which Atomic?

[freewillie]

I've been shopping regulators and will probably go with Atomics. There is a significant price difference between the B2 and the T2x. As I understand it, the biggest difference is in the first stage metals but the second stages all breath the same.

Is the titanium T2x worth the money? Or, would you 'settle' for the B2 with brass first stage or ST1 with stainless steel first stage which although still pricey are more reasonably priced?

Thanks.

 

[cbrich]

All of Atomic's regs are the same, the only difference is the material of the first stage, Titanium, Stainless Steel, or Brass. Titanium regs are too expensive, Stainless Steel is heavy, and brass is the cheaper version.

What are goals? How much do you want to spend?

I like the ST1 because it's stainless steel, and who can say they have stainless steel reg. The titanium is nice because it's ultra light. But when it comes to cost, the B2 is the winner. All of the regs will perform the same, they are identical, and you will get many, many years of service from them. You can get the B2 and the Cobalt computer for the price of the T2x.

 

[mdax]

I prefer my M1's...

 

[Akimbo]

You are asking for a value judgment with no parameters to base it on. From a purely cost/performance standpoint the answer is the Z2 since they all perform equally. Considering you can get three Z2s for the price of one T2, which would you rather have on a 3 week dive trip to the south Pacific?

 

[DwayneJ]

I have M1's and T2X - I would recommend the M1's

 

[freewillie]

I have been saving for the regs, and will be in a position to buy any of the three. The T2x would be a splurge but will not break the bank, and would still be able plan to go Hawaii for next year.

Most of my diving has been local in So Cal beach dives and get out at least once a month, more if I'm lucky. To date average temps are in the low 50's so no real freezing temps. Haven't been diving deep but would like a reg to perform well at 130 feet when needed. Travel limited to about one week a year tropical places. As always weight is an issue and having the lighter titanium first stage would be a plus.

So, even though can easily afford the more expensive T2x was wondering if anyone thought was worth the money or if any actual advantage with lighter weight noncorrosive first stage. That being said, don't necessarily want to spend the extra $$$ if something else just as good.

 

[Scared Silly]

I "settled" for Z2s with a first stage swivel turret and then put a long hose on it. Of course I had money left over and bought two for me and two for the wife.

 

[SandyRobinson]

An Atomics dealer told me one time the only reason to buy an Atomics Ti was to say that you had enough money to afford it. YMMV. I use a Z2 and an M1. Both are great regs, and I do not notice any breathing differences.

 

[eelnoraa]

If I have to do it all over and get a new reg, I will go with Z2 (not Z2x), spend the rest of the money on other dive equipment or dive trip. Everyone already mention, all Atomic is of the same design, same performance. Ti and stainless steel are nice to have but doesn't improve the diving experience. 2nd stage swivel is of no value to me because I already ditch it on my B2 2nd for long hose. 1st stage swivel is less practical than it sounds for single tank usage because the LPI will more or less hold the turret at the same position.

So, even though can easily afford the more expensive T2x ....

If this is the case, by all mean go with T2x.

 

[Doubler]

Z2! Save your money on the regulator and get the Cobalt Computer with your extra money.