Apeks DST vs FSR

[sharko108]

Hi guys

I'm looking for new informations, as i have found old topics, about Apeks 1st stage .
Going to buy my 1st regulator and i don't really know which one should I take between DST (XTX50) or FSR (XTX200).

For now i'm thinking about the FSR as it looks smaller and i've read some "better route" stuff and if i understood well, the 5th port of the FSR would be directly pointing downward.
I know the "removable thing of the FSR in case of broken part , but not really a point i take in consideration

I'm actually only nitrox diver but going to do TDI Courses so probably in few times going with twins (but no Side mount)

One last thing, do you know if the 5th port kit is the same for both ? I found a store that is selling one kit but it says " DST kit" . I was wondering because maybe i could use that 5th port (with single tank configuration) to put on it the long hose regulator, what do you think?

Thanks

 

[PJ4863]

Apeks XTX Series First Stage Differences | Dive Gear Express®

Apeks has offered several different first stage models in their XTX series regulators: DS4, TEK3, DST, FSR and FST with a variety of port ...

www.divegearexpress.com

Here's a description of all their current reg offerings and which one has which features that may suit your style.

The 5th port AFAIK only comes into play with sidemount diving. I've got a 2 DSTs and maybe a FSR? I'm not even sure which one it is. Both the Potential FSR and DST are set up for long hose, single tank and neither one has the 5th port. My thought is by the time you think you'd need the 5th port, your tastes and needs in a regulator will become more defined and you'll know what your really want from a regulator.

 

[sharko108]

Apeks XTX Series First Stage Differences | Dive Gear Express®

Apeks has offered several different first stage models in their XTX series regulators: DS4, TEK3, DST, FSR and FST with a variety of port ...

www.divegearexpress.com

Here's a description of all their current reg offerings and which one has which features that may suit your style.

The 5th port AFAIK only comes into play with sidemount diving. I've got a 2 DSTs and maybe a FSR? I'm not even sure which one it is. Both the Potential FSR and DST are set up for long hose, single tank and neither one has the 5th port. My thought is by the time you think you'd need the 5th port, your tastes and needs in a regulator will become more defined and you'll know what your really want from a regulator.

Thanks for the link , i'll check this out now
About 5th port, so you don't think there is any value to use it now for better routing of the long hose? I have seen a picture of a single tank configuration using the 5th port and turning a little bit its 1st stage but was wondering why not keeping it straight , maybe the hose would be too much in the back

 

[PJ4863]

Honestly, its never been an issue for me. Straight up, and its pointing directly over my head. Straight down, and its in the wing. Would using a 5th port make things easier? Maybe, but its been such a non issue. Certainly not worth paying for the optional upgrade kit with a single tank. Only my opinion, yours may vary. However, money not spent on equipment can be better spent on a tank of air, more training, more enjoyment. I may be in the minority, but any safe equipment will work, especially to start out. Over time you'll grow your needs, and focus your equipment to that. Once you're going to go down the tech route, your instructor may have certain feelings and requirements.

 

[sharko108]

Thanks i agree with you . I still have time . In fact i was wondering about that 5th port because the shop could install it for me for free so i wouldn't have to do it myself as i'm bad with my hands lol.

Anyways, do you guys know what hose length is provided with XTX200 kit by apeks? I'm going to buy different hoses for my setup, but i could maybe use for the dry suit the one given initially for the primary if it's around 75-80cm? if this is the right size for dry suit hose ofc

 

[Centrals]

I have both and this is my own opinion:
1. Both 5th ports are pointing in one direction only.
2. FSR is slightly lighter than DST.
3. The ARCAP in FSR is replaceable while the valve seat in DST isn't.
4. The routing of the HP port in FSR is better because it is pointing in an inclined direction so less stressful to the hose.
5. I do not find the turret on DST has any real practical value in recreational diving. DS4 is cheaper.
6. I use the DST only as deco reg because of the turret.

 

[Seepferdchencam]

I use the FSR with no 5th port for single tank diving. Routing is excellent.

For twins I have 2 DSTs with the 5th port. Routing is excellent.

For stages I have a DST with no 5th port. Routing is also excellent.

I know people who dive twins with two FSRs with the 5th port. Routing is acceptable to good. I also know people who dive a single with a DST. Routing likewise acceptable.

If you think you'll end up with less than 4 regs boy oh boy have I got news for you

 

[inquis]

Turret is useless for single-tank diving in my view, since primary donate hose lengths will not impede movement. It's nice to have on the right doubles post (won't kink during a single-file shared exit). My recommend is to get a non-turret now, and move it to deco service if you go down the tech route.

The 5th port is nice for single-tank IMO:

 

[steinbil]

One last thing, do you know if the 5th port kit is the same for both ? I found a store that is selling one kit but it says " DST kit"

They are not the same kit

 

[sharko108]

Turret is useless for single-tank diving in my view, since primary donate hose lengths will not impede movement. It's nice to have on the right doubles post (won't kink during a single-file shared exit). My recommend is to get a non-turret now, and move it to deco service if you go down the tech route.

The 5th port is nice for single-tank IMO:
View attachment 893809

But in this configuration, do you have to turn it like that ? I mean why not using the same configuration but keep it straight, 5th port pointing down?

They are not the same kit

Ok thanks


Thanks guys, i think i'll go for the FSR !
Only thing, one seller told that the XTX200 is no longer on his software to buy and they are going to stop its production. I hope he only talks about 2nd stage , not the first if later i need a second FSR for doubles lol.