Atomic Aquatics - Reprint

   Titanium is the most magical of all metallic elements. It is as strong as steel at half the weight. A "noble" metal. it is completely inert in sea water. While brass will turn green, aluminum will pit and oxidize, and even stainless steel will rust with time, titanium will not corrode.
   Titanium has long been the metal of choice for spacecraft and high-end aircraft. The most sophisticated deep research submersibles use titanium extensively. Atomic Aquatics, Inc., has now perfected the alloy and machining process to bring us the first titanium regulator. And all the benefits of titanium have been brought with it.
   On first handling of the Atomic Aquatics Titanium regulator, the most obvious features is its compact, lightweight design. The first stage is half the size of others, half the weight as well. The soft metallic sheen of this exotic metal, unplated or coated in any way, is quite beautiful. The second stage is equally lightweight and compact. All the metal parts in both the first and second stage are machined from titanium. Regulators are finely tuned devices, machined to very close tolerances. Even the slightest speck of corrosion can throw them out of tune. With all titanium metal parts, any possibility of corrosion or oxidation is virtually eliminated. Titanium is also a very tough metal. The probability of detuning from wear is dramatically reduced.
   But exotic metal alone does not a great regulator make. While this regulator features a good proven basic design, there are entirely new features that just blew my socks off. This is the first regulator to use a depth-activated venturi. Atomic calls it Automatic Flow Control (AFC). Basically, a venturi is a vane within the second stage that boosts airflow. Using a depth-sensing diaphragm, the venturi assist in this regulator is continuously being tuned according to depth. There are no levers to turn, no knobs to twist. The regulator breathes as easily and naturally at 100 feet as it does at 10—and at every depth in between. This is the most consistently easy breathing regulator I have ever used.
   There is, by the way, a knob off to the side of the second stage. But this is only so that the regulator can be "detuned" to prevent free flowing in situations, such as surf entry, when not in use in the water, or jumping in from boats.
   The second feature that impressed me was the Seat Saver Orifice. All second stages use a simple valve to let air into the mouth. A rubber valve seat is pushed snugly against a sharp, round, metal hole. Your inhalation lifts the rubber seat from the hole letting in air. In constant contact with the sharp metal seat, even when not in use, the rubber seat eventually brakes down and the regulator leaks and falls out of optimum operational parameters. In other regulators, a tune-up is usually needed annually, even if the regulator is only used once or twice. While the rubber seat must be in contact to be functional, this is only while the regulator is in use. The problem is that deterioration from the contact pressure occurs even when the regulator is not in use (or basically 99 percent of the time). In the Atomic regulator, however, the valve is activated only with air pressure applied. All other times, such as when in storage, the rubber valve seat is lifted off away from the metal seat. The rubber seat and orifice receive a small fraction of the wear and tear; consequently, the second stage stays tuned dramatically longer and the regulator needs far less servicing. The manual asks that you have the regulator serviced every two year rather than the usual one year.

Atomic Aquatics Titanium Regulator
Titanium is the most magical of all metallic elements. It is as strong as steel at half the weight. A "noble" metal. it is completely inert in sea water. While brass will turn green, aluminum will pit and oxidize, and even stainless steel will rust with time, titanium will not corrode. Titanium has long been the metal of choice for spacecraft and high-end aircraft. The most sophisticated deep research submersibles use titanium extensively. Atomic Aquatics, Inc., has now perfected the alloy and machining process to bring us the first titanium regulator. And all the benefits of titanium have been brought with it. On first handling of the Atomic Aquatics Titanium regulator, the most obvious features is its compact, lightweight design. The first stage is half the size of others, half the weight as well. The soft metallic sheen of this exotic metal, unplated or coated in any way, is quite beautiful. The second stage is equally lightweight and compact. All the metal parts in both the first and second stage are machined from titanium. Regulators are finely tuned devices, machined to very close tolerances. Even the slightest speck of corrosion can throw them out of tune. With all titanium metal parts, any possibility of corrosion or oxidation is virtually eliminated. Titanium is also a very tough metal. The probability of detuning from wear is dramatically reduced. But exotic metal alone does not a great regulator make. While this regulator features a good proven basic design, there are entirely new features that just blew my socks off. This is the first regulator to use a depth-activated venturi. Atomic calls it Automatic Flow Control (AFC). Basically, a venturi is a vane within the second stage that boosts airflow. Using a depth-sensing diaphragm, the venturi assist in this regulator is continuously being tuned according to depth. There are no levers to turn, no knobs to twist. The regulator breathes as easily and naturally at 100 feet as it does at 10—and at every depth in between. This is the most consistently easy breathing regulator I have ever used. There is, by the way, a knob off to the side of the second stage. But this is only so that the regulator can be "detuned" to prevent free flowing in situations, such as surf entry, when not in use in the water, or jumping in from boats. The second feature that impressed me was the Seat Saver Orifice. All second stages use a simple valve to let air into the mouth. A rubber valve seat is pushed snugly against a sharp, round, metal hole. Your inhalation lifts the rubber seat from the hole letting in air. In constant contact with the sharp metal seat, even when not in use, the rubber seat eventually brakes down and the regulator leaks and falls out of optimum operational parameters. In other regulators, a tune-up is usually needed annually, even if the regulator is only used once or twice. While the rubber seat must be in contact to be functional, this is only while the regulator is in use. The problem is that deterioration from the contact pressure occurs even when the regulator is not in use (or basically 99 percent of the time). In the Atomic regulator, however, the valve is activated only with air pressure applied. All other times, such as when in storage, the rubber valve seat is lifted off away from the metal seat. The rubber seat and orifice receive a small fraction of the wear and tear; consequently, the second stage stays tuned dramatically longer and the regulator needs far less servicing. The manual asks that you have the regulator serviced every two year rather than the usual one year.	Innovation in dive gear design often comes in great leaps. This is one of those leaps. Furthermore, regulator servicing is not required to maintain the limited lifetime warranty. This is a strong testament of Atomic's faith in the reliability of their product's unique design and materials. Not having to have the regulator serviced as often will save you money. The three design elements mentioned above: all titanium metal parts, Automatic Flow Control, and Sea Saver Orifice were enough to send me running to get my hands on one. These were solid innovations. not marketing gimmicks, that I knew would dramatically improve regulator performance. But the quality design of this regulator doesn't stop here. Other solid design elements include an elliptical exhaust valve for reduced exhalation effort; the use of Kevlar™ reinforced polymer insert at the pivot point of the lever for ultra-low friction on inhalation: and aerodynamic parts, such as the streamlined poppet and titanium valve spring, with fewer coils for easier air flow. The first stage design is also solid. The body is computer-machined from a single piece of titanium. This allows the first stage to maintain perfect alignment of the piston and seat. eliminating any possibility of creeping intermediate pressure problems. The first stage uses a large, balanced flow through piston for stable intermediate pressures and high performance at low tank pressures. An exclusive high-pressure piston seal is self lubricating for low maintenance and low friction. Service pressure is to 4350 p.s.i.. with optional DIN connection. There are two high-pressure ports and five (count 'um - FIVE) low pressure ports mounted on a swivel. Straight out of the box the regulator is nitrox-ready for up to 40 percent mix. The Atomic Titanium regulator has been created by the California team of Dean Garraffa and Doug Toth. Both have 20 years experience and many patents to their names in the diving business, mostly while working for Scubapro. This regulator is born of experience and a dedication to the highest quality in dive gear design. The Atomic Titanium does not come cheap. With the titanium first stage (Tl), it is the most expensive regulator on the market today. Also available, however, is the same second stage (with all metal parts being titanium) with a brass and chrome first stage (Bl, same design but traditional materials). This regulator is comparably priced to other "premium" regulators on the market. Innovation in dive gear design often comes in great leaps. This is one of those leaps. For an Atomic Aquatics dealer near you, see the Dive Store Directory section of this issue, or call (714) 375-1433.