My 1st Reg setup!

[sockeye02]

I know there's a comparison thread already between Atomics and Oceanic, but this is my 1st setup so I'm a little excited, do bear with me Also trying to avert post-purchase remorse! :blinking:
Ive been offered by 2 different LDS an Oceanic Delta4 setup with gauge and regular octo vs. an Atomics B2 with SS1 and gauge. Oceanic is cheaper overall by 25% but figure that by the 3rd year the atomics will have "paid" the difference in terms of service costs as the oceanic shop quotes servicing cost about 10% more than the atomics shop does.
Any thoughts?
Also thinking of plonking on a Cressi X2 reg on a 19 cu ft pony as I mostly dive with instant vacation "buddies" (which is to say, not much buddy)
As a background I'm a recreational diver, lucky if the wife will allow me more than 1 dive trip (4-6 dives) a year *heh*, generally dive only warm tropical seas with self imposed depth limitation to 32-35m (strictly no deco!) and somewhat physically..... less fit *grin* Setup is completed with an Oceanic Islander BCD bought at clearance (hooray!)

 

[cbmech2]

Where the savings stem from is the fact that you are only required to service it every 2 years or after 300 dives. The Atomic regs are very similar to a SP MK10 which, was and still is a bullet proof reg. I gave up my MK20/S600 for a MK10/G250 Graphite as my primary rig. I think you did the right thing.

 

[diversteve]

If you're going to do that few dives the Atomic is a better idea as it has the seat-saver orifice in the 2nd stage.
It lifts the seat slightly when not pressurized.

Seat Saving Orifice: Exclusive patented Atomic Aquatics feature prolongs the second stage seat life indefinitely, eliminating aggravating leaks and degradations in performance.

You might see what sort of deal you can get on a Z2. It sells here for $439 vs. $750 for the B2.
Especially since with an SS1, your hose routing will be simplified to all down one side so the lack of a 1st stage turret shouldn't be an issue.

They breathe exactly the same and both have a 2 year service interval.

Atomic also recently released the Z2X, it has the 2nd stage swivel (you want one!!) like the B2. It's $550.
It doesn't have the LP turret on the first stage either.

 

[sockeye02]

Wow! Those were some quick replies! Thanks guys!
I see from the replies you guys favor Atomics; I'm leaning that way too. Heard from another (non-related) LDS that some of the Oceanic folks seem to be constantly servicing their regs before the 1 year interval?
CB --> Yeah, was kind drawn to the 2 year service intervals. Thought that might suggest increased manufacturer confidence in the durability of the reg. Also saw another post on Atomics servicing and was impressed when Darcy advised no need for early servicing of another customer's reg. Now that's really practicing what they preach (in the manuals)
Diversteve --> Thanks for the advice on the Z2. Won't state the price I'm getting from my LDS (just in case they're not "supposed" to give that kinda price; quite unclear about this mandatory-price business) but let's say its significantly less than $750 and actually cheaper than I can get the Z2 locally due to an ongoing promotion! Just a bit worried about the "no soaking unpressurized regs bit" in case I ever forget, which I just might seeing I use it only once a year!

 

[diversteve]

I've owned a B1 since 2003. I didn't even know about no-soaking until 2007 when I bought my T2.

So after every dive, the B1 soaked in the tank. Sometimes overnight on the last day. And I soaked everything in the bathtub when I got home - possibly for hours.

Both times that I took the B1 in for service, the tech told me that the only reason he changed any of the parts was because he already had it apart - nothing was worn or corroded.

Mostly I still rinse the t2 unpressurized - my solution is to hold the 1st stage higher than the 2nd. I do most of my diving off boats and it's not always possible to have a tank near the rinse tank.

ymmv...

 

[sladerer]

I've been diving the B2 for 2 years (about 60 dives) and don't think you can go wrong. I just had it
serviced and aside from a hint of green on the main screen, my LDS said he could barely tell it was
used.

The soaking thing isn't the huge deal it's made out to be. Just don't let it sit fully submerged for
extended times (I've seen 30 to 60 minutes quoted as "long"). I give my a very thorough
rinse/brief soak after each dive - I just keep the 1st stage/dust cap from being soaked, but
I do rinse the 1st stage once I ensure the dust cap is well closed/tightened. I've gotten into
the habit of disconnecting the reg and throwing it in the bag after my last dive while still on the
boat/beach so I never have to worry about forgetting to remove it as I'm throwing my BC in the
rinse tank/tub/etc.

 

[sockeye02]

Update: I finally went with the B2/SS1 option. Only did a pool dive so far, can't tell much difference from rental regs (usu SB R190) but I expect it'll come into its own once its a little more than 3fsw
I do find the SS1 restricitive in turning my head to the right (LPI too short) but other than that its a great system
I find pressing the purge button produces such a smooth stream of air I couldn't even tell I was purging (except for not breathing in water). Or maybe I was pressing very lightly! Still, had a really fun time lying on the bottom of the pool looking at the sky above and people swimming overhead. Now that's an interesting perspective!