Apeks DST w/ atx50-40 octo

[brianandcat]

Hey all just a general question. I am thinking about buying a Apex DST 1st with a atx50 second and atx40 alternate. Just curious what the SB peeps think about this set up. Currently using mares MR12 with Nikos regs want to upgrade and use my current set up as a back up, and the wife says I can spend a little money for life support equipment.

 

[Dutch552]

I have two dives in on my Apeks DST with XTX50 and XTX40 octo. I am very satisfied with my purchase thus far and have heard a great deal of divers praise the DST 1st stage. The tech group will argue that the turret is a failure point but I don't plan on taking a tech course anytime soon. This is a very popular 1st stage in Europe and I like the hose routing options that the turret offers. The XTX50 breathes great at depth and the diver adjustable inhalation effort actually functions on this reg when cranked down to prevent coldwater freeflows and allows the 2nd stage to be breathable unlike many others where you feel you are sucking through a straw at depth. The only thing I could knock on thus far is that the 2nd stage is a little wetter than the Scubapro S555 I tried but drier than the Sherwood Oasis that I once owned. I wanted a reg that would carry me for the next 5 years without an upgrade and this combo has thus far exceeded all my expectations.

 

[xSandman3]

I have one issue with the turret, but for most divers it never comes up. When teaching reg recovery, I have a really hard time finding my second stage hose on the valve. It always turns just enough to be out of reach, and I end up looking like an idiot to students.

As far as performance, it rocks. I just ordered an XTX200/XTX40 combo, and am looking forward to comparing it to my ATX50.