New Atomic Z2x and SS1 Making Strange Sounds

[jwobkk]

After diving a Sherwood Reg for 10+ years with no performance issues I stepped up and bought an Atomic Z2x and SS1 for my recent trip to Cozumel.

My primary makes a high pitched noise upon inhalation while my SS1 breathes very loud on inhalation and exhalation. Obviously something is not totally correct here.

How concerned should I be about this issue? Should I return the reg to Atomic or my LDS?

I bought the Atomic b/c it is supposed to be a the quality leader so I'm a bit disappointed right now.

 

[halocline]

Nice, huh? Bet that's the last time you drop a load on new expensive gear for a while. I would send the whole thing back to Atomic. The high pitched "hum" on inhalation is probably some sort of harmonic resonance in the HP o-ring/spring area. It's coming from the 1st stage, correct? It can usually be cured by making sure the o-ring is well lubricated. I have no idea about the SS1, but I assume that the same noise happens when you use it, plus some other noises? I'm also assuming you're talking about noises that occur when you're underwater.

The store where you bought it should be able to fix it, but since they didn't get it right before they sent it out the door with you, I'd just go straight to Atomic.

 

[jwobkk]

Nice, huh? Bet that's the last time you drop a load on new expensive gear for a while. I would send the whole thing back to Atomic. The high pitched "hum" on inhalation is probably some sort of harmonic resonance in the HP o-ring/spring area. It's coming from the 1st stage, correct? It can usually be cured by making sure the o-ring is well lubricated. I have no idea about the SS1, but I assume that the same noise happens when you use it, plus some other noises? I'm also assuming you're talking about noises that occur when you're underwater.

The store where you bought it should be able to fix it, but since they didn't get it right before they sent it out the door with you, I'd just go straight to Atomic.

Yes - these noises are happening underwater. The noise off of the SS1 is very loud while the noise off of the Z2x is just high pitched.

 

[cbmech2]

When 1st stages make those whiny, high-pitched sounds it is usually one of two things. A lack of lubricant with respect to the HP piston o-ring or a problem with the HP seat. At any rate, I am assuming that you are referring to your 2nds. I have to ask a silly question here. Are you hearing the noise underwater at depth?

 

[jwobkk]

I had the regulators sent back to Atomic for service.

 

[fnfalman]

My SS1 breaths a bit loud too, but it's not a regular octo. It's an inflator/octo combo. I couldn't help but think because of the extra spaces inside the inline octo, there is some sort of echoing. One thing for sure, it breaths better than the Dive Rite Rite Source inline octo.

 

[jwobkk]

My initial thought was that was the reason for the really loud breathing. A buddy bought the SS1 at the same time as I did and he said his didn't breathe loud at all. That got me a bit worried and I wanted to make sure all was all right with my rig. Hopefully Atomic gets things checked out for me soon.

 

[jeckyll]

If you get a chance, post up what the results were. My atomics do "whistle" a bit, which is normal

 

[jwobkk]

I will post the result when I get my rig back.

 

[Belce]

It is not unusual for a regulator to make a noise on the surface when used.