To B1 or not to B1 - That is the question?

[thosmeyrs]

I have the opportunity to purchase an Atomic regulator with a T1 first stage and B1 second stage for $300. I believe its about 2-3 years old. Is this a good set up? I currently use Poseiden Odin and like the amount of air it gives me.. Also what would be a good relatively inexpensive octopus to use with the Atomic?

Thanks and happy holidays!

 

[scubafanatic]

.....kinda borderline deal......the older Atomics had an IP creep issue that was later resolved with the 'jet seat piston' upgrade.....you need to find out if the unit has one of the older 'problem' 1st stages....otherwise you'll have to have that replaced, although you can save some $ by installing it at the same time you get it serviced, and it's usually a good idea to have a 'new' (new to you anyway) reg serviced......so you are looking @ $300 PLUS the annual service/jet seat piston upgrade costs.....and if the unit is environmentally sealed 1st stage, add even more $ for the Christolube, which can run something like $30 - $50 U.S. for a 'fill'. Also, I think the B1 went out of production over 2-3 yrs ago, so the reg may be significantly older than you think. I really like my 2 Atomics (B1 converted to M1...and T2)...so I highly recommend Atomics, I'm just not sure you are getting as good a $ deal as you may be thinking you are.

 

[Scared Silly]

No it is not a good deal, unless it has been fully updated. As noted above, it probably has the old piston which was subject to IP creep. Not all, but some, do suffer from this problem. The B2 went out of production something 5 plus years ago. Atomic changed piston design in 2002. I would not pay more than $150 for an old B1 as to get it fully rebuilt with a new piston will run you $75 - $100.

To give you an idea I recently sold a B2 that was fully rebuilt (both first and second stage) and put a new hose, new purge cover, exhaust on it. I sold it for $300 shipped.

Shameless plug I have yoke M1 that is about to under go it service that I would sell for $375.

 

[Scared Silly]

Oh, you should read this post and beware that I bet the first may not be titanium. If the first stage has a statin appearance then it is titanium, if it is shinny then brass and chrome plating.

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/4913278-post12.html

 

[thosmeyrs]

Thanks folks.. THink I'll pass on the deal.. I have to sell my Poseiden's first anyway. I'll probably end up at my LDS and make the deal with them.. It's a little off topic but I want to get rid of my Suunto Gekko.. What should I check out for a comparable but not so conservative computer.. I want to go back to console too..