APEKS Reg - Which one would you choose? (Poll)

[Tiago Machado]

I've been thinking about this for a while, and discussing pros/cons with your help. I have AOWD but by all means I'm an amateur with some dozens of dives, and doing ~20 per year, so I just need a reliable reg for the average dive, not more than 35 meters deep.

Altough I love scuba diving, I have no intention of proceeding with studies, side mountings, tec dives, etc - at least - in the next 5 - probably 10 years, so I think I would be happy with only DS4 1ST Stage + ATX40 + ATX 40 OCTO (and its limitations mostly at the 1st stage).

However, while € matters, someone said that it would be smarter - with the perspetive that the right reg may last "forever" - with XTX200 first stage and XTX50 second, would give me extras may be useful in the future (replaceable head, 5th LP Port, extra HP port, all things that I don't seem to need at the moment). Or not!

That said, which one would you buy if you were me from the options below?

These combos are based on the best deals available from where I am from, basing on many factors.

XTX200 1st Stage + XTX 200/50 (they are end up at the same price since I can find the 200 incredibly cheap) + XTX 40 OCTO + SPG + Aqualung Bag
 545€

DST 1st Stage + XTX50 + ATX 40 OCTO + SPG + Bag
- 410€

DS4 1ST Stage + ATX40 + ATX 40 OCTO + SPG + Bag
- 343€

 

[Marie13]

What about two XTX50 second stages with DST first? XTX100/200 don’t seem to be worth the money from other posts here. XTX50 is great. I’ve had mine in 38F water and they had no issues. Just fine for warmer water as well.

 

[ginti]

What about two XTX50 second stages with DST first? XTX100/200 don’t seem to be worth the money from other posts here. XTX50 is great. I’ve had mine in 38F water and they had no issues. Just fine for warmer water as well.

I agree here; I do not have any personal experience with apex regulators, but most of the people I know go for xtx50. The ones who go for the 100/200 just look at the aesthetic

Frankly speaking, if you do not need these things right now, I wouldn't bother. Stay cheap, if you can, for so many reasons.

P.S. Where did you find the xtx200 set at 545€? Could you send me the link? it seems a very reasonable price

 

[GF99/99]

What about two XTX50 second stages with DST first? XTX100/200 don’t seem to be worth the money from other posts here. XTX50 is great. I’ve had mine in 38F water and they had no issues. Just fine for warmer water as well.

Another vote for this combo.

 

[BoltSnap]

What about two XTX50 second stages with DST first?

This is what I'd do if I were to buy Apeks regulator. I use better regulators, Atomic and SP, however.

 

[Centrals]

These combos are based on the best deals available from where I am from, basing on many factors.

XTX200 1st Stage + XTX 200/50 (they are end up at the same price since I can find the 200 incredibly cheap) + XTX 40 OCTO + SPG + Aqualung Bag .......545€

DST 1st Stage + XTX50 + ATX 40 OCTO + SPG + Bag.......410€

DS4 1ST Stage + ATX40 + ATX 40 OCTO + SPG + Bag............343€

I am very familiar with Apeks and had given my suggestion to your previous thread.
Would I pay extra 67 Euro for the adjusting knob on XTX50(dual routing as well) and the turret?
How often do I use it after servicing? Never!
It is good to have but NOT really necessary.
As for the turret? NO thank you.

No.3 for me

 

[tmassey]

Add me to the list of people who like the @Marie13 combo. That’s pretty much exactly what I dive, though they’re called:

DGX Custom - DGX Gears D6 Single Tank Reg Package

$449 US, so even cheaper. (I have the doubles version.)

I’m not suggesting that you buy the DGX: seeing as your prices are in euros, I’m assuming you’re in Europe, and in that case I would stick with the actual Apeks — especially with your “right to service“ laws. Here in the United States, they’re quite a bit more expensive, and aqualung is... difficult about service parts.

And personally, I think the extra €70 for the swivel turret and 5th port is well worth it. Your mileage may vary.

 

[formernuke]

DST xtx50 for both seconds.

 

[Centrals]

I have DS4, DST and FSR.
DST has no use in single tank diving(for me). Put a 5th port but what for?
My personal preference is FSR with DS4 comes a close second.

But if money is consideration then DS4.

 

[Cdncoldwater]

I agree with the DST and two XTX50 second stages. I service and dive Apeks and from what I've seen and been told the XTX200 and second stages aren't much, if any better preforming. They are solid regulators, regardless of which model, I use a DS4, XTX40 2nd and octopus for back mount with no issues in the 4 years I've dove them, cold water, tropics and heavy silt. As easy or easier to service than SP in my experience from servicing Mk11, Mk17, Mk20 and Mk25 SP regs and some of their second stages.