Atomic Z3 Regulator Review

Atomic Z3 Regulator [2024 Review]

Brian Young  ●   Min read
If you're looking for the performance and reliability of an Atomic Aquatic's flagship regulator without the hefty price tag, then you should definitely take another look at the Atomic Z3 Regulator. It is built on Atomic B1 and the T1 platform and shares most of its patented features and performance but at a fraction of the cost.

This in-depth review will explore the features and benefits of this high-performance regulator including its robust materials, ergonomic design, and unbeatable price.

Let's Dive In.
Atomic Z3 Regulator Review

Atomic Z3

Atomic Z3 Regulator Review

Our Overall Score:

4.5

Manufacturer: Atomic Aquatics

Disclaimer: This review is based on personal experiences and opinions of the author and may differ from others.

Design

With an all-titanium comfort swivel, dual material second stage cover, and magnum lever design, the Atomic Z3 Regulator offers a sleek and ergonomically sound design.

Functionality 

The Z3 breathing performance is comparable to those of more expensive Atomic models. Breathing is easy, and natural at any depth or tank pressure.

ease of use

The Z3 is very user-friendly and offers smooth operation. The purge button is to find and press, and the rapid adjustment knob allows for fine-tuning of the regulator.

Cost

With an affordable price point, this regulator offers great value for the money. However, it's still can be more expensive than other competitors regulator with the same features.

Summary:
The Atomic Z3 Regulator is an excellent choice for divers looking for a reliable and cost-effective regulator. It offers superior performance and ergonomics with the peace of mind that comes with a quality product from one of the industry's most respected brands. If you're in the market for a regulator that won't break your budget but still provides all the features and benefits of a top-of-the-line model, the Atomic Z3 is an ideal option. With its innovative design, superior performance, and unbeatable price, this regulator offers divers an excellent choice for their diving needs.

Where to buy:

Atomic Z3 Regulator Review

Atomic Z3

Find the best deal for the Atomic Z3  at these recommend retailers:

Everything To Know About The Atomic Z3 Regulator?
Key Features and Benefits

The features below, coupled with its robust materials and ergonomic design, make the Atomic Z3 Regulator an exceptional choice for divers seeking performance, durability, and value for money.

ATomic Z3 Regulator Performance

Excellent Breathing Performance

When creating the Z3, Atomic Aquatics produced the most compact and economically friendly regulator of their entire line. The first stage is made entirely out of chrome-plated brass and 316 stainless steel.

The combination of superior valve and piston technologies delivers a smooth, natural breathing experience and allows for more time between maintenance. Divers can go an amazing two years or three hundred dives, whichever comes first, before servicing the regulator.

 

Atomic Z3 Comfort Swivel

2nd Stage Comfort Swivel

Adding comfort was one of the biggest goals in creating the second stage. The swivel is one of the components that offer such comfort in the second stage. The second stage PVD coated swivel gives the diver a much more comfortable experience. The swivel allows up to thirty degrees of rotational movement with no binding or kinking that is experienced with other aftermarket swivels. The PVD coating gives the swivel scratch resistance, so there is no chance of a scratch preventing movement of the swivel.

Atomic z3 Factory Sealed First Stage

Optional Factory Sealed

The Atomic Z3 First stage is also optionally factory sealed. This allows it to keep contaminants like silt and sand out of the first stage. Environmental sealing also guards against freezing in cold water conditions. The piston is self-lubricating which allows it to be practically friction-free and makes this regulator even lower maintenance.

Atomic Aquatic Z3 Second Stage Regulator in Hand

Automatic Flow Control 

Also equipped with automatic flow control, breathing easy is always simple, just like it should be. Divers can de-tune the valve in special circumstances with the rapid inhalation adjustment control. The venturi control is automatically controlled by a combination of sealed chambers and swiveling flow vanes. Which gives the diver the perfect balance of safety and performance.

Atomic Z3: Manufacturers Specification

1st Stage Type

Balanced Piston

High Pressure Ports

7

Low Pressure Ports

4

Environmentally Sealed

Second Stage Type

Balanced

Adjustable Inhalation

   

Adjustable Venturi

Automatic

Nitrox Compatible

Cold Water Rated


Our Rating: Atomic Z3 Regulator

Design

 With an all-titanium comfort swivel, dual material second stage cover, and magnum lever design, the Atomic Z3 Regulator offers a sleek and ergonomically sound design.

Funtionality

The Z3 breathing performance is comparable to those of more expensive Atomic models. Breathing is easy, and natural at any depth or tank pressure. 

Ease of use

The Z3 is very user-friendly and offers smooth operation. The purge button is to find and press, and the rapid adjustment knob allows for fine-tuning of the regulator.

Cost

With an affordable price point, this regulator offers great value for the money. However, it's still can be more expensive than other competitors regulator with the same features.

What We Like

Although the Z3 is basically Atomic Aquatic’s entry-level regulator, we quickly found out that its breathing performance is on par with many high-end regulators.  For many,  it’s an easy way to get a high-quality Atomic regulator without breaking the bank.

The comfort swivel works really well against tugging and jaw fatigue. There was little to no pull on the second stage when you turned your head. The design of the swivel is very solid and durable, not like those you will find on the aftermarket.

We also liked that there is no venturi switch to fondle with. All the venturi adjustments are taken care of automatically. On the surface, it is set to prevent freeflow and automatically adjust the deeper you go to optimize breathing performance.

Also, in the rear chance, you need to detune the regulator, the adjustment knob is easy to find and can easily be adjusted while wearing thick gloves.

What We Don’t Like

We think the Atomic Z3 is a solid scuba regulator, there is little to fault. Despite this, there are some minor things we think need improvements.

For one, there are too many low-pressure ports for us, there are too many than we will ever need. Maybe the ports are there to make up for the fact that there is no swiveling turret on the first stage like the other atomic regulators. 

Also, because it uses more common materials, we find it is a little heavier than other Atomic regulators but still on par with others in its class. 

Who Should Buy the Atomic Z3 Regulator?

The Atomic Z3 is a great choice if you would like the comfort, safety, reliability, and style of an Atomic regulator at a fraction of the cost. 

It is an affordable regulator that can handle the most extreme dives. It delivers exceptional breathing performance when swimming hard or at extreme depths. 

A factory-sealed first stage also makes it a great choice if you’re planning on diving in cold water conditions. 

Overall Score

4.5/5

Check price and get the best deal at these recommended retailers Site:

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Atomic Z3 Regulator: FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Atomic Z2 vs Z3, What's the difference?

Atomic Z3 Vs B2, What's the difference?

Can the Atomic Z3 be used in cold water

The Bottom Line

The Atomic  Z3 Regulator is a quality regulator that is perfect for anybody who wants the reliability and performance of an Atomic regulator without breaking the bank.

Atomic Aquatics made no shortcuts when designing and manufacturing the regulator. It is made with quality materials and lives up to the high standards that they have set for their company and their products. An easy recommendation if you’re looking for a new high-performance regulator. 

Still Looking For The Right Scuba Regulator

Find the best scuba regulator for your next dive trip by Checking out our list of the best scuba regulator on the market today

About the author

Brian has been a divemaster for the past 5 years. He is enthusiastic about sharing his love for scuba diving with others and does this by writing destination and product reviews, as well as tips and tricks he has learned throughout the year.

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