“Best” - Atomic Aquatics

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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-ofthe-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 62 � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �� 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 ____________________________ 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-thanaverage 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 � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �� reViews 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 �� A 2007 Testers’ choice winner for its nearperfect 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 fins fins 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 When ScubaLab reviews fins, we go all out. This year’s fin test, hosted by Capt. Don’s Habitat in Bonaire, was no exception, requiring 12 test divers and five test supervisors. Over the course of a week, we gathered objective performance data on the speed, thrust and maneuverability of 18 new fin designs. We also had multiple test divers provide their opinions of the fit, comfort, features and ergonomic performance based on real-world use. The complete results are now available online at www.scubadiving.com/gear, but here are some of the top performers that impressed our staff. lights knives masks & more lights As we demonstrated in our January review of dive lights, these two categories of gear have undergone of yesteryear has been replaced by a new breed of edges and superior corrosion resistance. And dive l high-watt LEDs and i provide longer burn t staff favorites, then se ing.com/gear. Dive Kni When ScubaLab reviews fins, we go all out. This year’s fin test, hosted by Capt. Don’s Habitat in Bonaire, was no exception, As we demonstrated in our January review of dive knives a » SPYDER requiring 12 test divers and five test supervisors. Over the course of a week, we gathered objective performance data on lights, these two categories of gear have undergone compact a renais fold the speed, thrust and maneuverability of 18 new fin designs. We also had multiple test divers provide their opinions of of yesteryear has been replaced by a new breed of pocket smaller, and u for sharp, co the fit, comfort, features and ergonomic performance based on real-world use. The complete results are now available edges and superior corrosion resistance. And dive lights no They can slic online at www.scubadiving.com/gear, but here are some of the top performers that impressed our staff. high-watt LEDs and intense Our 2007 regulator reviews (primary regs in July and alternate side of meta Sherwood Scuba Gemini Oceanic Viper Mares Atomic Aquatics Dive Lights inflator regs in August) showcased one of the most outstanding The Gemini is a new star among alternate inflator regs, and for good provide longer burn blade times design th crop of new breathers we’ve ever evaluated. As a group, they The Viper proves you Mares Avanti Quattro Excel Apollo Sports Smoke on the » UK C8 eLED PLUS. The new C8 eLED plus combines reason. This backup breather turned in some of the best ANSTI breath- staff favorites, then spyderco.co earned more Excellent ratings on the breathing machine than any ing machine scores in August’s review of inflator regs. In fact, it was only two 5-watt high-intensity LED bulbs to produce a strong focused see the fu test group in recent memory. Several featured radical new designs and features, and some don’t introduced have to spend a lot Superchannel If you like to stay one on of two the units cut- tested that Bio-Fin was able to survive Pro all four of our breathing Water DROP PO knives beam. UK has developed a “through the lens” heat sink that keeps ing.com/gear. new materials in order to improve comfort, performance and corrosion resistance. If you’re of in money the market machine tests, and in real-world use-test divers reported it breathed to get a great Fullfoot ting-edge of fin design, the C-Series A 2007 Testers’ Choice this tradition for a new regulator, now is a great time to buy. Here are some we consider standouts, but be sure to as well as some primary regs. It also does a great job as a BC power the bulbs cool and burning brighter underwater. A locking switch fin. This kicker is designed A 2007 Testers’ Choice, Quattro Excel is your fin. It For close to a decade, winner for its near-perfect which feature read both full reports at www.scubadiving.com/gear/regulators. inflator, thanks to a slim profile and diver-friendly buttons that make offers high and low power options for extended burn time (up to light and comfortable from this super-kicker delivered uses Mares’ Channel ascent Thrust control smooth we’ve and easy. seen All in the all, a Bio-Fin well-deserved 2007 Best blend of power and agility, and multiple Bu y. $200. www.sherwoodscuba.com. 10 hours), and the light comes with a pistol-grip handle, lanyard NEED BETTER �� a winning combination chart-topping performance Technology, which com- Pro change colors, blade this fin not only delivers able, contou VISION IN A LIGHT- Atomic Aquatics ST1 and eight C-cell batteries. All this and a low MSRP WEIGHT, made LOW-VOLUME the C8 �� of materials, all at a win- when it came to speed, bines flexible thermoplastic stiffness and heel straps. serious performance, but it MASK? CONSIDER lent grip, and En route to earning a Testers’ Choice nod in this year’s review, the ST1 proved eLed Plus a 2007 Best Buy and Testers’ Choice. $169.99. GOING FRAMELESS. www. to be the latest in a long line of top-performing regs from Atomic Aquatics. ning price. It A soft rubber thrust, maneuverability and rubber channels with Tech- But one thing has stayed looks cool doing so. Named secure and o sports a balanced piston first stage with a body milled from 316 stainless steel, masks underwaterkinetics.com. 85˚ » UK SL4 eLED. The SL4 &eLED foot pocket supported by reef side kicking pleasure. nopolymer stiffening string- constant: Year after year, in for the smoky transpar- release. Also while the pneumatically balanced second stage features a valve body and lever hides shyly in 75˚ 75˚your BC pocket, but comes out blazing with a beam made of corrosion-resistant titanium. It’s loaded with all the performance a thick goodies rubber heel strap Delivering lots of acceleraers to control water flow for test after test, the Bio-Fin ent panels on its long split tip. $121. ww Atomic regs are famous for, plus adds a couple dollops of comfort by way of a that’s as bright as many primary lights. This is the perfect light for abuts an oversized blade tion for just a little effort, efficiency and power, and Pro has consistently proven blades, the fin burns the ics.com. » U well-designed mouthpiece and Atomic’s Comfort Swivel. In the 2007 primary reg made with a combination of the flexible Optimized Piv- Atomic the traveling Aquatics diver who needs a bright spotter light by day and a review, the ST1 also turned in the lowest work of breathing scores on the ANSTI and it’s as nimble as an itself to be one of the fast- competition for sheer speed but mighty, t Frameless/Medium compact primary by night. Ergonomically, this 2007 Testers’ Choice machine and was named the “smoothest breather of the bunch” by test divers. resilient rails and stiffening octopus tearing through oting Blade design, which est, most powerful, most and acceleration, plus it has Fit F r meless a Anatomy of a on this comp $899; $939 w/sealed yoke or DIN valve. www.atomicaquatics.com. light is as small as you SCUBALAB can get REVIEWED while housing Frameless four C-cell Mask0 batteries, panels that flank a soft rub- eel grass. The Avanti Super- maximizes both stability maneuverable and most no equal when it comes to hacked throu The shape and of the it Atomic fits nicely Frameless more in the hand. $76.99. www.underwaterkinetics. ber center. This combines channel makes good use and efficiency in all kicking popular fins in our tests. pegging the thrust meter. lens was comput e r -designed to maxi- we threw at i mize field com. of view » both PRINCETON side-to-side TEC TORRENT XENON. The Tor- and vertically, y, y and no mask sk tested here F R A M E L E S S for a comfortable fin that Atomic of Aquatics Mares’ Channel SS1 Thrust styles. The design provides This year was no exception. Down on the reefs, it’s nim- is only seven could beat rent it. In Xenon both the full-sized was ver the - brightest M A pocket S Klight S we tested in 2007 and While designed to replace your octopus, the Scubapro MK11/R395 delivers respectable speeds Technology, a system that a stiffer, more “traditional” A 2007 Testers’ Choice, ble and responsive to minor sion and the slightly narrower Medium mount it to y breathing performance of this backup rig just may & MK11/S555 Fit version, earned we measured a Best an impres- Buy rating with its powerful rush of light and low and thrust while excelling tempt in you directs to replace water your primary flow reg. over Compact, the feel than most other mod- it comes in high-vis white course corrections, and its sive 85 degrees s of ho horizontal vision for quick-dra Few regs offer this kind of breathing performance at MSRP. The center spot is focused and strong, perfect for pinpoint lightweight and built to last, the SS1 is made with and 75 degrees vertical. In terms of such easy-on-the-wallet prices. Both of these breathers tight cornering maneuvers. blade via a smart combinaern fins, and it delivers a with Apollo’s outstanding firm rubber side rails pro- underwaterk in-water performance, Atomic’ s choice either 316 stainless-steel or titanium components illumination. It comes with a lanyard, eight AA-batteries, and is earned top honors in this year’s reg tests—a Testers’ of top-shelf materials had a number of » There isn’t a kicking style in a fiberglass-reinforced tion of soft nylon rubber body. It channels features good bit of thrust, making C-Series spring straps. The vide stability with all kicking FK-850 X- surprising benefits. The lens is made Choice for the MK11/S555 and a Best Buy for the protected with a double O-ring seal. A nice locking thumb switch Atomic’s “Seat Saving Orifice,” the same one used of UltraClear tempered glass, which MK11/R395. The compact over-balanced diaphragm this fin doesn’t embrace, interspersed with flexible it an attractive choice for 100 percent rubber con- styles. Uniquely designed 420 stainles reduces distortion and improves light in Atomic’s primary regs, to maintain peak perfor- prevents accidental activation, while the lens is guarded with a rub- Dive Knives MK11 is the engine for both systems. It’s a proven per- transmission, resulting in better visibil- and in this year’s fin tests, mance over technopolymer time. With large control stringers buttons and a divers who do not want to struction makes for a heavi- spring straps with oversized ting, plus it former both on the ANSTI breathing machine and in ity. In the ber clear cover. skirt version, $44. we were www.princetontec.com. able to see through the skirt with sur- » SPYDERCO SA it was one of only two fins soft oval purge and cover, flanked the SS1 by is easy a pair to use, of either the water. The main difference between the S555 and compromise power in any er fin, and with the spring finger grips make donning downright as a power inflator or backup reg. It also comes with prising clarity—it was almost as clear the R395 is that the former is pneumatically balanced test divers rated Very Good side rails. Comfortable, flex- conditions. Bonus: The fins straps, it’s a bit pricey, but and doffing a breeze. Sim- as the glass. Bonus: The soft silicone compact folding by a conto kniv threaded adapters so you can remove it from your and the latter is not. This makes the breathing on the skirt with a wide double-edge seal in virtually every ergo cat- BC for cleaning ible and storage fast, with your a primary price reg. come with Mares’ new ABS- according to our test divply put: This is an all-around sticks to your face like a magnet. The pocket and use that’s H-1 com S555 less hiccupy in alternate diving positions, but more s With all those features and chart-topping breath- nose pocket is roomy , too. expensive; the R395 is not as smooth in some dive posiegory. $89.95. www.Oce- tag sure to make you smile. Plus buckles. $180. www. ers, they’re worth it. $270. great fin. $249. www. BOTTOM LINE: This is our r o overall for sharp, corrosion-f line: This ing machine performance, it was a 2007 Testers’ tions, but cheaper. Take your pick. Either way, you walk favorite frameless mask. It fits great, has anicWorldwide.com. Choice. Stainless—$249; $70. www.mares.com. Titanium—$370. www. mares.com. www.apollosportsusa.com. atomicaquatics.com. a wide field of vie w , great reat s squeeze-tab knives w away a winner. MK11/R395—$398; MK11/S555—$498. atomicaquatics.com. buckles, and it fol ds up flat in a cool low- They can slice throug www.scubapro.com. profile case. Price: $99. side of metal wire an Oceanic Viper Mares Atomic Aquatics Dive Lights blade designs. $77.9 The Viper proves you Mares Avanti Quattro Excel Apollo Sports Smoke on the » UK C8 eLED PLUS. The new C8 eLED plus combines Mares Proton 12 Metal Apeks XTX50 Status/XTX200 Status spyderco.com. » U two 5-watt high-intensity LED bulbs to produce a strong focused If you like your breathing performance in a compact package, you’ll 72 love the S CUBA D IVING DECEMBER 2007 The XTX50 Status and XTX200 Status from Apeks are the first regula- don’t have to spend a lot Superchannel If you like to stay on the cut- Bio-Fin Pro Water 63 DROP PONT. DECEMBE You Proton 12 Metal. It’s been one of Mares’ best-breathing balanced diaphragm regtors to feature a built-in electronic intermediate pressure gauge beam. UK has developed a “through the lens” heat sink that keeps of money to get ulators a for great years, and is still going Fullfoot strong. What’s new about it? The first-stage Tri- that indicates if the pressure is “HI,” “LO” or “OK” before every ting-edge of fin design, the C-Series A 2007 Testers’ Choice this traditional leg-m Material valve is now made of brass and two different polyurethane compounds dive. The electronics also track the date and hours of use and tell the bulbs cool and burning brighter underwater. A locking switch fin. This kicker for is longer designed life and better performance. A 2007 It comes Testers’ with Dynamic Choice, Flow Control, a Quattro Excel is your fin. It For close to a decade, you when it’s time for routine winner servicing. for Digital its envy near-perfect aside, these which features a rust dedicated low-pressure port that increases airflow to the second stage. Size-wise, are top-performers, with slightly different versions of an over-balanced, offers high and low power options for extended burn time (up to light and comfortable from this super-kicker delivered uses Mares’ Channel Thrust we’ve seen the Bio-Fin blend of power and agility, and multiple cutting the Proton second stage is about as compact as they come. Its all-metal construc- environmentally sealed diaphragm first stage (the larger XTX50 first stage sports a 10 hours), and the light comes with a pistol-grip handle, lanyard tion reduces dry mouth and makes it well suited for cold-water diving, and its Vor- rotating hose turret; the XTX200 first stage is more compact); excellent breathing a winning combination chart-topping performance Technology, which com- Pro change colors, blade this fin not only delivers able, contoured hand tex Assisted Design second stage doesn’t require user adjustments, which means adjustment knobs and ratcheted venturi levers. Both regs dive dry, have comfort- and eight C-cell batteries. All this and a low MSRP made the C8 of materials, all you at have a win- to do is breathe. Lightweight, when it compact, came smooth to speed, breathing and easy able mouthpieces and feature reversible hose configurations. XTX50—$847; bines flexible thermoplastic stiffness and heel straps. serious performance, but it lent grip, and the loc to use: What’s not to love? $450. www.mares.com. XTX200—$990. www.aqualung.com. eLed Plus a 2007 Best Buy and Testers’ Choice. $169.99. www. regulators reViews As Seen In the February 2008 Scuba Diving Magazine
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Before Atomic, there was no “Best
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ATOMIC AQUATICS: Born of Passion Wh
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It’s Elemental… The diver's gui
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Proud To Be Control Freaks Every de
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assembly / testing / Qc / nitrox Ev
Page 11 and 12: The Industry’s Best Warranty Anot
Page 13 and 14: egulators 13
Page 15 and 16: “Compromise” Is A Word We Don
Page 17 and 18: Titanium, SS or Brass... All Are Pe
Page 19 and 20: Pneumatically-Balanced Poppet Secon
Page 21 and 22: The Finest Regulator Ever Designed
Page 23 and 24: A Breath of Fresh Air Environmental
Page 25 and 26: Designed For Challenging Conditions
Page 27 and 28: The Most Awarded Atomic Regulator V
Page 29 and 30: Atomic Performance Plus Economy Des
Page 31 and 32: The SS1 For A Sleeker Profile More
Page 33 and 34: The SS1 Breathes Just Like A Primar
Page 35 and 36: Cloning Can Be A Good Thing An Atom
Page 37 and 38: Comfort Swivel Hose A significant i
Page 39 and 40: REGULATOR SPECIFICATIONS Weights T2
Page 41 and 42: splitfins 41
Page 43 and 44: Smoke on the Water SplitFin: “...
Page 45 and 46: Open Heel SplitFins Full Foot Split
Page 47 and 48: masKs 47
Page 49 and 50: ARC Lens Technology Elevates UltraC
Page 51 and 52: Atomic Frameless Optical quality, d
Page 53 and 54: snorKels 53
Page 55 and 56: SV1 Flex: High-Performance Design w
Page 57 and 58: snorKels SV1 Flex Snorkel Series SV
Page 59 and 60: Independent, objective, unbiased -
Page 61: lators 11/R395 5 ind of breathing p
Page 65 and 66: Randall Scott Marine Artist “Sinc
Page 67 and 68: You Have More Questions? We Have Yo
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“Best” - Atomic Aquatics

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