Atomic Aquatics

ATOMIC AQUATICS 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. Both first and second stages are built with solid billet titanium components, creating a corrosion-free breathing system that weighs less than two pounds. The reg comes with an all-titanium version of Atomic’s Comfort Swivel on its second stage, and uses the company’s patented Automatic Flow Control, a depth-activated venturi control that automatically balances breathing performance and stability as depths increase.

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. In ocean tests the reg was rated excellent in all ergo categories but bubble interference, where it earned a very good.

ATOMIC AQUATICS T1X
REPLACED BY THE T2, the T1x (a 2002 Testers’ Choice) is no longer in production for the U.S. market but was still available at the time of our test. It aced all of the standard breathing simulator tests, then handled a breathing rate of just under 85 RMV in the muscle test. It was also a test diver favorite in the water, earning an excellent rating for ease of breathing. It also scored well for dryness, clearing and overall comfort.

ATOMIC AQUATICS M1
THE M1 IS MANUFACTURED with Monel internal parts. Monel is high-grade stainless-steel known for its strength, corrosion resistance and oxygen compatibility. Like its Atomic brethren, the reg is equipped with Atomic’s Automatic Flow Control, a depth-activated venturi control that automatically balances performance and stability as depth increases. Also like its brethren, 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.

ATOMIC AQUATICS B2
ATOMIC’S B2 FEATURES a balanced piston first stage with a low-pressure port swivel turret to simplify hose routing. The second stage is built with titanium components and features Atomic’s Comfort Swivel, which we consider the best second stage swivel around. 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. It is equipped with a resistance knob and Atomic’s AutomaticFlowControlinsteadofadive/pre-dive switch.AccordingtoAtomic,thisdepth-activated venturi control automatically balances performance and stability as depth increases. Its dual compoundmouthpiecewasafavoriteamongtest divers, along with the second-stage swivel.

ATOMIC AQUATICS 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. The first stage is available with either seven fixed low-pressure ports of five low-pressure ports on swivel.

ATOMIC AQUATICS ZI
THE Z1 (so-named for the zirconium/nickel coating on the brass valve body of the second stage) is the least expensive model in Atomic’s line, yet it features all of Atomic’s design innovations and can stand up with the priciest of them when it comes to performance. Earning perfect simulator scores under normal test conditions, this budget reg, which received a Testers’ Choice in 2002, achieved a maximum breathing rate of over 81 RMV at 198 feet.

In the water, the Z1 offers very good breathing performance in all positions. It also breathes dry and clears easily due to a very powerful purge. With a compact balanced piston first stage offering seven low-pressure ports and a lightweight second stage, this regulator is efficient and comfortable and has been a consistent favorite among test divers, although its standard mouthpiece tends to be a bit too small for many divers’ tastes.

FULL ARTICLE (PDF)

SCUBA DIVING MAGAZINE NOV 2005