Hollis DC1/112 or Apeks XTX 50/DST

[b1gf00t]

Hello,

Iam making my shift from BM to SM. I intend to dive SM for recreational for now. Iam researching both regulators in subject and knowing that Apeks is literally double the cost of the Hollis am wondering if you would be able to throw in some feedback based on your experience with any of them and whether one adds more value over the other.

If you also feel that I should consider another reg set please feel free to mention.

Thanks in advance.

 

[tbone1004]

what do you dive now?

Do you value DIY service?

What brands are readily available to you?

 

[RandomGuy1]

I dive a Hollis dc3 / 212 combo. Have dove it for 90 dives now over 2 years and have had no issues. Breaths just as well at 120 ft as it does at the surface. Downfalls of the hollis are a lot of plastic parts including the housing so you need to be cognizant of that so someone doesn't drop a tank / weight on your reg and destroy it. All in all I'm happy enough with the Hollis that I purchased a second one and I am now using them on doubles. I also don't think you will find anyone to badmouth the apex except probably the cost.

Bottom line. Make sure you can get whatever you purchase serviced locally (or mailed off) at a reasonable cost, and at recreation depths I doubt you will see any issues with any of the major brands of regs.

EDIT* Just realized this is in the sidemount area, so you will want to look at hose routing as well to decide what will make you happy. That is one of the things I am not terribly happy with using my dc3's in doubles.

 

[Ozwald]

I have the Hollis DC1/112 sidemount setup and have switched back to my MK25/S700's. The Hollis, mine anyway, freeflow all the time whether dialed back or not. I'm really not happy with them. Can't speak to the Apeks.

 

[b1gf00t]

Free flowing with Hollis seems to be a general thing as I've read a lot of those about them. Unfortunately I have Mk25/S600 yoke for my back mount, but was wondering what to do with them when I go side mount. I hear yoke doesn't work well with Sidemount.

 

[kafkaland]

I'm very happy with my Apex XTX 50 / DST sidemount reg set, both for warm water caves and cold water wrecks. Never had any issues with them. The SPGs that came with the set were a different story, though. Both had an extruded O-ring under the glass after a short while and flooded. Apex replaced them and they have been fine since then.

 

[AlphaDiver]

Apeks xtx50 dst set or scubapro mk25/g260/s600 the way to go for sm. Basically time proven.

 

[sphyon]

Personally, depending on what is available for service in your area (or personal service ability) I would highly consider the Diverite XT Sidemount set. its left/right reversible for Sidemount and built like a tank. Personally I own a set and have no complaints. Also comes in cool carbon fiber looks! Try cave adventurers.com or divegearexpress.com.

I don't own any but I've seen and heard great things about the deep6 regulators as well. I know @cerich has a Sidemount set on his website which is very attractive. Deep6gear.com.

I will say, either set allows you to configures spg and hose options for personal taste as well which is much cheaper than having to piecemeal that stuff together.

Good luck!

 

[b1gf00t]

Upon further reading, am considering keeping my current MK25 yoke, add a converter to DIN and buy additional MK25 as DIN and do the Side Mount configuration using MK25 as am reading they are still has the best flow. Also that means I would save some money.

I am not concerned about being end sealed as I don't dive cold/muddy waters and will be using purely for rec diving.

I don't know if am thinking this right, but I do love my MK25, also I've never tried any other reg.

Being in Dubai limits my choices for service and SP is widely available.

Going the SM route with MK25 would I lose any convenience over dedicated SM regs?

Maybe match it with Apeks XTX50 as 2nd stage for the L/R interchangeability?

Thnx

 

[gon4abubble]

I dive a Hollis dc3 / 212 combo. Have dove it for 90 dives now over 2 years and have had no issues. Breaths just as well at 120 ft as it does at the surface. Downfalls of the hollis are a lot of plastic parts including the housing so you need to be cognizant of that so someone doesn't drop a tank / weight on your reg and destroy it. All in all I'm happy enough with the Hollis that I purchased a second one and I am now using them on doubles. I also don't think you will find anyone to badmouth the apex except probably the cost.

Bottom line. Make sure you can get whatever you purchase serviced locally (or mailed off) at a reasonable cost, and at recreation depths I doubt you will see any issues with any of the major brands of regs.

EDIT* Just realized this is in the sidemount area, so you will want to look at hose routing as well to decide what will make you happy. That is one of the things I am not terribly happy with using my dc3's in doubles.

Give the hollis 500se a look, side mount compatible. Works very well i have one and just love it.