Apeks ATX100 vs. Atomics M1

[AquaTec]

I own both regs, and have mixed feelings.

the Atomic is a great breathing reg and is very light, but i find it does not work well on deep dives, it is easy to overbreath and it has failed on me at depth....i should note i am speaking of depthes in the 330 foot or deeper range.

the Apek is a nice breathing reg in shallows the Apex breaths better. but the Apex breaths the same at zero as it does at 400 feet, this I like.

I did have a problem getting the Apex serviced, which i do not like.
the service port seized up and had to be cut out to service. it seized up because i removed the first stage from the tank valve at 30 feet, even though i stored it in fresh water until i flew home, the port still siezed. i have been waiting months for the replacement part.

on an interesting side note the OMS reg i swapped it out with was replaced with a new one by OMS as opposed to servicing it.

If i was to buy another reg [other than Posiedon] it would be an Apex.

 

[Belushi]

I have always owned Apex. T40D, then TX50, now two tx100 and still have the environmentally sealed Tx50.

I went three years without servicing my TX50 whilst doing 1000 dives a year. Never a problem. I had the service kits (from freinds who visited parts-foreign to see me) but never got around to servicing it as I did not have the right tool to take the top off.

I changed three second-stage diaphragms during that time, as the gear was never washed either.

when I finally had it serviced, it was as clean as a whistle inside and need only the o'rings changing.

Apex, IMHO are the best regulators on the market. They breathe well at almost any depth (Testd up to 78m) and you can do anything with them and they are rock solid.

The only down side is you get a damp breathe when hanging upside down acting the arse for the students!

Long live Apex ... I love you

 

[Dr. Jay]

Seems the poll has stayed pretty divided. And so am I. Lucky I won't be seeking a purchase for a while.

Okay, here goes a benefit/drawback analysis of the two regs. Tell me if I'm accurate. All info is based on previous posts, etc.

Apeks ATX100:
-Better breather at great depths
-More moving parts... - parts hard to find if they break
-A little less expensive
-Slightly wet when upside down ut:

Atomic Aquatics M1:
-Longer maintenance schedule
-Good breather
-Crappy performance at great depths
-A little more expensive

Basically, here in Orlando, Atomics dealers are all over the place. It's a stretch to find an Apeks dealer. Funny how most endorsers of Apex are from the UK . Makes sense.

Both are awesome regs. I'm still undecided, and would be interested in more replies. Thanks to all so far.

 

[Nalu]

Also to add to your list, the warranty for Apex offers free parts with yearly maintanence while you would have to pay for Atomic parts yourself....

 

[Scubamedicjoe]

yep this is the second year I have had my apeks atx 200 serviced for free !!!!
and it gets used year around in fresh and salt water deep and shallow dives

Also to add to your list, the warranty for Apex offers free parts with yearly maintanence while you would have to pay for Atomic parts yourself....

 

[Hallmac]

I work on both and hands down the Tx100 is a stronger unit. I agree that the Atomics breathe lighter in the shallower depths. But the Tx100 breathes very well when set to manufacture specs.

The TX100 is a balanced diaphram and is extremely simple to overhaul and service. The Atomics are balanced piston. In my testing I find the diaphram first stages have a faster, smoother response to changing conditions and breathing rates. They also because of their design are sealed against the elements better than piston designs.

I feel the TX100 give a cleaner hose routing and a smaller area to pack.

The Atomics are lighter and don't seem to get the jaw fatique comments as much but with Apexs getting the comfobite from Aqualung that will be equaling out.

You will find the TX100 is accepted in the technical circles and the Atomics are shrugged off. (lot of it is because until recently Atomics did not support using nitrox with their regs.)

If I had to choose there would be no doubt I would choose the Apexs. But thats just me for what it is worth.

hallmac

 

[Doof]

How do you guys feel about the Apeks ATX-200? I just picked up a pair of these (on the very strong recomendations of all of my technical\caving friends) but haven't had a chance to actually breathe it yet.

 

[buff]

Doof-

Nice purchase...........................

those are very nice regs. They will do you right for many years to come. You should be thankful you got such good advice.

 

[Scubamedicjoe]

I love mine wouldnt dive with out them breath easy and a great regulator both in shallow , depth and swift water

 

[DiverBuoy]

I think this thread is hanging on an older premise about Atomics shying away from mixed air. They've got this covered now folks. Atomics rocks!