I wouldn't be so quick to scratch mk5 off the list. Just that mk5. In the later years they added more ports. My mk5 and mk3 both have 3 lp and 1 hp. I love my old chrome seconds as well. As it is difficult to find the right people to service them so it does take dedication to stay with them. When I got back into the game I picked up some plastic oceanics to use while trying to figure out how to restore my old kits. Another couple test runs and I may be thinking of finally selling the "new regs".
New reg advice needed: Scubapro/atomic/mares. If you would be so kind...
- Thread starter thebrain
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ams511
Contributor
The OP was looking at the MK-5/109s they were being sold by Bigfoot-Daisy in the classifieds section and on eBay. These have only 1-HP port and 2-LP ports but do have the updated 3000 psi yoke. Without a port splitter, these are good for stage bottles or if using a combo octo/inflator. I do not see them on eBay anymore so maybe they were all sold but while searching I did see they were selling a D400 with a late model MK-5 starting at $110. That would not be a good reg to have if he can get it for around that price.
CAPTAIN SINBAD
Contributor
How was Atomics different from Apeks? Is there a lot of breathing effort needed in Apeks?
---------- Post Merged at 09:20 PM ---------- Previous Post was at 09:19 PM ----------
To the OP:
FYI I have tested my Z2 regulator in 43 degree water and it functioned flawlessly without the environmental sealing manufacturer says it needs in that temperature. I would not try it over and over again though.
ams511
Contributor
I have the older TX and ATX series Apeks regulators and can say they do not breath hard at all. They are comparable to MK-20/G250s, G500s, and S600s. I can't compare to Atomic as I do not own any of them.
mikeycanuk
Contributor
Isn't there a bigger cost to maintain the Atomic regs? Re: the "grease" that's inside to keep it's low temp capability. When I was in my lds the manager mentioned he had a small tub of it on order for something north of $600! We originally wanted Atomic but got the cold water capability of the Apeks should we want to do late season diving up here. I'd have give Atomic the edge in the looks dept.
We love our Cobalts.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
We love our Cobalts.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
While a tub may cast 600 you get a syringe for something like 20. It's o2 compatible lube and you're just using it to lube (not goop). A little goes a long way. Lds love to try to talk everything up to substantiate the overhaul when the truth is many of them under haul and return a reg that has not been properly serviced. (sorry, I'm just a little jaded from a recent experience)
diverdorr68
Contributor
ams511
Contributor
If the Atomic requires to be packed with grease for cold water performance then it could cost $30 - $40 to pack it with Tribolube or Chistolube. It would be cheaper to pack it with Dow 111 but you would loose nitrox compatibility.
While you will be told that, in reality you don't. First off, DC 111 is fine for rec nirtox levels, it's when you get into the higher concentrations of O2 that it becomes an issue and even then only when high pressure is involved. The ambient chamber of a piston reg does not ever come in contact with high pressure O2 so it's fine to use DC 111, the real issue is the mixing of lubes if you try to use CL/TL inside the reg and DL 111 in the ambient chamber. The lubes would mix around the piston stem....it may or maynot be a problem but mixing lubes is rarely a good idea. The best option for cold water is to just get a diaphgram first with a dry seal to start with, no packing the chamber with goo and so much less mess to service.
As for Atomics breathing easier that X, Y or Z brand regs (or vis versa), that's BS. All modern regs within a given price point when properly adjusted are so close that only a machine can tell the differrence.
diverdorr68
Contributor
@herman
"As for Atomics breathing easier that X, Y or Z brand regs (or vis versa), that's BS. All modern regs within a given price point when properly adjustedare so close that only a machine can tell the differrence."
Actually, that's not BS. You could spend $400 for a Z2 that breathes as well as a $700+ Scubapro reg. Big difference in price, very, very similar breaths. Maybe not a pretty, but you can't breath pretty.
"As for Atomics breathing easier that X, Y or Z brand regs (or vis versa), that's BS. All modern regs within a given price point when properly adjustedare so close that only a machine can tell the differrence."
Actually, that's not BS. You could spend $400 for a Z2 that breathes as well as a $700+ Scubapro reg. Big difference in price, very, very similar breaths. Maybe not a pretty, but you can't breath pretty.
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