Apeks DS4 1st stage regs?

[mikeguerrero]

I'm starting to put together some items for my future doubles and wanted to get back some feedback on this particular 1st stage reg.

I like Apeks and I dive the XTX200 and have nothing but positive about it's performance.

Does anyone know if the DS4 from Apeks is considered a good 1st stage for doubles setup? If so, I would like to get the XTX50 second stages to go with it.

Any feedback would be great....

Thanks,

MG

 

[jefffalcone]

DS4 is specifically designed for doubles, and it is a great first stage. I use it and love it. XTX50 seconds is the way to go also. As you probably know the XTX50 is exactly the same in performance as apex's more expensive seconds.

 

[SparticleBrane]

The DS4 is a great reg for stages and doubles.

Some good info here for doubles and here for stages.

On a side note I personally think they do a nice job of routing for a single tank setup as well. On doubles, note that you will have a few hoses that are bent at pretty sharp angles. Most of my dive buddies and I use DS4s and we haven't really had any issues with that though. My main concern is my LP inflator hose, which routes sharply from the right post to the inflator. It has been bent beyond the design radius and slowly developed a "bubble" on the rubber due to the rubber being bent (with "bubble" describing the shape of the rubber, not an actual leak).

Note that this has taken place over ~4 years, so I should probably replace that hose anyway. I'm considering replacing it with a Miflex hose, but I am really partial to the inflator release thingy on the Halcyon hose -- very easy to use.

 

[Mike Manthe]

Hi,

I've been using the DS4 as 1st stages on my doubles for several years and they worked without any problem. Only the hose routing is something I do not like - as SparticleBrane mentioned before. It's not that bad but something that can be improved. I changed my setup using the Tek3 1st stages. The Tek3 offer a much cleaner hose routing and they are specially designed for the use on doubles. The negative thing about them is that they are not as cheap as the DS4 (here in Europe approx. € 240 for 2 DS4s vs approx. € 550 for the TEK3s).

I like the good ole TX50 as 2nd stages. But the newer XTX50 will also work fine. There's no real need to buy XTX100 or XTX200 2nd stages - they are the same as the XTX50 with a little bit more shiny chrome.

So whatever you buy imho you can't go wrong with any sealed Apeks 1st stage.

 

[DeNomad]

Plenty of local divers use DS4's on their doubles, I am planning on picking up another set soon myself. The hose routing isn't the best as previously mentioned, but they are cheap and durable.

 

[mikeguerrero]

Thanks to all that chimmed in to discuss their current setups. I will look into the Tek3 since I have much time before I go doubles. I just wanted a push in the right direction and am grateful to the reply's.

MG

 

[ron_cooper]

When I started to get my eguipment for my doubles I was looking for deals on Apeks regs. I ended up with DS4's and DST's as well as TX40's and 50's. After playing around with them I have the DS4's on my doubles with a 50 and 40 on it, a set for travel on a DST with a 40 and 50 on them. I am starting to think I will get rid of the 50's though and stay with the 40's.
I got some good deals on Ebay, and have had no problems with them. I did still service them before diving.
I think you will probably be very happy with them.

 

[SparticleBrane]

Don't get the TEK3 regs. They aren't standardized -- one is right and one left. Kinda hard to swap things out if you suddenly blow something on a trip, and you need a right but only have a left.

Is the extra $$$$$$$$ really worth it for better hose routing, but the same internal pieces without any improved performance?

 

[mangrovejack]

Just carry a DS4 for backup. You could also use either a left or right TEK3 as a backup too, it just won't be "symmetrical" that's all (they will both point the same direction).

 

[rjack321]

Don't get the TEK3 regs. They aren't standardized -- one is right and one left. Kinda hard to swap things out if you suddenly blow something on a trip, and you need a right but only have a left.

Is the extra $$$$$$$$ really worth it for better hose routing, but the same internal pieces without any improved performance?

Exactly! Better yet, skip all this hose crimping/bubbling shenanigans and get some SP mk25s! :blinking: