Apeks DB4

[buddhasummer]

Has anyone seen, used or have any thoughts about the new DB4 first stage? I've seen a schematic and save a plastic sealing end cap and no hydrostatic diaphragm looks the same as a DS4 but in satin. Cheers

 

[Umuntu]

Are you sure there's no hydrostatic (environmental?) diaphragm ? It's supposed to be environmentally sealed.

Apeks does say it's based on the DS4. The fins/ribs around the environmental chamber are supposed to improve thermal exchange in cold water with increased surface area.

 

[runsongas]

the end cap functions as the hydrostatic diaphragm. it is only marginally lighter than the ds4 though.

 

[buddhasummer]

Are you sure there's no hydrostatic (environmental?) diaphragm ? It's supposed to be environmentally sealed.

Apeks does say it's based on the DS4. The fins/ribs around the environmental chamber are supposed to improve thermal exchange in cold water with increased surface area.

Yes, I have the schematic, runsongas is correct.

 

[buddhasummer]

Other than a new tool being required, a plastic end cap, minus a diaphragm, the addition of two O rings either side of diaphragm clamp, it being satin and marginally lighter not sure what the point was. A plastic end cap seems a backward step as far robustness goes I'd think.

Unless I'm missing something it seems zero improvement over a DS4.

Hopefully the service kit will at least still be a universal one and they won't introduce a separate kit for it. I've made enquiries.

 

[axxel57]

I find in the new catalog only a XL4.........

 

[buddhasummer]

I find in the new catalog only a XL4.........

Both are currently available and can be purchased separately. Out of the UK the DB4 is selling for £125 a £16 increase over the DS4.

 

[buddhasummer]

Or....is the plastic end cap and no diaphragm an exeriment by Apeks in an attempt to reduce the effects of the overbalancing "feature". Im guessing the plastic cap would be harder to move than a silicone diaphragm ?

 

[buddhasummer]

The diaphragm clamp requires a 38mm wrench, haven't seen too many of those around.

 

[Centrals]

38mm = inch and a half, so shouldn't be too difficult to find.
However if the plastic end cap is damaged then it would be very difficult to find a spare one. The original hydrostatic diaphragm is part of the 1st stage service kit so it is readily available.
Apeks is probably going to replace all the metal end caps with this stupid design!