Charlie99]

And because of the potential problems of titanium high oxygen mixes, the T2 manual calls for it to be either dedicated to nitrox (and hyperfilterd air) or dedicated to regular air service, while swapping back and forth between air and nitrox is acceptable with the B2. IMO, this is a significant drawback to the T2. Of course, if you are into conspicous consumption the solution is that you buy TWO of the T2.

NITROX (EAN) USE — T2 ONLY
At time of purchase, you must decide if this regulator is to be used with EAN
or standard compressed air. If you desire to use EAN, this product must be
dedicated for EAN only and identified as such. Do not switch between EAN and
standard compressed air, as compressed air may contain traces of hydrocarbons
which could contaminate your regulator system with potentially flammable
residues incompatible with EAN. If you use or test this regulator with compressed
air, it must be re-cleaned before EAN use.

B2, Z1/Z2
These regulators may be used interchangeably with air or EAN mixes of up to
40% oxygen concentration at 3500 psi maximum. They need not be dedicated
for EAN use, provided that they are used with air or EAN mixtures that meet
minimum dive industry purity standards.

 

[The Kraken]

IMO, this is a significant drawback to the T2. Of course, if you are into conspicous consumption the solution is that you buy TWO of the T2.

the K

 

[Paco II]

Great posts all. Thanks. I think I am going with the B2. Appreciate all the feedback.

 

[The Kraken]

Just for history sake, I've been diving a B2 since 1999 and have NEVER had a problem with it.

Service it every 2 years.

Breathes the same at 132 feet as it does at 6 feet.

Of course, I'm sure your LDS isn't going to like hearing that.

the K

 

[paulwlee]

The only real advantage I see with the T2 (a few ounces less? pffft!) is that the first stage will stay completely corrosion free between services, so will maintain its top performance better. With proper rinsing, the brass first stage stays good.
If you will dive where you won't be able to rinse your regulator at all it might actually be worthwhile.

As for switching between nitrox and air, I think Atomic is just saying this to cover their liabilities when they say not to switch between the two, but that's just my opinion.

 

[Charlie99]

As for switching between nitrox and air, I think Atomic is just saying this to cover their liabilities when they say not to switch between the two, but that's just my opinion.

But why do they advise against switching back and forth with the T2, while they have no problem with you doing that if you have the B2 or Z2?

What makes Atomics single out the T2 for a unique warning? I can only guess that it is because the T2 titanium 1st stage is more likely to ignite if a small amount of oil residue is ignited by adiabatic heating.

 

[The Kraken]

Thing about it, my old "B2" has a brass 1st stage and a titanium second stage.

the K