Apeks gurus, can you help?

[snobeach]

The more I search and read all the posts, the more I realize that nothing is perfect. I have been waffling it seems between the TX50/DS4 (price), TX100 ( which I guess cannot be had with a DS4, but I understand the 2nd stage is slightly smaller than the TX50's - I have a small mouth), and The ATX50. I love the idea of the smaller/lighter 2nd stage, but is excessive bubble interference an issue with this new design? I can't clearly see the exhaust tee/port in any of the photos. Also, is the ATX available with the DS4 1st stage?
If someone can offer any detailed comparison that would be awesome. I have already gained so much from everyone's experience here, but I'm getting close to the wire need to make a final choice soon. Yes, I am a newbie, but I'd like to buy the best I can for the long haul and I have been unable to see these regs in person here in the Denver area. All info welcome! Thanx so much, in advance.

 

[Scubaroo]

The ATX50 is not currently available with the DS4. I've been lobbying/negotiating with several online sources to make it available as a combination, and am having luck with one of them. Once I can confirm that they are available I will post details.

 

[wheezy]

just bought the ATX50 with the DST (not DS4) yoke style with an ATX 40 Octo for $350... $370 delivered to my house...

Not a bad deal - and the performance (unless you are a machine is identicle to the 100 or 200)

the internals of the DS4, DST, 100 1st stages are basically the same, the DS4 lacks the 1/2" port and the 100 has angled ports while the DST has the turret

Save the cash - is what I say - I can now buy a second 1'st stage for my pony setup and still be under my original budget

LDS prices $450 for the ATX 50 and $160 for the Octo for a total of $610 plus tax yer lookin $658 a differene of $288

price of a DS4 ... about $120 which leaves me with $168 for a dive boat trip, or two for that matter

 

[Iguana Don]

Don't just tease us with that great price, share your source.

We would all be grateful.

ID

 

[wheezy]

http://www.diveinn.com - but of course

I've purchase from them before and actually had a problem with the unit... had to send it back (paid for the shipping) received not a fixed unit, but a brand spanking new one in less than a week.

Michelle is awesome -

 

[Lost Yooper]

Originally posted by snobeach
The more I search and read all the posts, the more I realize that nothing is perfect. I have been waffling it seems between the TX50/DS4 (price), TX100 ( which I guess cannot be had with a DS4, but I understand the 2nd stage is slightly smaller than the TX50's - I have a small mouth), and The ATX50. I love the idea of the smaller/lighter 2nd stage, but is excessive bubble interference an issue with this new design? I can't clearly see the exhaust tee/port in any of the photos. Also, is the ATX available with the DS4 1st stage?
If someone can offer any detailed comparison that would be awesome. I have already gained so much from everyone's experience here, but I'm getting close to the wire need to make a final choice soon. Yes, I am a newbie, but I'd like to buy the best I can for the long haul and I have been unable to see these regs in person here in the Denver area. All info welcome! Thanx so much, in advance.

If the TX100 is smaller than the TX50, it's not enough to notice. The faceplates are interchangable. For all practical purposes, they are identical. I've had them sitting side by side and, other than cosmetics, the only difference is in the mouth piece -- my TX50 is older than my TX100.

I have an ATX50/DS4 coming, so I can't say how good it is yet. Bengiddens just told me about an hour ago that Simply Scuba is now selling ATX50 second stages seperate as well as seperate DS4's. I've been buggin' them about doing that for a few months now. I guess the ATX50/DS4 is about $50 more than the TX50/DS4. I don't know if it's worth it yet.

If all else fails, get the TX50/DS4 and be done with it. You won't be disappointed.

Good luck.

Mike

 

[snobeach]

and future updates as your new regs arrive would be great!!!

 

[wheezy]

got my setup yesterday morning... heading to LDS right now to have it checked out (even though my new guages won't be here for another couple of days)

everything seems great though... there is another post by me showing my excitement.... and some other things I noticed about the setup...