S600 vs ATX200 for bubbles

[DolphinDiver]

This is a great forum - good information...

Based on the opinions I've read and the regulator poll it looks like the S600 and the ATX200 come out as favorites.

Between the two, which one disperses bubbles the best? In other words, which one keeps the bubbles away from the face, has the minimum vibration from bubbles, etc.?

I haven't seen the October magazine (which one?) review - I think they tested for that.

Thanks

 

[boomx5]

...I've never used either one, but welcome to Scubaboard anyway.

 

[AquaGuy]

I own an ATX 200 and have never had an issue with bubbles. I have also never noticed any vibration!

 

[Scubaroo]

Ditto on no vibrations with the ATX200 - but there are some bubbles - noticeable compared to my TX50 which has a wider exhaust T, but not enough to interfere with my diving. The first stage is *really* nice.

Haven't dived with the S600 to compare, but the Mk25 first stage that the S600 usually comes with is a turret design, which some people feel is a failure point. From the posts I've read, most first stage failures reported on ScubaBoard have been turret (or swivel, same thing) failures.

 

[Irishdiver]

Hi DolphinDiver - I dive with an ATX200 and have also never had a problem with bubbles or vibration.

But then, the reg I started with - and dived with for six years - was a basic Sherwood Brut, which also never gave a problem with bubbles or vibration and is still my back-up reg. I think you should just dive with what you're most comfortable with.

What gives you cause for concern about bubbles/vibration?

Don't read too much into the hype put out by reg manufacturers - they're just out to try to screw a few extra dollars out of you.

Once the reg performs well in the conditions you're likely to encounter, you'll do fine. I bought the ATX200 because I felt I was working too hard to breathe at depth from the Sherwood....now I think I just need to get fitter. It's not the reg that's at fault, it's the operator!

 

[jbm]

No vibration with either...... Bubbles never an issue.


jbm

 

[Jonathan]

I don't have a problem with bubbles or vibration with my S600 - to be honest not really sure what you mean by vibration.

Not dived with APEKS yet - want to get some cause they are easier to service out here (servicing a DIN SP Mk20 is $140in Japan!!).

Both great regs I am sure - flip a coin time....

Jonathan

 

[DolphinDiver]

Thanks for the feedback.

To clarify on the vibration. I currently dive a Scubapro G250. It's a great reg, the breathing is very easy, but it just feels like the bubbles from exhaling are blasting past my face. Vibrates the reg, the mask, and my ears too - loud.

I'm thinking of upgrading and as long as I'm getting a new reg I'm mostly concerned about reducing the bubbles. I know the breathing will be fine with an Apeks or SP.

All things being equal I'd just as soon not add a failure point. But, I'm not a DIR adherant so it's not as much of a concern for me.

 

[sillygrendel]

I've heard that some people don't like the ATX series exhausts because of bubble problem...

I have an ATX200 and have never noticed a bubble problem. But I also think I've been swimming perpendicular with my head facing the ground! Working to fix that one

I have also never noticed a vibration problem but... I've had a bunch of odd problems with the reg. I'd be tempted to get something like a DS4 for my next one. (for cost/performance)

Matt

 

[Dr. Jay]

sillygrendel once bubbled...
I've heard that some people don't like the ATX series exhausts because of bubble problem...

Any of you know if it's possible just to get an ATX100 exhaust tee and attach it to the ATX200? I've heard of this being done with other regs, and am curious if it's possible w/these in particular.

FWIW I know Rodales gave the ATX100 a better-than-average bubble interference rating. That's why I ask about the exhaust deflector.