Apeks ATX vs TX

[voidware]

I am the proud owner of an Apeks ATX50 (with TX40 octo). I have not yet had the opportunity to dive it yet (ginnie springs, next weekend), but I was wondering if anyone has any opinions on the "over-balanced" first stage in the ATX models? and if there is any breathing difference at depth like the LDS and website claim.

thanks,
brandon

 

[reiny13]

I dive the apeks atx200, no matter what depth you're at the breathing is incredibly easy, by far the best reg I've ever used. the web site did not lie, you too will notice the ease of breathing.

 

[wheezy]

I suppose that depends on HOW deep you go......

Apeks regs are the way to go... you shouldn't have any complaints....

 

[guerosd]

Does anyone know the real differences between the TX-100 and the ATX-100?? All I've been able to determine is that the 2nd stage is about 25% lighter/smaller. Is the 1st stage identical?

Even the Apex site does not go into much detail. My buddy has a TX which he loves. But If I can get the same hardcore regulator with a lighter form factor so much the better.

 

[GP]

I don't believe there is any difference in the first stages of the ATX 100 and TX 100 but keep in mind the ATX 100 is not distributed by Sea Quest in the US. They only distribute the ATX 40, 50, and 200 out of the ATX line and still distribute the old TX 100 which doesn't make sense to me I guess.
The second stage of the ATX 100 and 200 are identical. The difference between the ATX 100/200 second stage and ATX 50 second stage is the adjustment knob, heat exchanger and face plate. Look at the pictures on the Apeks website for details.

 

[guerosd]

Do you suppose then, that it would be difficult to have an ATX-100 serviced in the US, since they don't distribute here?

 

[GP]

Originally posted by guerosd
Do you suppose then, that it would be difficult to have an ATX-100 serviced in the US, since they don't distribute here?

Wow...that's a good question. Assuming you're only way to buy one would be online from another country that may be a problem to have warranty work done on it here without shipping it back to the country of purchase. I really don't understand why Seaquest excluded the ATX 100 from distribution in the US.

 

[squidguy]

The logic for keeping the TX100 in the lineup is it is a proven reg that is still in high demand all the way up to tech diving. As they say... why fix (or change in this case) what ain't broke!! Also it is close enough to the ATX200 that the competition will dilute sale (ATX100 that is).

 

[GP]

Originally posted by squidguy
The logic for keeping the TX100 in the lineup is it is a proven reg that is still in high demand all the way up to tech diving. As they say... why fix (or change in this case) what ain't broke!! Also it is close enough to the ATX200 that the competition will dilute sale (ATX100 that is).

Yeah...I guess, but the rest of the line were great proven regs that weren't broke and didnt' need fixin' either and they gave those the new second stage. The first stages are still the same. Oh well.

 

[dc4bs]

Originally posted by guerosd
Do you suppose then, that it would be difficult to have an ATX-100 serviced in the US, since they don't distribute here?

I'm not 100% sure, but I think my LDS gets Apeks regs through US divers - I got 2 ATX100s just a few months ago before taking a Deco course.

The current bone of contention is that even though Apeks seems to rate the ATX100 regs to 40% on their home UK website and carry "deco" regs rated to 100% O2, USA versions of the documents say the ATX100s are only good to 23% O2 even after being O2 cleaned.

The 100% O2 regs are apparently not available at all in the USA (at least not through US Divers). I'm still investigating this as I want some and worst case, may have to get a friend in the UK buy them and ship them to me if I can't get them otherwise.

As far as we can tell, this seems to be purely a liablity issue as lawyers in the US will file multi-million dollar lawsuits at the drop of a hat. Even more astounding, Juries award huge judgments to idiots who get hurt because they didn't read the manual or simply had NO common sense whatsoever AND even after they signed waivers that said they wouldn't sue if they got hurt...

Can you tell I'm a big fan of the Darwin Awards? People who refuse to take responsability for the consequenses of their own actions really tick me off.