Oceanic Delta4 or Atomic Z2

[eelnoraa]

-price between the 2 shouldnt be that bad, actually, I think the atomic reg lists lower than the Oceanics (web sites have to display MSRP for atomic regs), it's not hard to find Z2s in the $350 range

I found Delta4 is slight cheaper than Z2 from authorized dealer, maybe by less than $50. Once you add am octo, Atomic is significantly more expansive. With Oceanic, octo start at around $80, even with pneumatic balance octo, it is about $150. With Atomic, the cheapest octo is Z2 octo, which is $280. So Atomic runs about $200 more for a working regulator set.

Having said that, I went to LDS today to see this reg in person. I do think overall, Atomic reg is better made from visual and touch point of view. Both 1st stage FDx10 and Z2 are well made, feel solid. But Z2 stage is made noticeably superior compared to Delta4 or even EOS. The plastic on Z2 is just more solid while plastic on these two Oceanic feels thin and hallow. I don't know how this will affect performance under water, probably not at all. It is just the appearant quality of Atomic seems higher.

 

[RAWalker]

If you could purchase a reg that is already environmentally sealed or one that needs a kit at extra cost to be used in cold conditions. Shouldn't that guide your decision? Particularly when both regs are highly regarded and cost the same. As for Atomics being more robust. I'd call it heavier and the newest high end regs are supposed to be light weight to reduce jaw fatigue.
So in effect I consider that a negative for the Atomic. (just a different point of view) Even with the lighter weight there is no evidence that the Delta 4 is any more prone to failure. The Delta 4 was adopted by the Coastguard and NOAH last year because of superior cold water performance.
Now add in the fact that the Delta 4 is actually less expensive.
It was a no brainer for me.

 

[Scared Silly]

While I dive Atomic regs exclusively and between my wife and I have 8 or 9 of them I think their octos are really expensive. But what you are getting is an octo that is exactly like your primary second stage. So to compare apples to apples you need to figure the cost of getting an octo that is exactly like your primary. I bet if you did that the cost difference between the two would not be as much.

Also I have dove my Atomics which are not environmentally sealed in Monterey and there is no problem with them in that cold of water. IMHO you need environmentally sealed regs in really cold <40 water or really silty water.

Shamelss plug, if you are interested in a used Atomic send me a note as I could set up you with a newly rebuilt B2 with a Z1 Octo for around $400.

 

[Byte Me]

I've got a Delta IV / FDX10 recommended by and purchased from Scuba Toys - who also does my service. Great price great service.

I did have a 1st stage honking issue but that was due to a burr on the DVT. No more honking now after getting that serviced (free).

I've had the reg set in brackish dirty high 50's F water in WI quarries and ponds, clear deep ocean water and deep COLD low 40's F Lake Michigan water. Never had an issue. On one dive this summer on the Car Ferry Milwaukee two of the guys on the boat had bad free flows one of them had free flow from both primary and octo the other was able to use their octo and spent the dive banging his primary off the hull of the wreck trying to stop the free flow. The first diver had to cut their dive short after 5 minutes as a result. They both had Atomic 1st stages the diver who cut their dive short had identical regs for primary and octo. Depth was between 85-100' and water temp was 41F.

Between that experience and the fact that the NOAA and Coast Guard chose the Delta IV / FDX10 as their standard reg set is plenty enough evidence for me.

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/oceanic/225191-delta-4-new-cold-water-reg.html

 

[fnfalman]

One does not have to have an Atomic octo. A cheaper octo from another manufacturer will hook up to the Atomic first stage just fine.

As far as the Atomic being heavier and cause jaw fatigues...I find that hard to believe since that ALL Atomic second stages are made out of plastic and titanium strictly for weight reduction.

 

[RAWalker]

One does not have to have an Atomic octo. A cheaper octo from another manufacturer will hook up to the Atomic first stage just fine.

As far as the Atomic being heavier and cause jaw fatigues...I find that hard to believe since that ALL Atomic second stages are made out of plastic and titanium strictly for weight reduction.

Put that back into proper context that was The Atomic being heavier compared to the Oceanic. The comment about jaw fatigue was to point out that manufacturers have been designing regs to be lighter weight to reduce jaws fatigue and the lighter weight reg should be considered a positive atribute.

 

[fnfalman]

Put that back into proper context that was The Atomic being heavier compared to the Oceanic. The comment about jaw fatigue was to point out that manufacturers have been designing regs to be lighter weight to reduce jaws fatigue and the lighter weight reg should be considered a positive atribute.

Does anybody have any weight measurements on the Atomic second stage versus the Oceanic second stage? The Atomic 1st stage tends to be heavy, but since that it's mounted to the tank, I seriously doubt that the weight has anything to do with jaw fatigue.

So, whomever out there that has both regs, please weigh the two second stages and see which one is truly lighter.

 

[Couv]

The dry weight of a second stage has nothing to do with jaw fatigue. It is the second stage's overall + or - buoyancy that affects how much stress it will put on your mouth. However, second stage hose length and routing have far more effect on jaw fatigue than the weight of the second stage in the water. A comfortable mouthpiece is something to consider as well.

Couv

 

[Byte Me]

From the pictures that I've seen it doesn't look like the Z2 has a hose swivel at the 2nd stage. Oceanic does. chalk another one up in favor of the Delta IV in my book.

By the way, had the Delta IV / FDX10 down to 150' this weekend in 39F waters and had no issues, breathed just like it does at 40' in 79F water. Couple other folks w/ Scubapro regs had free flow issues and I don't believe they were even below the thermocline yet.

 

[fnfalman]

From the pictures that I've seen it doesn't look like the Z2 has a hose swivel at the 2nd stage. Oceanic does. chalk another one up in favor of the Delta IV in my book.

The Z2 can be optionally equipped with a hose swivel. BTW, guess where Oceanic gets its hose swivels from? It starts with an A...