Lets beat a dead horse!

[Weschap]

I am trying to choose a reg and YES I have searched the forum. I have narrowed my search down to 3 regs.
Apeks ATX200
Atomic B2
SP Mk25/S600

I have chosen these based on several factors.
They come highly recommended from the board.
They all rate high on reviews (for what that is worth)
Local service from LDS
Reputation

This is why I am posting. I want detail pros and cons. I would really like to stay away from personal option. However I would like to know if you are using any of the above. I am very aware of other regs. If possible I would like to keep this thread to the 3 models above.

I have tested the atomic and SP. I have not been able to test the Apeks. My LDS pushes the Atomic very hard. They almost dog the others in comparison. When I ask them why it is so much better they really cannot tell me.

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

I have a couple of apex regs. No other reg I've used has been as solid as my apex regs.

It's easy to push equipment that you have a large profit margin on isn't it

 

[garyfotodiver]

Rent the ones you havent tried and dive them. No other evaluation is really worth anything.

What works well for me may not do so for you.

If your LDS cannot help you, go somewhere else.

 

[gfisher4792]

Personally, I don't think you can go wrong with any of those regs. What kind of diving are you planning to eventually get into? If cold water (like, ice diving) or contaminated water, you may want to go with Apeks.

 

[Pez de Diablo]

I dive both the MK25/S600 and Apeks. So far this year I have over 100 cave/cavern or deep ocean dives on each of these reg set ups. Both breath great and both have been deeper than 300´ I give the advantage to the Apeks for being a more robust setup requiring less servicing and better durability, some of this I contribute to the apeks 1st being a sealed unit where the SP isn´t. Also I have had the SP swivel leak. Still, both are great performers.

Dennis

 

[redrover]

Kudos for asking for rational answers and specific direction.
As said and as I’m guessing you’ve read here already - three good choices (from my research anyway.) I think if a LDS is pushing one over another they have ulterior motives, especially if knocking the others down. Far more qualified opinions available about technical considerations and specific applications, I’ll just share some of my personal observations that culminated in choosing the B2. Sorry, nothing con to offer, I forget I’m breathing with it. It is the single best thing that made diving relaxing – like turning a light switch on, I luv it.

• The swivel makes a big difference for me, other regs pulled down and out, I was constantly messing with my reg because it didn’t stay put.
• The B2 mouthpeice simply was very comfortable for my mouth, and very noticeably so, it fits me just right. Others were uncomfortable or at least I could not find a comfortable place to relax. I read a lot of praise for conformable mouthpieces but, again just me; they are not appealing.
• What the repair techs had to say about Atomic was a very strong selling point.
• I have small tanks and save my air for diving. I like the flow adjustment, solved surface freeflows for swims and snorkeling I enjoy also. In my location it's great just to be in the water.

 

[djanni]

Those are all great regs. You couldn't go wrong with any of them so buy the one that calls your name as you walk by.

I bought Atomic.

 

[kidspot]

As to 2nd stages - I'm currently using a Kirby Morgan Superflow - which I love, but after trying an Apeks I considered changing ...still undecided but It was a comfortable 2nd stage in my mouth...

Tim

 

[Vie]

Am using an ATX200 (a bit of an overkill price wise—DS4/ATX50 is good enough) at the moment but was a long time MK20/S600 user. I gave up the Scubapro to simplify servicing (as the rest of my regs are Apeks). They are both great regs but if I had to buy a Scubapro now I’d go with a MK25/G250—cheaper and just as good (some say better for cold water use) as the MK25/S600.

The Atomic Aqutics B2’s first stage is a clone of a Scubapro (MK10) design.

 

[KOMPRESSOR]

All you REALLY need is the DS4/ATX50 combo. It's low priced, the inside is about the same as the fancy ATX200, and it simply works.

I haven't even seen the Atomic regs, since they are not sold here as far as I know. Although I feel they are a "market brand", and maybe not even produced by Atomic themselves. Over here Atomic is a split fin, and that's all.

No, go for the DS4/ATX50. You get the best there is, and save yourself the bucks for something else.