??? Apeks DS4 and DST, XTX40 and XTX50

[dblthunder]

Hello to everyone, question concerning Apeks' DS4 and DST 1st stage:
Other than the turret is there really any difference, and if it is only the turret, I would assume that would make the DS4 more reliable.

Does anyone know the difference between the XTX40 and XTX50 second stages?

I am getting ready to buy some Apeks nitrox regulators, I can get the
Nitrox DST XTX50 or the Nitrox DS4 XTX40, I am trying to undestand the differences between the two regulators.

Appreciate the imput...
Thanks

 

[ianr33]

As you say,the DS4 does not have a turret. Some consider this increases reliability slightly.The DS4 has 4 regular size LP ports. DST has 3 regular size(3/8") and one slightly larger(1/2"). IMO that is a pain as you need a non standard hose or an adapter.

XTX50 has a cracking pressure adjustment knob. XTX40 does not. I prefer the 50.

 

[BKP]

I prefer the 50 as well.
I use it as an octo, and the cracking pressure control helps reduce the chance of free flow... I have an Atomic primary and 1st stage, so can't comment on the DST vs DS4. The Atomic 1st *does* have a turret, and I find it very convenient (and have never had, nor heard of, a reliability issue caused by the turret).

 

[battles2a5]

The turret on the DST is not like the atomic or sp mk25, there is no bottom port. In terms of back-gas I would say the DS4 is preferred over the DST. I looked at the DS4, Tek3, FSR, and FST and settled on the DS4/XTX50 combo for both left and right post. They have performed flawlessly everywhere I have taken them.

 

[LowVizWiz]

This thread may be helpful, there's also this thread!

Hope that helps you.

 

[dblthunder]

Thanks for the input everyone, the DS4 with the XTX50 is actually what I would like to get. I have seen the DST with XTX50 and the DS4 with the XTX40 in the Nitrox version, but not the DS4 XTX50 combination. Will have to do some more checking or see what the cost factor is to buy each seperately.
Again thanks for clearing up the questions on the XTX40 and XTX50 and the 2 different1st stages.

 

[battles2a5]

One more point around the "nitrox" versions on these regs. They are fine for just about any conceivable back gas out of the box. You don't need the "nitrox" version to dive nitrox. If you are going to use them as deco regs, then it makes more sense but most people don't get that version. They just get the standard version O2-cleaned. Much cheaper that way.

 

[John_B]

Just a quick comment about the DST first stage with the swivel turret that comes with the TX/ATX/XTX 50's.

I used to have a TX50 with the DST, for single tank diving the turret always seemed to swivel just enough to allow the hoses to float around and cause problems when gearing up on a rolling boat. Royal PITA, IMO. I was glad to be rid of it when I sold it. Funny thing is, IIRC the guy who bought it was going to dedicate the DST first stage to a stage bottle and specifically *wanted* the swivel turret, apparently the swivel makes the stage bottle hose routing more convenient. Go figure.

FWIW, I now own the XTX100 regs with the FST first stages. Suhweeeet!

Whatever you do, don't shell out the additional money for the Status version of any of these regs -- the Status is scuba gimmickry at its worst (IMO).

 

[dblthunder]

Again thanks guys, I do want these for deco regs. Since the DS4 make great dbls regs as well I rather buy the DS4 over the DST and then I would have a spare set of regs if need be for another doubles rig. It just doesn't make since though to get them with the XTX40 now that I know the difference. Will hopefully hear back from the retailer today on the availability of the DS4 with XTX50 in the Nitrox version.