Independent, objective, unbiased - the experts rate Atomic Aquatics best of the best

T2/T2X

Atomic T2x

ONE OF THE BEST-PERFORMING
REGULATORS
I have ever used is the Atomic T2. It was designed by Dean Garraffa after he left Scubapro. He and business partner Doug Toth's originally wanted to make the regulator for Scubapro, but the management of that branch of the big US corporation was focused only on the bottom line at the time, and wouldn't countenance it. So Dean and Doug started Atomic Aquatics, and the rest is history.

DIVER TESTS
DIVER MAGAZINE (UK)
JULY 2009

The whole story (PDF)

Atomic's venerable T2 is no more, but taking its place is the more nitrox-friendly T2x. This solid-billet-titanium super breather comes with a factory-sealed first stage and a low-pressure port swivel turret. The second stage even sports titanium Comfort Swivel (which we loved). It also has a seat-saving orifice and uses Atomic's Automatic Flow Control, a depth-activated venturi control. Work of breathing barely changes from a moderate breathing rate at 20 feet to a heavy breathing rate at 200 feet, and in the ocean the T2x provided smooth, dry performance in all swimming positions, along with minimal bubble interference and a powerful purge.

BOTTOM LINE: The T2x is the Rolls Royce of regs, with top-drawer performance, exotic metalwork and lots of cool features.

SCUBA LAB TESTERS' CHOICE
SCUBA DIVING MAGAZINE
JULY 2009

The whole story (PDF)

Atomic T2

THE T2 HIT THE MARKET in May, easily earned a 2005 Testers' Choice in our June review of new regulators, and has had divers talking ever since. In standard breathing simulator tests the T2 delivered a perfect score without breaking a sweat. In the muscle test the reg was able to attain a breathing rate of just under 91 RMV.

MUSCLE REGS
SCUBALAB SPECIAL REPORT
SCUBA DIVING MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER 2005

The whole story (PDF)

Over $500 Tester's Choice

This powerhouse reg (T2) smashed all previous records for low work of breathing on the ANSTI simulator and for in-water performance, collecting more Excellent scores than any regulator we've tested.

If you're a believer in the adage, “You get what you pay for,” then you're going to love the T2 from Atomic Aquatics. This sleek-looking super breather is the Ferrari of regulators, with a price to match—$1,399. But just look at what you get for your money.

In breathing simulator tests, the T2 smoked every RMV/depth category, delivering a perfect score without breaking a sweat. So we turned up the heat. But when we punched in extremely stressful breathing rates and excessive depths, the reg smoked those too. It didn't seem to matter what RMV or depth we threw at it, the T2 continued to breathe like a dream. When we took the T2 into the ocean it repeated this superhero performance, scoring Excellent for ease of breathing regardless of position.

2005's BEST NEW BREATHERS
SCUBALAB REVIEW
SCUBA DIVING MAGAZINE
JUNE 2005

The whole story (PDF)

ST1

Atomic ST1

TEST DIVERS SAID: Divers thought the ST1 was one of the “smoothest breathing” regulators of the bunch and gave it the highest ergonomic scores of all the regulators in this review. The comfort swivel helped boost comfort scores and test divers had praise for the user control knob and soft purge cover. This reg also received the highest score for Ease of Breathing and was the only reg rated Excellent by test divers for dryness. When we polled our test divers for their top reg in the price category, the ST1 was a clear Testers' Choice.

THE ANSTI REPORT: While several regs in this review earned perfect breathing machine scores on our 1 to 5 scale, the ST1 can boast the lowest overall work of breathing in every one of our ANSTI tests.

12 NEW REGS
SCUBALAB REVIEW
SCUBA DIVING MAGAZINE
JULY 2007

En route to earning a Testers' choice nod in this year's review, the ST1 proved to be the latest in a long line of top-performing regs from Atomic Aquatics. It's loaded with all the performance goodies Atomic regs are famous for, plus adds a couple dollops of comfort by way of a well-designed mouthpiece and Atomic's Comfort Swivel. In the 2007 primary reg review, the ST1 also turned in the lowest work of breathing scores on the ANSTI machine and was named the “smoothest breather of the bunch” by test divers.

THE BEST GEAR OF 2007
SCUBA DIVING MAGAZINE
DECEMBER 2007

M1

Atomic M1

Conclusion
“At the end of five days of exhaustive testing and comparison the test divers had got to know each regulator pretty well. We then spent a day of leisure diving when each one could use the regulator of his own choosing. This revealed true preferences. First choice was clearly the Atomic M1, closely followed by both the Apeks ATX100 and the ATX200 and then, in no particular order the Aqua-Lung Legend LX Supreme, the Scubapro 5600/MK25 and the Mares Abyss.”

ARE HIGH PRICED REGULATORS WORTH IT?
DIVER MAGAZINE (UK)
DECEMBER 2002

…this reg turned in Excellent performance on the breathing simulator, earning perfect work of breathing scores when subjected to our standard reg tests. In the muscle test, it reached a breathing rate of just over 81 RMV. Past and present in-water tests have shown the M1, a 2002 Testers' Choice, to be a real easy breather in all positions. The reg has a very efficient purge system and minimal bubble interference. Test divers liked the mouthpiece and low-pressure port turret on the balanced piston first stage that simplifies hose routing.

MUSCLE REGS
SCUBALAB SPECIAL REPORT
SCUBA DIVING MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER 2005

Atomic B2/M1/Z2

True to Atomic's claims, the redesigned B2 and M1 did deliver improved work of breathing on the simulator, although this improvement simply puts a shine on what was already stellar breathing performance. The Z2 effortlessly kept pace with its higher-priced brethren.

When the regs were taken out for some real-world diving they proved to be sweet breathers in all positions. Test divers considered the B2, Z2 and M1 to be the driest breathing regs in this year's go-round. The regs come with a two-year/300-dive service interval, and the limited lifetime warranty is not contingent upon annual servicing.

BEST NEW REGS OF 2006
SCUBALAB REVIEW
SCUBA DIVING MAGAZINE
JUNE 2006

The whole story (PDF)

B2

Atomic B2

The key to the success of the Atomic brand seems to be not to make things particularly different but to make them better. The B2 is a second-generation design which combines a new second stage that has an all-Titanium mechanism with the previously available B1 chromed brass and 316 stainless-steel first stage. I never found this regulator wanting in the amount it could supply, yet it was discreet and subtle in its delivery. There were no sudden and dramatic rushes of air – it flowed. It was sublime. Added to the fact that it is a jewel in the way it is made, any purchaser is likely to be a proud and long-time owner.

THINK ROLLS AND BUY ATOMIC AQUATICS DIVER TESTS
DIVER MAGAZINE (UK)
APRIL 2004

Atomic Aquatic's B2 breathes effortlessly on the simulator, regardless of RMV or depth. But this isn't just a laboratory reg. The B2 earned the highest total score for in-water performance of any reg in any price. It breathes easily in all positions and is the only reg to earn an excellent score for dryness. The B2's dual silicone mouthpiece, introduced last year, is still a favorite among testers.

BEST NEW REGS SCUBALAB REVIEW
SCUBA DIVING MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER 2003

This 2003 Testers' Choice breathed effortlessly on the simulator, delivering perfect scores on ScubaLab's standard tests. When pushed to its limits, the reg was able to achieve a breathing rate of just a tad over 75 RMV. Take the B2 into the water and it breathes easily in all positions and is dry as a bone.

MUSCLE REGS - SCUBALAB SPECIAL REPORT
SCUBA DIVING MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER 2005

Atomic B2/M1/Z2

True to Atomic's claims, the redesigned B2 and M1 did deliver improved work of breathing on the simulator, although this improvement simply puts a shine on what was already stellar breathing performance. The Z2 effortlessly kept pace with its higher-priced brethren.

When the regs were taken out for some real-world diving they proved to be sweet breathers in all positions. Test divers considered the B2, Z2 and M1 to be the driest breathing regs in this year's go-round. The regs come with a two-year/300-dive service interval, and the limited lifetime warranty is not contingent upon annual servicing.

BEST NEW REGS OF 2006
SCUBALAB REVIEW
SCUBA DIVING MAGAZINE
JUNE 2006

The whole story (PDF)

Z2/Z2x

Atomic Z2

THE Z2 ONLY RECENTLY hit dive stores, but already it is developing a reputation as a superb breather. When subjected to ScubaLab's standard simulator test protocols, the Z2 delivered perfect simulator scores. When pressed to the limit, it was able to achieve one of the best breathing rates of this group, just over 87 RMV. This superior performance carries into the water as well, where test divers found the reg a very easy and dry breather in all positions with an excellent purge. The Z2 has a new high-flow second stage casing similar to what's on the new T2. Like all Atomic regs, the Z2 also uses Atomic's patented Automatic Flow Control and comes with a great dual composite mouthpiece.

MUSCLE REGS - SCUBALAB SPECIAL REPORT
SCUBA DIVING MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER 2005

Atomic Z2x

Atomic added its Comfort Swivel to the Z2 and renamed it the Z2x. Its balanced-piston first stage is available with a seven LP port design or a five LP port swivel turret. The second stage's brass valve body is plated with palladium/zirconium for corrosion resistance, while the lever, orifice and second-stage spring are titanium. It comes standard with Automatic Flow Control and a seat-saving orifice. When placed on the breathing machine, the Z2x kept up with the T2x at every RMV/depth level and then did the same in the ocean. Our test divers found very little bubble interference and lots of comfort.

Bottom Line: The performance benefits of the T2x at about a third of what it costs for “the best”.

SCUBALAB 2009 BEST BUY
SCUBA DIVING MAGAZINE
JULY 2009

The whole story (PDF)

Atomic B2/M1/Z2

True to Atomic's claims, the redesigned B2 and M1 did deliver improved work of breathing on the simulator, although this improvement simply puts a shine on what was already stellar breathing performance. The Z2 effortlessly kept pace with its higher-priced brethren.

When the regs were taken out for some real-world diving they proved to be sweet breathers in all positions. Test divers considered the B2, Z2 and M1 to be the driest breathing regs in this year's go-round. The regs come with a two-year/300-dive service interval, and the limited lifetime warranty is not contingent upon annual servicing.

BEST NEW REGS OF 2006
SCUBALAB REVIEW
SCUBA DIVING MAGAZINE
JUNE 2006

The whole story (PDF)

SS1

Atomic SS1

“I almost forgot I wasn't using my primary” is how one test diver summarized the SS1's performance during our in-water testing. It was the only reg to earn any Excellent ratings from test divers—once for ease of breathing and again for user controls. “The buttons are easy to use even when it's in your mouth,” commented one test diver. On the breathing simulator, the SS1put up work of breathing numbers worthy of a primary regulator, earning Excellent ratings in three of the tests, and a Very Good in the most extreme breathing category—67.5 RMV at 165 feet.

BOTTOM LINE: The SS1 is the top-of-the-line octo-inflator and our 2007 Testers' Choice. It's also the most expensive unit in this review, but worth every penny if you want the ultimate in performance.

7 BACKUP BREATHERS
SCUBALAB REVIEW
SCUBA DIVING MAGAZINE
AUGUST 2007

No doubt about it. Atomic has raised the bar with the SS1, creating the first safe second that really could be compared to a high performance primary. And the best news– it will fit on most any brand of BC, thanks to a unique adapter device.

SECOND TO NONE
ATOMIC AQUATICS SS1
SPORT DIVER MAGAZINE
AUGUST 2003

This new inflator/reg offers performance to spare in a user-friendly package. The SS1 breathes better than many primary-use regulators and generated the best overall simulator performance among the integrated inflator/regs…then hit the water and earned the highest ergonomic scores of all the units we tested.

BETTER ALTERNATIVES
SCUBALAB REVIEW
SCUBA DIVING MAGAZINE
JAN/FEB 2004

Mask

Atomic Aquatics Venom

The only antidote is salt water, and lots of it!

THE SPANKING-NEW mask that arrived at the SGR shop came with a note from Atomic Aquatics; it said this was the very first unit they were able to pry from the protective paws of their engineers. Very cool, we thought. We love being the first in line to try out new stuff.

Atomic Aquatics is calling this mask the Venom, and from what we can tell, it's a blending of their SubFrame and Frameless masks. It has a reinforcing internal frame that's molded directly beneath the surface of the silicone rubber skirt, like the Subframe, yet it offers the relatively low profile of the Frameless. Also, its faceplate is single window like the Frameless, but it has a high bridge and tear-drop shape similar to the SubFrame's dual-window design.

The Venom comes across as a high-concept, stylish-looking piece of gear when it's being held in your hand, and it's really comfortable when mounted on your face. Its easy-to-use squeeze-to-adjust buckles are soft-mounted to the mask skirt, which allows a little bit of flexibility in strap positioning, plus they can be folded flat for packing.

Where the Venom differs from its SubFrame and Frameless cousins is in its faceplate construction. While the SubFrame and Frameless lenses use Ultraclear glass, which has quite a rep for optical quality in its own right, on the Venom mask Atomic uses an even higher-quality glass imported from Germany. Called Schott Superwite glass, it apparently allows more light to penetrate than even Ultraclear glass.

In the water, we find a testament to a good mask is that you don't notice it on your face. The Venom does a good job of getting there. Like its cousins, it offers an above-average field of view, and the soft skirt and watertight seal combined to make the Venom feel like a part of our face. And while we didn't actually put any measuring devices to the faceplate glass, cruising along at 30 feet on a sunny day with pretty good viz, we found looking at the sights through this bright distortion-free Superwite glass was like looking through no glass at all.

The Venom should be in dive stores this summer. Watch for it, and prepare yourselves to get bit.

Price: $199 Warranty: Lifetime on the frame, 1 year on buckles and skirt.

The whole story

SCUBA GEAR REPORTS
JUNE 2011

Atomic Frameless Mask

The Atomic Aquatics Frameless mask was such a hit that divers were soon asking for a smaller version—and they got it. The new Medium-Fit Frameless uses the same large Ultraclear single lens, surrounded by a soft silicone skirt (black or clear). The only difference is the size of the skirt, about a quarter-inch narrower than the original.

THE BEST GEAR OF 2007
SCUBA DIVING MAGAZINE
DECEMBER 2007

The shape of the Atomic Frameless lens was computer-designed to maximize field of view both side-to-side and vertically, and no mask tested here could beat it. In both the full-sized version and the slightly narrower Medium Fit version, we measured an impressive 85 degrees of horizontal vision and 75 degrees vertical.

BOTTOM LINE: This is our overall favorite frameless mask. It fits great, has a wide field of view, great squeeze-tab buckles, and it folds up flat in a cool low-profile case.

10 FRAMELESS MASKS
SCUBALAB REVIEW
SCUBA DIVING MAGAZINE
FEBRUARY 2008

SplitFin

Atomic SplitFin

A speed demon on the slalom course, Atomic's SplitFin is pretty fast flat out too. This robust fin's rather stiff, longer-than-average blade doesn't fold up in a power stroke like some other splits do - good for when that eagle ray flaps in out of nowhere and you want to accelerate. For close work, the fin is both nimble and efficient despite its length. A well-shaped foot pocket ensures stability and comfort. We found the SplitFin to offer the best buckle system of all the fins we tested, with a special buckle that slips over a mounting post on the fin. To detach, you simply squeeze both tabs and slip the buckle off the post. To attach, slide it onto the post where it clicks into place. Couldn't be easier!

FOOT ROCKETS - SCUBALAB FIN TEST
RODALE'S SCUBA DIVING MAGAZINE
JULY 2003

The first time I tried Atomic Aquatics' SplitFins®, I knew that my ideas about kicking would have to change. These fins ate up distance without hard work. Due to a lack of ankle strain, I felt like I was wearing no fins at all. The most dramatic difference that I noticed was when surface-kicking on my back. My legs felt much lighter on the upbeat and follow-through with the SplitFins® than with paddle fins. I also found that the SplitFins® work best with a short, fast kick as opposed to a long, slow one. It isn't often that a revolutionary product comes along that changes the way we dive. The SplitFin® is one of those products.

TEST DIVE: ATOMIC AQUATICS SPLITFINS
SPORT DIVER MAGAZINE
JAN/FEB 2001

While it excels in performance, no other adjustable fin comes close to the scores Atomic earns in fit and comfort. The foot pocket maintains a grip on your foot that virtually eliminates wobble. Even female test divers were able to achieve a good fit.

RUMBLE IN THE JUNGLE
SCUBA FIN SMACKDOWN
RODALE'S SCUBA DIVING MAGAZINE
JULY 2002

Kicking out from shore requires power and acceleration and the Atomic SplitFin delivers both. The best buckle system in the business makes it literally a “snap” to put these fins on and take them off when entering the water. And a well-shaped foot pocket ensures stability and comfort.

GEAR YOU NEED
RODALE'S SCUBA DIVING MAGAZINE
JULY 2003

Atomic Smoke on the Water SplitFin
This impressive new fin gets its name from the smoky transparent panels on its long split blades. They are a bit more flexible than previous versions of the Atomic Splitfin, but still generated the highest thrust measurement of all the fins in this review. The Smoke on the Water fins also tied for the fastest speed score among open-heel fins and slashed through the slalom course with a top-three performance. In ergonomic tests, it was one of only two open-heel fins to earn an Excellent rating from test divers for Acceleration, and it also earned the highest score possible for ease of donning and doffing, thanks to the new spring straps with oversized finger grip. Firm rubber rails produce great power with little effort and provide stability with all kick styles.

TEST DIVER COMMENTS: “The perfect balance of comfort, speed and maneuverability”... “An all-around great fin made better with the spring strap”... “Power and control: What more can you say?”

18 NEW FINS - SCUBALAB REVIEW
SCUBA DIVING MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER 2007

The whole story (PDF)

A 2007 Testers' choice winner for its near-perfect blend of power and agility, this fin not only delivers serious performance, but it looks cool doing so. Named for the smoky transparent panels on its long split blades, the fin burns the competition for sheer speed and acceleration, plus it has no equal when it comes to pegging the thrust meter. Down on the reefs, it's nimble and responsive to minor course corrections, and its firm rubber side rails provide stability with all kicking styles. Uniquely designed spring straps with oversized finger grips make donning and doffing a breeze. Simply put: This is an all-around great fin.

THE BEST GEAR OF 2007
SCUBA DIVING MAGAZINE
DECEMBER 2007

Atomic Liquid Blue SplitFin

This new fin shares the spotlight as this year's best overall fin. Named the Liquid Blue because of its translucent look, this fin is identical in shape to the original Atomic Aquatics SplitFin, but is made of a slightly softer high-performance thermoplastic rubber material. This makes it a little lighter than the original and gives it a bit more snap. That said, the performance of the two fins is nearly identical. The Liquid Blue provides acceleration when it's time to go turbo, but is also very responsive. The Liquid Blue is just as stable as the original SplitFin, and shares the same buckle system. One of three fins rates "very good" for maneuverability.

FOOT ROCKETS
SCUBALAB FIN TEST
RODALE'S SCUBA DIVING MAGAZINE
JULY 2003

SV Snorkel

Atomic SV1

The magic behind the SV1 snorkel is an additional tube inside the lower breathing tube. This scupper valve allows water washing down the barrel to bypass the mouthpiece without getting inhaled. Below the scupper valve is a regular purge valve, and with every exhalation, any accumulated water is expelled. A flared top maximizes airflow, and down below, a rotating mouthpiece can be easily positioned for a perfect fit. MSRP $55.

Atomic SV1 - Editor's Pick
SPORT DIVER MAGAZINE
MARCH 2009

The whole story (PDF)

Cobalt Dive Computer

Atomic Aquatics Cobalt

Let me get this out of my system right away. I was first attracted to the Atomic Cobalt dive computer simply because it looked really cool. The bright colorful lights and numbers mesmerized me. Wow! When I first dived with it on a boat recently, other divers onboard were equally enthralled with the display. I am not much one for status symbols but here I had one. Since their introduction last year, the Atomic Cobalt computer has been in incredible demand, limited supply and, unfortunately, plagued by back- orders. (This is a problem now supposedly solved, but if you want one, and have one in front of you, buy it. You may have to wait awhile for another chance.)

First a word about the display — fantastic. The Atomic uses OLED technology. OLED stands for Organic Light Emitting Diode. It is this same technology that allows exceptional quality and richness in our modern flat highdefinition television screens. Deep rich blacks and bright colors in numerous varieties are the hallmarks of these displays. The brightness of the display is readable in any diving conditions and even bright outdoor shade. The display is crisp, sharp and easy for even these aging eyes to read.

The whole story (PDF)

DIVE GEAR Product Review by Dale Sheckler
CALIFORNIA DIVING NEWS
MAY 20

Atomic Aquatics Cobalt

With illumination that adjusts from a soft glow to an intense blast of light and color, the Atomic Aquatics Cobalt console computer is among the most intuitive we've ever used. Settings can be personalized for age and workload, and profiles can be set to standard (liberal), recreational (middle-of-the-road) and conservative. Air integrated, the Cobalt is powered by a lithium-ion rechargeable battery.

Digital Dive Buddies - Nine Smart Computers for Every Diver and Every Budget
SPORT DIVER MAGAZINE
JUNE 2011

Atomic Aquatics Cobalt

There’s more to brightly colored computer displays than sex appeal. The strength of the Cobalt is its combination of brilliant OLED color and the smart layout that makes critical dive data recognizable at a glance. Also high on our list of likes is the Cobalt’s capabilities: three-gas nitrox capacity for deco diving, air integration and a 3-D digital compass that works when held at any angle. An intuitive, four-button interface makes it all easy to navigate.

With a full load of highend features and a bright oled display, the cobalt is outstanding overall.

The whole story (PDF)

Gear Buyers Guide 2011
SPORT DIVER MAGAZINE
MARCH 2011

Well and Truly Tested Computer
Atomic Cobalt

INTERNATIONAL MANUFACTURERS seem to hold divEr in high esteem nowadays. We often get new products to test long before they are generally available in the UK. Our pioneering side-by-side comparison tests have afforded us a special relationship. This is a privilege that has been hard-won over a very long period. Among new products, the Atomic Cobalt computer that we received long before it was available for sale in Europe is a case in point.

The guys who run Atomic Aquatics don’t rush into making lots of products. In fact they have an extremely limited product line. They are not “manu-packers”, selling other company’s products under the Atomic brand. However, their slow and considered approach to manufacturing has resulted in everything bearing the brand performing to the highest level. Naturally, that performance comes with a price premium.

A little less than a year ago, Atomic gave me a new product to try on the strict understanding that my experiences with it were to be kept confidential. It was its new OLED computer, the Cobalt.

The whole story (PDF)

DIVER / Divernet.com

Atomic Aquatics Cobalt

Mounting Options Console

Operational Modes Air, Nitrox

User Controls Four push buttons

Gas Mixes Three

Air-Integrated Yes

Onboard Compass Yes

PC Kit Included

Price $1,200

Atomic Aquatics’ Cobalt uses a high contrast, full-color OLED (organic light-emitting diode) screen with brightly colored digits displayed on a black background. Illumination can be adjusted from a dull glow to an intense blast of light and color on the surface and underwater. Navigating the Cobalt’s menu is simple. The four magnetic buttons direct you to the various menus for setting dive parameters and personal info that includes presets for age and workload. We’ve never used a system so straightforward and intuitive. The Cobalt’s dive screen is divided into three sections: The top contains a graphic that changes from green to yellow to orange as you enter decompression and includes no-deco and dive-time data. The middle section contains data like depth and max depth. The bottom section contains tank pressure, gas mixture, calculated gas time remaining and the current PO2. The DC is powered by a prismatic lithium-ion rechargeable battery, like those in a typical cell phone.
Bottom Line
The ultimate in cutting-edge technology, the Cobalt offers all the goodies you could possibly want in an incredibly intuitive system. The Cobalt’s RGBM algorithm offers
three user levels — standard (liberal), recreational (middle-of-the-road) and conservative.
It earned a Testers’ Choice for a console-style DC and is one of our two overall favorite
data crunchers for 2010.

Atomic Aquatics Cobalt - Testers' Choice
SCUBA DIVING MAGAZINE
SEPTEMBER 2010

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