XTX200 vs B2 vs ST1

[judestudio]

For use in cold water which would you pick, and the reason for it?

- Apeks XTX-FSR/XTX200
- Atomic B2
- Atomic ST1 (New)

XTX200 and B2 are round about the same price, and ST1 being more expensive. I'm looking for a durable and workhorse reg.

Thanks guys!

 

[Scared Silly]

Apeks XTX-FSR/XTX200
- Atomic B2

either will be a good performer - only buy the ST1 if you have more money than you know what to do with as it will breath the same as the B2

 

[jefffalcone]

Might consider looking at a Z2 also, since it will breathe the same as the B2. It's pretty much the same design, just different materials.

 

[judestudio]

I get very confused with all the materials Atomic uses. Brass? Zirconium? S. Steel? ...ok, I know titanium, coz of the price they put on their regs! But looking at the price range, is brass supposedly more superior than zirconium? ST-1 has s. steel in place of brass and that makes it $300 more valuable.

I've seen Atomic regs reviews, they're slightly better than the Apeks, breathing tests & ergonomic etc. If I can get a set of Apeks XTX200 including octo at around $600, and the B2 with Z2 octo at $800. Is the Atomic worth the $200 upgrade?

Thanks!!

 

[somewhereinla]

Actually you should get the XTX50 which is the same as the XTX200 if you don't mind a bigger 1st stage and saving over $100. they breathe identically.

 

[paulwlee]

But looking at the price range, is brass supposedly more superior than zirconium?

No, the B2 and Z2 have the same brass first stage (with the first stage swivel option on the Z2). The reason that the B2 is pricier than the Z2 (other than the second stage swivel) is that the B2 has a Titanium air tube and the Z2 has a zirconium/palladium-plated brass air tube.

 

[judestudio]

Since the Z2 is the cheapest + same breathing as the others, sounds like this is the one to go for.

Is there a problem with Zirconium/Palladium? I've yet to hear any corrosion problem from Atomic regs....but is this something I need to worry about for getting the zirconium over titanium?

Is Atomic good for cold water?

 

[Scottri]

I own a B2 and an ATX200 and they both perform about the same but I give a slight edge to the Atomic for the ergonomics. Very lightweight 2nd stage and it doesn't create quite as much drag when swimming but really you can't go wrong with either.

 

[Tim Greaves]

I would pick the XTX-200.. Its the reg that I use for cold water diving and its the only reg so far that I havent had a freeflow problem with in the cold water..

 

[jeckyll]

If you are looking at Atomics and cold water, I'd look at an M1 or a sealed first stage Z2.

But I may be biased as I happen to have the above regs. Breathing wise, I can't tell the difference between the Atomics and my buddies XTX200. But I hate the Apex mouthpiece and he doesn't like the Atomic mouthpiece.

YMMV.

Bjorn