Wanting some imput.

[MyKO]

Hey.

There are two regs I've heard very good things about, and I've even read in Scuba Diving Magazine that they were good. I just want to get some imput from you guys on the quality. I'd be using it for recreational diving. I'm going to be diving on Long Island and in the Carribean. The two regs I'm considering are The Oceanic Alpha 7 and the Atomic Aquatics Z1. Now...the Z1 is a bit pricey for me, but it isn't as expensive as some others. The Alpha 7 falls around my price range.

So what do you all think about the two?

 

[fishwatcher]

Hello,

I just today had to evaluate and purchase a new regulator and selected the Atomic Aquatics Z1. The ones I really, really liked were not in my price range, but I did almost spent $550 retail on a Scubapro MK25/S600 combination. The Mares MR12/Axis was at the low end of regs I was considering and the Z1 was about in the middle at $380 retail.

I relied on what other people have said on this board, on my local dive shop, and on the Gear Reviews at www.scubadiving.com. They have some great comprehensive reviews that were quite helpful. I wanted to be able to purchase from a local authorized dealer for maintenance and support and Oceanic isn't offered at my shop (otherwise I might have considered some higher model Oceanic's). I was seriously considering Mares, Scubapro, and Atomic Aquatics regulators. Buying a regulator was not in my current budget.

The Z1 is definitely more expensive than the Alpha, but well worth it from what I gather. It supposedly has about the same characteristics as Atomic Aquatics' higher models.

If you need to stay in the price range of the Oceanic Alpha 7, I would choose the Mares MR12/Axis, which has good breathing in all positions (unlike the Alpha). I currently own an MR12/Acros and haven't really noticed any bubble interference. The Scubapro MK2+/R190 also appears to be a good choice at this price point.


Good Luck in your evaluation (if you haven't already made the purchase)

- Phil

 

[MikeS]

I would not use an article in Scuba Diving Magazine as the basis for choosing a regulator. Their evaluations are extremely bias. For example the “Best of Everything Gear Guide 2003: Regulators,” only tested the Apex AT20 regulator, the least expensive model they manufacture. While on the other hand they tested six models of Scubapro regulators; what’s up with that?

I suggest you talk to divers that are doing penatration and/or staged decompression dives and find out what kind of regulators they’re depending on.

Mike

 

[ScubaRon]

MikeS once bubbled...
I would not use an article in Scuba Diving Magazine as the basis for choosing a regulator. Their evaluations are extremely bias. For example the “Best of Everything Gear Guide 2003: Regulators,” only tested the Apex AT20 regulator, the least expensive model they manufacture. While on the other hand they tested six models of Scubapro regulators; what’s up with that?

Actually Rodale's tested 69 different regulators including 5 Apeks models. Of these 5 only the AT20 made it to the top list which was published in the Best of Everything Gear Guide 2003. Rodale's test methodology is clearly described and consist of both objective machine breathing tests and subjective tests by a panel of independent divers on a range of criteria. You can argue their criteria and disagree with the divers (although they are remarkably consistent...), but this is not "bias". While it may not be perfect, at least Rodale's does testing.

I suggest you use their test as part of your input. You should also use other sources such as this Scubaboard as input. And be aware that every source has it's own "bias": on the Scubaboard you have a lot of tech divers, hence the popularity of Apeks and Backplate/Wing preferences.
ScubaRon

 

[cyklon_300]

The first copy I bought was a lemon (second stage made LOUD exploding noises when first pressurized) and had to be replaced on warranty...

The replacement reg was retrofitted per the recent recall and has been a decent performer. Have used it for single tank diving to 130+' and as a stage reg with no problems.

While waiting for the Oceanic warranty reg to arrive, I purchased an Apeks TX50/TX40/DST. At that time, the cost of the Alpha at the LDS vs the Apeks from DiveInn was almost the same (been a year or two ago, don't know about present pricing).

FWIW, in a heads-up comparison I prefer the Apeks.

 

[cstreu1026]

Go with the Atomic.....you will be thrilled with it. If I had to do over again I should have bought an Atomic Z1 instead of my Scuba Pro Mk25/S600. The Atomic's I tried seem to breath much better. And at $399 for the environmentally sealed version it is a real steal. The Aqua Lung Titan Lx is $379 and didn't really seem to compare to the Atomic.

 

[rescuediver009]

I would recommend the oceanic, even if you are following the Rodale's magazines. this is why:
The oceanic that is the best priced and best value is the Alpha 7 CDX5. The atomics regulators that are the winners of best buy and all that junk are the higher end oness which I assume you are omitting for now? Anyways, The oceanics are covered for the life of the warranty for parts and the alpha 7 is a very rugged workhorse that will rarely give you problems...

 

[paulwlee]

If you want a good inexpensive regulator, go with the Alpha 7.
If you want a regulator that is one of the easiest breathers out there, go with the Z1.

The thing with Atomics is that all their models have almost identical performance. So the Z1 has the same performance as the $1000+ T1. The only difference is in the material and the lack of a swivel.

You will be able to dive quite happily with the Alpha 7.
It's like this. A Toyota Corolla and a BMW 330 will both get you to work. Whether you think the extra cost is worth it, is your choice.
For me, it's worth it, so I have a Atomic B1.

 

[DiveTub]

How everyone becomes and expert when someone asks what Reg to buy.

Pick your price range go diving with all the regs you like in your price range

(If the supplier does not have test regs then scratch them off your list)

Find the ones you like best then check
How much to service them
What’s the warranty period?
Where can I get them serviced?
Will these Regs last at least 10 years of solid diving?
Are they sutable for the diving I plan to do in the next 10 years?

Once you have narrowed it down to a couple then go dive them again.

Now buy the Reg that works for YOU

 

[rescuediver009]

Sydney_Diver once bubbled...
How everyone becomes and expert when someone asks what Reg to buy.

Pick your price range go diving with all the regs you like in your price range

(If the supplier does not have test regs then scratch them off your list)

Find the ones you like best then check
How much to service them
What’s the warranty period?
Where can I get them serviced?
Will these Regs last at least 10 years of solid diving?
Are they sutable for the diving I plan to do in the next 10 years?

Once you have narrowed it down to a couple then go dive them again.
Now buy the Reg that works for YOU

Sorry bud, but we are not all experts (like yourself), but if you read the beginning of the thread, you would have seen that the author presented an option of 2 regs. We are all simply identifying our preference out of the two. I have used, assembled, sold and serviced the Alpha, therefore I can vouch for it. SIMPLE