Scubapro vs. Oceanic vs. Atomic

[fireflock]

I would choose the Z2, along with some other kind of octo. You can mix most brands (there are a few exceptions, but your shop should steer you away from them).

The Z2 is a ton of reg for the money, and works well paired with a nice reliable octo. I might choose the 395, to stick with what's on your list, but anything in the same class would do fine.

Some will caution against a mix and match for service reasons, but I don't think it's that big of a problem.

 

[AllanHarr]

I don' think you could miss with a single one. I do favor the Scuba pro, as I beleive it tends to have easier global servicing. But then again, I dive with one too.

 

[jd950]

I have both Atomic and Oceanic regs and like them. I also have a Mares octo or two. I tend to avoid Scubapro products because of their price fixing behavior. But, I have seen many shops in the Caribbean that can repair Scubapro regs (and Cressi & Mares) but have no experience on or parts for Atomic or Oceanic, if that is a concern for you. If I were going to live in the Caribbean or work there as an instructor or DM, I would choose Scubapro or Cressi. I suspect the same is true for many other destinations that I haven't been to, yet.

 

[WRChadwell]

I dive a Scubapro Mk 17 1st stage (purchased 2008) with a G250 2nd stage (purchased 1988). I have recently taken them to as deep as 130 ft and as cold as 40 degrees F and have never experienced the slightest problem with either. Of course, I have them serviced annually. I would definitely go with Scubapro, but then again, I've never owned anything else.

 

[JDMerk]

I chose to buy an Atomic Z2 after training on SP mk17/s600's they are both great regs. However I chose the Atomic because I wanted a piston reg that was sealed.
Also the 2 year service interval and the seat saving orifice were huge to me.