Apeks BP/W

[Fishman69]

I'm considering purchasing the new Apeks WTX harness, WTX3 buoyancy cell and stainless steel back plate and am looking for the pros/cons of this system. If there anyone out there who owns and/or has dived this set-up?

I primarily dive SoCal with a 7.5 mm wetsuit and single compact 80; though I am considering going the single HP steel 110-ish route. I'm over 6 feet tall and weigh in the neighborhood of 190 lbs. and am a little concerned about the listed 32 lbs. of lift. For the record: I'm not a big fan of treading water and/or drowning.

 

[Ann Marie]

I'm in SoCal too and just got this set up. I haven't used it yet since the swell coupled with work has left me high and dry. I've got it all set up and it is just waiting for me to get into the water.

I got it to dive with when I use my drysuit but depending on how I like it I may use it all of the time. I have to sinch down the straps almost all the way since the smallest size it comes in is the Men's Medium.

Sorry, that I can't give you some "in-water" feed back. Hopefully, I'll know soon!

 

[Fishman69]

Thanks for the info, Ann Marie. Where in OC did you purchase yours? I saw that the harness comes in three sizes and would like to try one on before I commit.

 

[dbg40]

If weighted properly, 32 lbs of lift is more than enough. While I do not dive the Apeks rig, I did get to inspect one of the first ones sent out. To be honest, I was not completely impressed. I would have hoped for much more from Apeks than what I saw in the shop. A LOT of plastic, and a bit gimmicky, there were a fiew good ideas there, But for a BPW it fell short (only my opinion) There may be better choices for you out there. If you like this TYPE of BC, have you looked at the SP Knight Hawk? It's an outstanding BC, that I have owned myself, and liked very much. I now dive a BPW setup with a SS BP, that uses NO plastic for any parts. Good luck with your search!

 

[a878bob]

Why the WTX harness? Forget it and order the 2'' webbing. I have the ss bp/32#wing/2'' webbing/Hog setup. Crazy comfortable, very solid with HP 100. Also have the SureLock holsters. Could go either way on these.

 

[MarcHerm]

Why the WTX harness? Forget it and order the 2'' webbing. I have the ss bp/32#wing/2'' webbing/Hog setup. Crazy comfortable, very solid with HP 100. Also have the SureLock holsters. Could go either way on these.

So does the Apeks/SQ Surelock-system fit on every BPW setup or did you have to modify your backplate? I ve never seen the system in person and always wanted to know if I can attach this weight system to any rig.
I really dont wanna go back to the weight belt....

 

[jjwdiver]

I have the single tank Apeks setup and have been in the pool getting the feel for it the past couple of weeks. Here are some thoughts: If you go with the backplate and webbing, get a single-tank adaptor. If not, the bladder is somewhat floppy and rode too high for me. I put on a Halcyon single tank adaptor and it made the world of difference to me. I also have the attachments and surelok pockets. They work very well, just allow plenty of in-water time to test it out. I had to move my pockets forward to find the best "trim" position.

I did not go with the WTX harness due to the immense pressures of my friends doing the DIR. Not really, I just waned a simple break from the usual bc style, knowing that a simple harness and backplate setup is easy to use, easy to adjust and then leave alone, and easy to repair or modify.

The first dive was wierd. It dug into my shoulders, felt goofy, I flopped side to side... Took a break (to pee) and came back into the pool and it was like someone changed the whole thing. Amazing stability. I just needed to get to the mindset that it wasn't my old Seaquest Balance BC.

I think once I have totalled all the "changes" I have now made...I have spent alot of money over a similar setup. The changes were: adding the single tank adaptor and a Halcyon MC pack for the SMB. All told, I could have saved a few bucks going straight with the Halcyon Eclipse with added weight pockets. BUT, its an Apeks...matches my reg, and I'm not just like to other dorks I dive with. (sometimes ya just gotta be different)

Just my 2 cents worth. Good luck with whatever you go with.

 

[jjwdiver]

So does the Apeks/SQ Surelock-system fit on every BPW setup or did you have to modify your backplate? I ve never seen the system in person and always wanted to know if I can attach this weight system to any rig.
I really dont wanna go back to the weight belt....

Should work with any backplate. Mine also has the Halcyon MC pack and their argon mounting straps. All went together easily and work great. Dont even need weights when I'm in the pool, but the pockets help hold the 7' reg hose in place.

 

[KOMPRESSOR]

What's it priced to compared to a "regular" Halcyon Eclipse MC system?

 

[jjwdiver]

MSRP sticker prices put the Apeks about $150 more than Halcyon once you add all the extras to make them have the exact same setup (Halcyon mc pack, STA, argon straps added to Apeks) US prices, could be different where you are at.