Anyone Use the Apeks Tek3 First Stage for Doubles?

[mikecotrone]

The Tek3's are designed for use on twin-set tanks and therefore are virtually untouchable in terms of performance for hose routing etc. However this is also a bit of draw-back to many people as they can really only be used for twin-sets (or an expensive stage bottle set-up!).

If you ever want to look at going for a sidemount set-up then the Tek3's wouldn't be my choice. Staying with Apeks, the DST first stages work well for sidemount as the swivel turret makes hose routing much easier and a lot neater. However, the swivel turret is not really suitable for a twin-set, the hose routing doesn't work well while the turret tends to move bringing the hoses horizontal.

The Apeks FST is probably the best choice for allround flexibility, but for me it doesn't work as well as the Tek3 on a twin-set or the DST on a sidemount set-up.

...and then there's the equally as good ScubaPro range..... Have a think about what type of diving you'll be doing the most before buying the most appropriate set, there's nothing worse than having a set of expensive regs you rarely use - it's not good for the regs to be left unused either!

I own a set of Tek3's with XTX50's and am more than happy with them on a twin-set, but that's all I use them for!

Hope that helps!

Karl

Thanks Karl! I already have an XTX50/DST setup for singles and an XTX20/DS4 for a stage/pony. The Tek3's would be only for my twin-set rig.

Thanks for the info!
Mike

 

[evil_xander]

I would go for something of more normal 1st stage from Apeks because of:
- the fact they are designated left & right 1st stages - which one you buy extra to carry around if one fails before a dive not to thumb it? With a normal first stage it does not matter - just don't use the ports on both sides;
- price, at least where I live they are more expensive then other 1st stages - nice finish though, but does not justify the cost.

Oh yes, and in case of need, cannot be used as singles reg and I kinda doubt they route good for stages as well...

Edit: just saw your latest post, a spare DST/DS4 for your single tank then takes care of my first issue with Tek3

 

[Centrals]

I use them. My only complaint is that once they descend from the first stages, several hoses have to take right angle turns that stress them. I have replaced one hose already because it bubbled at the turn point. I made the mistake of leaving the hose protectors on originally, which made the matter worse because it forced them straight down further than necessary and necessitated a sharper turn. They are much better without them.

All Apeks regs have the same problem(right angle turn) for the left post(twin set) except the DST with the 5th port.
I use a swivel on my left post(DS-4) for the octopus. You can argue more o-rings mean extra failure point BUT there are so many o-rings in a tek set up...... I take my chance and so far so good.

I wonder if Tek 3 come with ARCAP removable valve seat or just the FSR has the privilege?

 

[HenrikBP]

the fact they are designated left & right 1st stages - which one you buy extra to carry around if one fails before a dive not to thumb it?

Oh yes, and in case of need, cannot be used as singles reg and I kinda doubt they route good for stages as well...

Edit: just saw your latest post, a spare DST/DS4 for your single tank then takes care of my first issue with Tek3

Yep, DS4 as back-up for everything DS4 is good for stages as well as is the right-post Tek3. The left-post Tek3 actually makes a decent warm water (no drysuit inflation) single tank rig.

I wonder if Tek 3 come with ARCAP removable valve seat or just the FSR has the privilege?

As far as I can tell, the Tek3 is a "glorified" DS4 and does not have the removable seat.

Henrik

 

[Tortuga68]

They're actually glorified FSTs - but still no to the ARCAP seat. Not really necessary anyway, it's pretty rare that they need changing

 

[Centrals]

They're actually glorified FSTs - but still no to the ARCAP seat. Not really necessary anyway, it's pretty rare that they need changing

It did happen to my 6 yrs old DST(use only for 100% O2). The IP pressure keep drifting up very very slowly. The corrosion on the seat is quite small but obvious. I set the IP pressure slightly below 9 bars and only turn on the gas when required at 6m.

The removable ARCAP seat introduces an extra O-ring in the system and I have to remember it when servicing the reg!!! I use a FSR as my primary reg.

 

[theriel]

Hmmmm so, if somebody is just about to buy their first set of 1st stages for twinset -> would you recommend 2xDS4 or 2xTek3?

In theory, one will need DS4 anyway for stage bottles... so buying DS4 will happen anyway at some point. On the other hand, Tek3 provides better routing - though less versatility.

So, if money does not matter -> Is Tek3 really an obvious choice? Or would you still recommend buying DS4?

 

[mikecotrone]

Hmmmm so, if somebody is just about to buy their first set of 1st stages for twinset -> would you recommend 2xDS4 or 2xTek3?

In theory, one will need DS4 anyway for stage bottles... so buying DS4 will happen anyway at some point. On the other hand, Tek3 provides better routing - though less versatility.

So, if money does not matter -> Is Tek3 really an obvious choice? Or would you still recommend buying DS4?

Thanks for the great information guys! I also had the same recommendations from my LDS guru. I bought the Apeks Tek3 Set which includes two Tek3 1sts, bungee necklace, and two XTX50 seconds.

Thanks again for all of your advice!

 

[Kern]

They're actually glorified FSTs

According to Gill Hook, Apeks service manager, "the Tek 3 was derived from the design of the DS4".
If you'd like to verify email, -- info@apeks.co.uk, or get a copy of, DS, US, TEK3 & Extrair FIRST STAGE REGULATOR, MAINTENANCE MANUAL FOR AUTHORISED TECHNICIANS, Issue 1, 14/11/2006, Document No. AP5317.

Of course they're all pretty much the same, with some variation in the body shape, airflow, position of the ports, & removable H.P. valve seat on the FSR.

 

[Tortuga68]

I don't really care one way or the other, but on the Apeks website under Tek3 it says:

"Technical information...
For technical 1st stage operation please refer to the FST balanced diagram"