Tech regs vs Rec regs

[NuclearOOPS]

First, I posted this in the tech forums becuase I figured tekkies have gone through rec equipment and tech and have a well rounded opinion.
Second, I don't know if this topic has been covered or not, but I really don't want to search through hundreds of threads to find out.

I completed my BOW August of 2010 through PADI with the plan of becoming a PADI professional. I also want to become cave and tek certified with the possibility of becoming an instructor for those as well.

I purchased all my kit at the beginning of this year, and the gear I purchased was what I thought would be able to cross over. My main concern is that I bought an Atomic ST1. My instructor dove it, and I've heard nothing but good reviews on all atomic regs. I have notice though, that a lot of the tech oriented regs are WAY cheaper. The way I look at it is that a reg oriented for tech or cave should be the best. They are placed in harsher enviroments with the demand of high performance. So why are they cheaper? Did I make a bad decision? I love my ST1, but could I have got something just as good for half the price. I have looked at Apeks, HOG, Hollis, and DiveRite.
All positive feedback will be greatly appreciated.

 

[SeaCobra]

+1 for Atomic regs, yeah they are more expensive, but I'm worth it! I am a NAUI Tec instructor and have dove these regs in the caves, deep wrecks, cold water and warm. All performed flawlessly. They are easy to service (with the right tools and know-how), environmentally sealed and can flow a lot of gas.

Now I am not saying the other regs aren't good, just that deep down you want the best.

Jeff

 

[Scott L]

The Atomic B2 performs ecxactly the same as the ST1, but uses a veneer finish (chrome on brass). The ST1 will likely hold up better in the long run better resisting corrosion, etc. I own 2 ST1's as I was crossing over from SP MK20"s, which are also fabricated from SS, although not nearly as well as the ST1's.

In short, the ST1's maybe overkill, but if you place next to another regulator you will know why we paid extra.

 

[Tortuga68]

Now I am not saying the other regs aren't good, just that deep down you want the best

So your vote is for Scubapro?

 

[SeaCobra]

ah, and they say marketing doesn't work I like ScubaPro as well as my Atomics. I just find it interesting that people want to dive deep, go inside caves and wrecks, yet look for the cheapest reg they can. This is life support, get the best. Now. of course if you can save a buck I am all for that, it is just not my first selection criteria for a regulator.

Jeff

 

[rigdiver]

Atomics are great regs. Can't go wrong with them. They are basically SP knock-offs that were tweaked a little. Some of the regs mentioned are made across the pond where labor is much cheaper and they are very good copies of some of the high end regs.

 

[DwayneJ]

Atomic on my OC gear and Apeks on my CCR. Both are great.

 

[brponchot]

What would you guys say about the mk17 a700 as a tech reg?

 

[JahJahwarrior]

Here's the thing, pricing does not necessarily equal quality.

Many times, it does. I wouldn't trust a reg I purchased at the dollar store. However, regulators are relatively simple but clever machines. They are milled out of similar metals (first stages, and some second stages) and use similar rubber orings. They all perform a pretty similar task.

Some designs perform better in cold water, some recover better after being flooded. Some have higher flow rates. When it comes to first stages, I have never noticed a performance difference between my Hog, SP, Beauchat, Dive Rite, OMS or Oceanic regs. Some have better hose routing. Some were cheaper than others. Some are easier to rebuild than others. But they all deliver air at sufficient rates and none of them freeze in my 72* spring water, and they all rinse off just fine when I go diving in salt water.

Second stages, you can kind of notice some of a difference. However, a poorly tuned expensive second stage will perform worse than a well tuned cheaper second stage. I do love adjustable second stages, and the balanced designs are easy to work with.

Atomics are very nice regs, but they don't keep you any more alive than the regs I listed above that I own. I believe that the sealed Atomics designs use a chamber filled with Cristolube, which I don't like that much because it's expensive, requires a special tool, and isn't necessary with the sealed diaphragm designs that eliminate the cristolube. You certainly did not waste your money, but you could certainly branch out into other regulators to supplement your fleet.

"Tech" regs aren't necessarily much different than "rec" regs. Typically, you use DIN, not yoke. Often, you want adjustable 2nd stages, but those are a really common feature for recreational regs as well. Hose lengths and safety second placement are really the two big differences.

I try not to buy things new. Used regs can be cheaper. You have to know what you are looking for, though.

Deep down, you do want the best. Just remember that the best for someone else isn't necessarily the best for you, and the best doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg.

 

[Blue Sparkle]

What would you guys say about the mk17 a700 as a tech reg?

I have zero rights to answer your question as a tech diver, but when I looked at the A700 (because I thought it looked neat so was potentially interested), I wondered about the fact that --- at least from what I could tell --- you could not easily remove the faceplate under water (or even on the boat without tools and tiny screws to keep track of).

I have removed mine a couple of times on the boat for various reasons (I didn't get an A700), and it seems like being able to remove it by hand might be a good feature (?)