I want to buy Atomic reg but are they really noisy?

[SouthFlorida]

I am really interested in buying the Atomic Z2x because of the excellent reviews and Atomic 2yr/300 dive service policy. However I have read on this board that people have had problems with the noise on Atomic regs. Can any other Atomic owners confirm this? I certainly don't want a noisy reg, that would drive me crazy. The other reg I'm considering is the Oceanic GT3 CDX5. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I know if I ask my LDS they will tell me it's the greatest thing since sliced bread so I am looking for some more real world feedback on Atomic regs before I buy. I guess my main question is - should this prevent me from buying an Atomic reg or can/does this happen with all brands?

FYI - I dive strictly in warm waters.

 

[BDSC]

I have an Atomic T2X and have never had any noise issues at all.

 

[fdog]

We own 7 Atomic regulators, B2/Z2/M1. We purchased the first one in 2003.

One of our B2's came back from overhaul making a faint "zing" noise on inspiration from the first stage. It made this noise for about 8-10 dives in 82 degree water, only in the depth range of 60-80 feet. After ~10 dives the noise disappeared.

We do about 250 dives a year, and have had no issues except for this one instance. And that really wasn't a nuisance, just interesting.

Otherwise perfect.


All the best, James

 

[Wookie]

I have 20 or so Atomics, including B1, Ti1, M1 and their associated second stages. My first Atomic is number 37, a showroom model with clear second stage. It howled like a screaming cat when I got it, and didn't get better until it got the Jet Seat upgrade. All of my Atomics have a jet seat, and none make any noise. Anymore. The tradeoff was it is the best breathing regulator I've ever owned, and I can leave it out on the back deck for months at a time without rinsing or care. When I choose to rebuild it (I've never HAD to rebuild any of them, but like to rebuild the pure O2 service ones once a year), I soak it in some weak acetic acid and they clean right up. I wouldn't trade my Atomics for anything. Except I bought my first HOG this year to try out.

 

[keyshunter]

I am really interested in buying the Atomic Z2x because of the excellent reviews and Atomic 2yr/300 dive service policy. However I have read on this board that people have had problems with the noise on Atomic regs. Can any other Atomic owners confirm this? I certainly don't want a noisy reg, that would drive me crazy. The other reg I'm considering is the Oceanic GT3 CDX5. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I know if I ask my LDS they will tell me it's the greatest thing since sliced bread so I am looking for some more real world feedback on Atomic regs before I buy. I guess my main question is - should this prevent me from buying an Atomic reg or can/does this happen with all brands?

FYI - I dive strictly in warm waters.

LOL You have managed to pick a second choice reg that has also had noise issues. Many of the Oceanic first stages with the DVT plastic plug have had noise problems. That was not a problem with Oceanic first stages before they added that gizmo.

That said, if I had to risk a noisy reg, I would take the Atomic since they are great breathing regs.

 

[SouthFlorida]

LOL You have managed to pick a second choice reg that has also had noise issues. Many of the Oceanic first stages with the DVT plastic plug have had noise problems. That was not a problem with Oceanic first stages before they added that gizmo.

That said, if I had to risk a noisy reg, I would take the Atomic since they are great breathing regs.

I did just read about Oceanic regs being noisy too. I'm now thinking about the Aqualung Titan LX. Anyone have noise issues with a Titan LX?

 

[tridacna]

Noise is a spurious issue. I have 4 Atomics regs. No noise issues. I've seen dozens of others on dives. I've never heard any strange noises. They do breathe better than any reg I have ever dived with. That should be your only priority.

 

[HIGHwing]

Can any other Atomic owners confirm this? I certainly don't want a noisy reg, that would drive me crazy.

I cannot confirm the presence of noise. I have a small collection of the Atomic Regs -no problems. I do have the Oceanic CDX5/GT3 with the DVT and it's not loud, but it appears to have a louder operating profile.

 

[SouthFlorida]

Noise is a spurious issue. I have 4 Atomics regs. No noise issues. I've seen dozens of others on dives. I've never heard any strange noises. They do breathe better than any reg I have ever dived with. That should be your only priority.

Thanks for the feedback, that's good to hear. I'm definitely still considering Atomic.

 

[SouthFlorida]

I cannot confirm the presence of noise. I have a small collection of the Atomic Regs -no problems. I do have the Oceanic CDX5/GT3 with the DVT and it's not loud, but it appears to have a louder operating profile.

Thanks that is very helpful. I think it must be a DVT thing which makes them a bit louder. My LDS also mentioned Oceanic is a bit slower in handling gear issues than Aqualung and Atomic so I think I've narrowed it to Titan LX and the Z2.