OK ice divers! Aqualung Legend Supreme LX vs Atomic M1: which one?

[NETim]

I like both these regs.  They both have fantastic reputations. 

I don't know which I should go with. 

Legends are diaphragm first stages while the Atomics are pistons. 

The Atomics are US made and that counts too.

Decisions, decisions.

[mattd]

You can buy about 8 of Legend's for the price of the atomic can't you?

I just went through a similar upgrade cycle.  I got the Apeks XTX200 First Stage and a pair of XTX50 second stages.  I've dove them under the ice twice now and they performed flawlessly.  I really like them.

If you are set on those two, I'd probably go for the Legend as it shares a lot in common with the Apeks.  I'm sure the Atomic is a good reg, I just don't like the prices on them and you can get a great reg for less.

[NETim]

Yeah, the Atomics are higher.... about $100 for the set.  The Legends at the LDS aren't exactly cheap either. 

The Legends on paper should be the better cold water reg, but doggone, the Atomics are US made and so seldom do I get a chance to buy US anymore.  :

[jeffberry]

I have the ledgens an the work awesome!!!!!  A insructer at the shop had the Atomics.  Braged them up  to high heaven.  He now dives legends!  The thing I dont like about the Atomics is they are filled full of grease to enviormently seal them.  not bad if you are the user.  they suck if you service them.Very messy. 
My 2 cents

[Raiderswim]

Apeks XTX100.  Can't go wrong with it.  Great breather even looking up.  Great in cold water and ice.  32 degrees and still great performance.

[arcFlash]

I know it's not on your list but I'll endorse Apex as well. I never think about my regs, ever. They just work.  I got 18 ice dives in this season and I don't even remember breathing. They are transparent to the dive, every time. I probably have over 60 ice and 100's of cold dives, not one dive was spoiled by regs.

[jeffberry]

Apex an Aqualung are pretty much alike  Apex is owned by Aqualung

[joekarels]

I haven't had the opportunity to dive with Atomics at all.
I have had Aqualung Lengends LX and I do love them.
For going to technical I've been advised to look at the Apex line.