Apeks MTX-RC - Back Ordered Forever

[TheBullfrog]

Greetings fellow divers

I ordered my Apeks MTX-RC from my LDS (love to help keep them in business!) in November. The Aqualung rep keeps pushing back the date of when my rig will actually come in. While my concern is not so much for the reg itself (I'm a patient guy), but what if I need service down the line?

In all y'alls humble opinion, would this be something I should be concerned about once my rig actually arrives? Perhaps it's time to think of a different manufacturer? I'd hate to do it, because it took me a long time and lots of reading and research to finally decide on the Apeks.

Thanks for your input everyone!

 

[davehicks]

You now have a new data point of research. Dump the Apeks and move on to something else that is actually available and not circling the corporate drain.

The ScubaPro Mk19 is an equivalent design with a fully sealed diaphragm design and swivel for the LP ports. Pair with a G260 second stage.

 

[Mobulai]

but what if I need service down the line?

That’s the main concern I’d say
Given your location I’d say APEKS/AL aren’t that dependable (in the US in general)

Either stock up (grey market) and learn to diy or move on to something else (that is what I would do at least)

Tangent: what were the main selling points that got you to choose the mtx from Apeks in the 1st place ?

 

[TheBullfrog]

That’s the main concern I’d say
Given your location I’d say APEKS/AL aren’t that dependable (in the US in general)

Either stock up (grey market) and learn to diy or move on to something else (that is what I would do at least)

Tangent: what were the main selling points that got you to choose the mtx from Apeks in the 1st place ?

Aside from the (former?) reputation of the brand, I am a cold water diver, and plan to continue my education/dives into cold water.
Also, I like the military accepted aspect/rugged-ability, the ease of breathing at depth (reportedly), and in the end I do also like the unique look of it.
Thanks for taking the time to reply!

 

[runsongas]

your other option for a military approved norsok reg is the poseidon xstream, but getting service is a little tricky too, although mailing to airtech or rob singler is workable.

unless if you are planning to travel for ice diving though, the xtx50/dst is plenty for norcal to the pnw and easier to service/get parts for. or consider dive rite/zeagle etc for sealed diaphragm regs. scubapro mk19 g260 is good but hella overpriced in the US, buy grey market from overseas in that case. at least with AL/Apeks you are supposed to still get the parts program if you buy at the US price.

 

[Mobulai]

Aside from the (former?) reputation of the brand, I am a cold water diver, and plan to continue my education/dives into cold water.
Also, I like the military accepted aspect/rugged-ability, the ease of breathing at depth (reportedly), and in the end I do also like the unique look of it.
Thanks for taking the time to reply!

I understand, and sorry for your predicament!

scubapro mk19 g260 is good but hella overpriced in the US, buy grey market from overseas in that case.

absloutely this
I personally chose this Pokemon (in sidemount format) for myself, but I also caught it here in EU for our (more realistic) prices, before they raised it this year a bit
I kinda consider selling them (just the mk19Es) since, I found the old mk19s which I originally tried to find on the after market and failed, but given my addiction of regs...

(tho they are abloute heavy mofos)

IDK, bit by bit tbh.. DIY made me lean towards piston bit by bit; and now when I travel I take piston regs -- I digress

@TheBullfrog , what was your 2nd on the list? maybe we help mitigate the FOMO against them in case you move from AL (fearing supply chain issues that keep hovering)

 

[TheBullfrog]

I understand, and sorry for your predicament!


absloutely this
I personally chose this Pokemon (in sidemount format) for myself, but I also caught it here in EU for our (more realistic) prices, before they raised it this year a bit
I kinda consider selling them (just the mk19Es) since, I found the old mk19s which I originally tried to find on the after market and failed, but given my addiction of regs...
View attachment 882100
(tho they are abloute heavy mofos)

IDK, bit by bit tbh.. DIY made me lean towards piston bit by bit; and now when I travel I take piston regs -- I digress

@TheBullfrog , what was your 2nd on the list? maybe we help mitigate the FOMO against them in case you move from AL (fearing supply chain issues that keep hovering)

I have to say, one of the unexpected, yet happiest of discoveries is the valuable help and input I get from fellow divers. I am honored to be part of this fascinating world and look forward to all the adventures ahead!

With that being said, I was also looking at the Aqualung Legend Elite. However, I had a chance to rent one, and the honest truth is, to me, it didn't breath much better than the Oceanic rentals I was (am) using while waiting for my Apeks.

However, I can see that, along with many other gear addictions, that even if I do FINALLY get my Apeks, it will not be my only option.

Thanks for your insight!

 

[runsongas]

as the legend elite was also a rental, the issue is that most rental regs are not tuned "hot" for the maximum performance because the shops don't want complaints about freeflowing. if you were comparing against the newer Zeo or Delta 5 oceanic regs, you won't see much of a difference if they are tuned down to similar specs as they have a similar balanced 2nd stage design.

 

[jellycatsdad]

I’d look at Scubapro’s MK17/19 + G260(or the Halcyon equivalents) or Mares XR series(which DGX oddly enough sells parts for) for name brand or Deep6 Signature Series for something you can service yourself. I wouldn’t mess around with Aqualung/Apeks.

 

[TheBullfrog]

as the legend elite was also a rental, the issue is that most rental regs are not tuned "hot" for the maximum performance because the shops don't want complaints about freeflowing. if you were comparing against the newer Zeo or Delta 5 oceanic regs, you won't see much of a difference if they are tuned down to similar specs as they have a similar balanced 2nd stage design.

Glad that there is a reasonable explanation and I'm not imagining things.