APEKS AT20/ATX40/ATX50 alternate??

[jbm]

Looking to you people for imput.

Let me preface this by saying i'm PADI OW with rather limited experience (mostly warm water vacation diving), but I have finally freed up the time to further my diving education. I intend to actively dive in both cold and warm waters. Although I anticipate my diving will be of a recreational nature only, perhaps something a bit more technical could lie in my future.

I am in the process of researching and selecting my first set of dive gear and would appreciate imput. I am willing to spend some dollars now as opposed to feeling I have to upgrade later.

My question to this forum regards APEKS alternates. I have pretty much decided on the ATX200 first and second stage (DIN), but I don't know which way to go as far as an octopus goes. I know Apeks are well respected here and that has lead me to decide upon the APEKS ATX200 but I am really at a loss when it comes to determining what alternate I should purchase. I'm looking for guidance here!! Which alternate would you people select and why??



Looking forward to your imput. Thanks in advance!!


I have also tentatively selected the following:

Sea-Quest Pro Unlimited or Sea-Quest Pro QD+ BC ( I realize these are not the best for technical work, but I have decided to start with a jacket style and perhaps look at something more technical at a later date)

Apeks ATX200(DIN) and ??? alternate

SUUNTO VYPER wrist mount


SUUNTO CB-3 ( spg/depth/SK7 compass ) console

Faber HP120

Appreciate any comments on these selections as well.
Again........Thanks for any imput.....appreciate it!

Best regards; jbm

 

[blacknet]

Hello,

What I would do is go with a mares abyss mr-22 first and second with an apeks tx-50 as an octo. This would be a great compatible combination.

Personally I would not worry about what the 'tech' community is doing or recommending. The type of dives that you do (OW) is not covered under that umbrella (technical). I would urge you to peruse the avenues that lead towards enjoyment while not getting caught up in the equipment trap that plagues the technical community.

Ed

 

[HoosierDiver]

I'd go for the ATX50 octopus. The price difference between the ATX50 and ATX40 when I got mine was pretty minimal, and with the ATX50 you get the inhalation resistance control knob. That set of regs is going to last you a long time and will fit into any type of diving you want to do with it.

 

[davidofaustin]

Sounds great. I have heard a lot of great things about the 50. All I have to do now is find a LDS.

dave

 

[Lost Yooper]

First of all, I wouldn't buy the ATX200. I have been hearing some less than favorable things about the first stage.

What I recommend is buying the ATX50 octo (to use as your primary) and DS4 first stage (DIN). The ATX50 octo is identical to the primary, but costs about $60 less. You can buy the black faceplate for about $20 when the part becomes available. Also, the ATX50 second stage is practically identical to the 200 (heat exchager is a bit bigger in the 200 -- so what).

For a backup, I would NOT buy an adjustable second stage. It is totally unnecessary. The TX40 is an awesome reg that will give you all the air you would ever need beyond any depth you will ever go to. I would go with the TX40, and not the ATX40, because the weight difference is irrelevant for a backup.

Since you asked for opinion on the rest of the gear you have there, I'll be honest. I would avoid a jacket style BC like the plague. I would recommend back inflation as a minimum with a huge endorsement for a backplate/wing combo from Halcyon. The Vyper is fine, and will serve you well for all types of diving due to it's gauge mode. I would skip the console and go with a simple brass/SS SPG and get a wrist mounted compass and depth gauge. I don't like HP tanks, and would recommend a LP PST tank instead.

My advice to you is to not entirely disregard what the tech guys are doing. Sometimes, they are doing things and using gear that is configured optimally for streamling (which is important to all divers) and adaptability. More often than not, the gear they use costs less than the recreational stuff out there, but is better quality, more efficient, and more adaptable. Keep in mind that having technical diving gear doesn't equate to being a technical diver. All it means is that you have purchased quality gear the first time around, and it will be ready for you if/when you're ready to progress.

Just think long and hard about what you are going to buy. There's no reason to "waste" money in the long run. You're off to a good start with the Apeks reg and Vyper computer.

Good luck.

Mike

PS. If you need a contact for really cheap Apeks regs, and other equipment mentioned above, let me know. I just ordered an ATX50/DS4 DIN for under $240 or so (with a 5' hose).

 

[Ontario Diver]

I have the Suunto console, and the vyper wrist mount so I can't argue with you there.

The only thing I'd suggest is try a TX50 before you buy the ATX200. I found that they breathed close enough. The TX50 is larger but I didn't mind the size. and I saved a lot of money.

 

[Lost Yooper]

The TX50 and the TX100 are both very sweet breathers and would recommend either second stage (they're virtually identical). I like the TX100's first stage better than the DST, but I like the DS4 better than both. If cost is a huge factor, then think about thse two seconds as well.

Mike

PS. You can save a good deal of cash, also, by going with a DS4 first stage rather than the DST, TX100, or the ATX's.

 

[blacknet]

Hello,

Only problem I have is the 'dial a death' features on regulators are overhyped and sensationalized. You don't need it.

Ed

 

[Lost Yooper]

 

[Strick]

Dial of death?[/B]

I think he might be refering to the adjustment knob.

=-)