New long lasting regs?

[Wookie]

I have 20 Ti Atomics of varying vintage. Hate the seat saver orifice, and if I could backfit it with anything, I would. I have 8 M1, 1 B1, and a couple of SS1s. All take the same kit. Except the SS1s of course.

My only failures have been main springs, and they fixed that years ago. I'm still replacing some older ones.

My first atomic was BA000037, it was never meant to be dived, but was the clear case showroom model. I took the clear case off and it's been my daily diver since 1996 or 7.

I have SEAs and conshelfs that are 20 years older than the atomic regs. They aren't used as divers any more, but they are still in use every day.

 

[rhwestfall]

So, collectively, we keep saying that we have "old stuff" still going... What "new stuff" will be still going is this similar time frame if we started with it brand new today?

 

[BoltSnap]

I have 20 Ti Atomics

Did you mean to say that you have 20 Tx (ALL Titanium) regulators???

Hate the seat saver orifice

Why do you hate it??? It is one very important reason why the Atomic regulators are so incredibly reliable.

1 B1

Did you upgrade it to the latest version of the B2?

I have 8 M1

If I have to buy more Atomic regulators for my personal use, I would buy only the M1 from now on. For the dive school use for recreational diving, Z2.

 

[BoltSnap]

I just finished resurrecting/refreshing a 1960 DA Aquamaster. 2018 - 1960 = 58 (and still going).....

I was certified in 1989, and my first regulators were a 1970's $20.00 garage sale set of SP 109's. I still have them, and they perform flawlessly.

What is your regularly used regulator?

 

[rhwestfall]

1967 DA Aquamaster got most of my dives last year...

 

[Umuntu]

I think the Apeks DST and DS4 first stages will still be around. Their 2nd stage xtx 50/100/200 will likely have parts available too.

 

[lexvil]

The reason I would go with atomic is because the design is pretty much MK 20 which is basically a MK 5 with a modern (read easier to service) HP seal. I can readily find parts.

I prefer piston firsts because there is a lot less monkey motion going on inside, on the other hand for a forever reg without factory support nearly everything inside a diaphragm reg can be made at home or so it seems.

For long term second stages the 109 is a good one as are the 1085 AL’s but in modern seconds I like just about any scubapro or atomic and put atomic first because I can get parts easily.

Or get an Argonaut Kraken, DA Aquamaster with a Phoenix and HPR.

 

[Wookie]

Did you mean to say that you have 20 Tx (ALL Titanium) regulators???

Yes. I am blessed with friends who no longer dive for various reasons who give me their gear. I pass it along to deserving folks who may not be able to afford $1400 regulators, but whom I care deeply about. All are upgraded to at least T2x.

Why do you hate it??? It is one very important reason why the Atomic regulators are so incredibly reliable.

Truth. But I have one regulator that the seat saver gets stuck in. I've replaced every component, barrel, orifice, orifice holder, but the orifice sticks.


Did you upgrade it to the latest version of the B2?

No. It is affixed to a nitrox analyzer. It will never dive again.

If I have to buy more Atomic regulators for my personal use, I would buy only the M1 from now on. For the dive school use for recreational diving, Z2.

I have no experience with the Z2. Or the SS2. I expect they breathe as well as any other?

 

[oldschoolto]

FYI, Aqualung still stocks parts for the US Divers regs (SEA and Conshelf) Good on them!!! The parts kits are not that expensive, if you feel the need to stock up.

I know that.. He asked about when parts are no longer available.. I had a good size pile of Conshelf xiv's and spare parts till a house fire.. Time to start looking again...

Jim..

 

[BoltSnap]

I have no experience with the Z2. Or the SS2. I expect they breathe as well as any other?

Z2 breaths the same but no second stage swivel and no first stage stage turret swivel. Has 7 LP ports on first stage. Good for school equipment.