Need a little help please...

[jaeckert]

I have decided on an Atomic Aquatic regulator. My problem now; is which one?!

"Must Have's" will include the swivel hose (are the third-party "add-ons" as good?), and the wide exhaust deflector (I understand this can now be added to all of the Atomic regulators). I am more than happy to pay for these as upgrades; if it will get me the best regulator for me.

I want the best regulator for what I will be asking of it. I am a recreational diver in temperatures of 40 degrees, or less, to (I hope) a lot of warm water travel. I don't see myself tech/extreme diving. My farthest focus for now is wreck (with entry?) and (MAYBE!) cavern diving... mostly focusing on open warm water travel with a fair amount of local cool altitude (no ice... I think) to stay active. I have not even begun to consider mixed gases; but I will not rule it out.

Thank you everyone who takes the time to read this (and an extra "thank you" to those that reply),

Joel
Boise, Idaho

 

[dingopauly]

I would say the ST1 fits the bill quite well for what you want. it is lighter than the brass chrome plated versions without being over the top expensive, so fits the bill when you travel. it comes with the swivel and wide exhaust. it is sealed also. As it is stainless it will take scrapes and knocks well if you go in tight caves or wrecks, if you bash about a chrome plated one it can chip and be a spot for corrosion to start. It is rated to 40% nitrox without need for changes or servicing. I can't give you advice on how it performs in cold water though, i will leave that to others. Happy diving

 

[Downing]

Joel, I can't help a lot here but I'll pitch in my two cents, er maybe one cent.

I dive with a T2x. My wife dives with a Z2x.

The "x" for the T2x means that you are no longer "required" to dedicate the reg to nitrox. With the T2, you were supposed to dedicate it to nitrox, if you ever used nitrox, and "couldn't" go back to air without having the reg cleaned first. Frankly, I ignored this and would venture a guess everyone else did as well. In any case, it's no longer an issue. The advantages to the T2x are weight savings and the ultimate in corrosion resistance, although some would say these are solutions in search of a problem. The obvious downside is the cost. I'm not a cold water diver and can be talked into a local dive only once in a great while, but the reg is environmentally sealed. The only ice I will ever go near are the cubes in my glass, lol. It's a great reg for travel, which is right for me.

The "x" for the Z2x means that it now comes standard with Atomic's second stage swivel (just make sure you get the "x" designation). I spent an extra $100 for a first stage swivel, too, because my wife really likes the first stage swivel that comes with the T2x. I don't think it's environmentally sealed but that may be an option. Although it's heavier than my T2x (duh), it breathes just as well. I have to admit that even though I love my T2x, the Z2x is a better value.

I agree with dingopauly that the ST1 just might be your best bet. It's made from 316 steel, which is pretty tough stuff. It comes with a second stage swivel and the first stage is sealed. And it's about $500 cheaper than the T2x.

One option you may want to consider is to call Darcy at Atomic 714-375-1433. Atomic doesn't do direct sales, so you don't have to worry about some high pressured sales pitch. She'll be happy to make recommendations based on what you're looking for.

Welcome in advance to the Atomic family. Great regs. Great service.

 

[Kunundrum]

From what you mentioned Z2x and up would suit your diving needs.

It now only depends on what you are willing to spend. The performance in Atomic product is the same throughout it's line, the main difference is the composition of the regulator. Titanium and the Stainless (T2 & ST1) are less prone to corrosion and the T2 is considerably lighter than the others.

On this you can let you wallet decide unless you have other considerations not mentioned. I would say B2, unless you dive a lot in salt water then the ST1, and if you plan on traveling a lot where weight is an issuer the T2 might be worth looking at.

Regards

 

[scubafanatic]

I own/dive Atomic M1 and T2, I prefer the primary 2nd stage of the M1, it's more resistant to free-flows heading into stronger currents.

 

[jaeckert]

Thanks to all of you who took the time to respond. I have bitten the bullet and placed my order for the ST-1 w/swivel and extended exaust ports. Now I feel like a kid at Cristmas time. I can't wait!