This is what I have heard -- I'm basically quoting here and haven't confirmed any of it:
- The first stage on the 200 will boost the IP as you increase with depth.
- Hose routing for doubles is less than optimal compared to the DS4 or the TX100. "The lp ports are offset slightly towards the center of the manifold, which on low manifolds like the Halcyon's and old Dive Rites and Sea Elite (which all seem to come out of the same factory), means that the hoses get a longer vertical drop before they meet the shoulder of the tank and are forced to bend."
I researched the 200 last summer, and basically everything I heard was less than glowing. The only good things said about it was that it breaths good and it's light weight. All of that, and the fact it's a new design (and considerably more expensive), convinced me to go with proven regs rather than something new. The weight reduction of the first stage isn't worth the bucks to me, and the DS4 and TX100's are capabable of supplying a ton of air for great breathability. My Apeks regs have treated me very well over the years and earned my respect, so that's another factor too. I haven't been convinced the 200 is a good buy for tech diving.
Ralph's understanding is mine too regarding the IP of most regs.
Mike
PS. Bennett took the TX100 to 800' or something and had glowing reviews about the reg. The TX100 does route nicer for doubles, but I don't like the 1/2" port that you have to use on the left post if you use your suit for inflation. If you use argon exclusively, then the 100's actually route nicer than the DS4's. The DS4's are cheaper though and just as proven. By spring, I will have DS4's on all my bottles for compatability.
