Which Atomics for cave?

[bamamedic]

I might be getting way ahead of myself (I usually am), but I'm doing a bit of planning for next year's tax return (the government trys to make up for my being a poor, broke college student)...

I plan to take Cavern/Intro to Cave next year...looking for a set of regulators for doubles. I'm trying to make my money stretch as faaaar as possible...hoping to squeeze in a set of doubles, regulators, and a drysuit (also hoping that I win the lottery, too!)

There's a brand new dive shop in town that sells Atomics, and amazingly, it's not marked up past the MSRP They are even willing to throw in a discount for my being a poor, broke paramedic! Or, I could go to a semi-local dive shop 40 miles away, that sells Scubapro (they mark them up a bit, though, and don't offer much, if any, of a discount).

I already have an MK11/S555 with necklaced R395 that I think I'm going to keep as a single tank regulator.

My main question is (since cave diving is hopefully in my future), would the cheapest Atomic regulator be appropriate for cave diving? In the literature, I see nothing that would seem to prohibit it from being used in that regard. I think the cheapest is the Z2. My second question is; do they have an external adjustment knob? My third question is: Would be be better for me to purchase Scubapro, instead (not too thrilled at the idea of paying a markup over MSRP, though).

I suppose I could purchase online at significant savings, but I do want to support the LDS...

Anyways, thanks for your time!

 

[C0N3RY]

Atomics are amazing regs. The z2 will do just fine but if you have the extra cash, spend it on the M1. Don't bother buying regs online. Usually dealers will help out when you need parts. In the long run you'll end up spending more if you purchased from the internet.

 

[Scubastud16]

I'll be using Z2's for my doubles regs. The M1's are nicer because of the covered face plate, but that's only really necessary (in my opinion) if you're going aganist incredible flow, or are scootering against some nasty flow. The M1's also offer "cave rings" that let you take the face plate off the 2nd stage incase something were to get in there.

 

[bamamedic]

Thanks!

I just don't see myself ever being gutsy enough to take apart my regs underwater, using the "cave" ring...I'll just be really careful not to get anything in there LOL. Plus, it'll be a looong time before I can afford a scooter (when I ever get to that point, I'll be able to purchase new regs in celebration!)

I noticed that the Z2 comes with or without a swivel for the LP ports on the first stage...is the swivel necessary? It makes quite a price difference...($120 extra, compared to the model without the swiveling first stage).

 

[Nismo]

I think most issues will come with depth more than the overhead environment. Yes, it is tough buying gear on a paramedics income. Fortunately my LDS advertises when it's having sales.

 

[bamamedic]

They tell me that the "saving lives, run red lights, two days off every third day" is worth it, but I wonder sometimes if I should have been a nurse instead LOL.

What kind of depth issues are there for a Z2?

 

[TravisD]

The cool thing about the Atomics is that the design is the exact same across the line for the most part. Only some materials on key parts change really -- basically for weight and o2 compatibility.

If you're going to use a long-hose config, the swivels are irrelevant - get the Z2's.

 

[Web Monkey]

Thanks!

I just don't see myself ever being gutsy enough to take apart my regs underwater, using the "cave" ring...I'll just be really careful not to get anything in there LOL. Plus, it'll be a looong time before I can afford a scooter (when I ever get to that point, I'll be able to purchase new regs in celebration!)

I noticed that the Z2 comes with or without a swivel for the LP ports on the first stage...is the swivel necessary? It makes quite a price difference...($120 extra, compared to the model without the swiveling first stage).

It's a nice swivel (I have it on one reg), but once you get your tank adjusted and hose routed properly, the swivel ends up "straight" anyway, so there's no advantage.

Terry

 

[icestac]

I have 12 sets of Salvo regs and love them. Find a shop that will give you a bulk discount (it is worth saving up). They are a great deal.

It is a good idea to have all of the same brand/build/model (what have you) so that your rebuild kits are interchangeable.

BTW - Nothing wrong with Atomics, I just prefer Salvo because I think it is a better overall value.

~Jeff

 

[Scubastud16]

I just asked the same question (about the first stage swivel) on CDF, and it was deemed that it's unnecessary.