Apeks AT20 vs Oceanic GT3 (non DVT)

[jpsexton]

I'm looking to upgrade from an Aeris A1 and I have norrowed my search down to these two regulators. Feature wise they seem to be pretty close except the GT3 is environmentally sealed. The Apeks is a few dollars cheaper though.

Any thoughts?

 

[keyshunter]

As fate would have it, I am currently playing with both of those models. Since I only have a few dives on each, and I do not decide whether I like a reg until I have at least 50 dives on it, I have not made a decision. I am leaning toward the AT20, since it seems to breath a little better. I have not had either below 100 feet yet, however. Since I no longer dive cold water, the environmental seal is not a big deal. The Cdx5's seal, being a dry type, is much less a PITA than the old alcohol or grease seals were. I played with the adjustment on the GT3 second stage on the first dive, and didn't touch it after that.

I expect to have at least 50 dives on each by July, so if you haven't made a decision by then, PM me for an update. Right now, I prefer my old faithful Titan LX to either.

 

[jpsexton]

Are you using a balanced octo on the AT20? I just read something about the AT20 stating that you must use a balanced Octo with it or it would freeflow. That may be the deciding factor right there since I only have an unbalanced Octo.

 

[keyshunter]

I use a Sherwood standard octo with both. Actually, I use this octo on most of my regs, because it is relatively small. is a simple unbalanced downstream, and I am very familiar with it. I always carry a repair kit, and can usually repair/rebuild one in under 10 minutes-even on a rocking/rolling boat. If properly adjusted, it is a decent breather. I have not had a freeflow problem with the AT20 and this octo, although at this point I've never had the AT20 deeper than 100 feet. Frankly, I don't know how much of this overbalancing stuff is real. and how much is memorex. I don't even know if the AT20 is one of the "overbalanced" models. But, I don't see that a slight detuning of the octo could not solve a freeflow problem.

Why don't you PM DA Aquamaster and get his opinion.