Apeks Octo/2nd stage - are they the same?

[Boogie711]

I was shopping around, and discovered I could buy an ATX40 with an ATX50 Octopus for much cheaper than I could buy an ATX50 with an ATX40 Octopus.

So, maybe it's a dumb question, but, couldn't I just switch them around, and make the ATX50 my primary?

Or what if I find a great deal on just a first stage... could I buy an Apeks Octopus and therefore have a complete set, or am I missing something?

 

[Spectre]

Boogie711 once bubbled...
I was shopping around, and discovered I could buy an ATX40 with an ATX50 Octopus for much cheaper than I could buy an ATX50 with an ATX40 Octopus.

Ok... that's strange.

So, maybe it's a dumb question, but, couldn't I just switch them around, and make the ATX50 my primary?

It would appear so. However are you absolutely sure that the two setups come with the same 1st stage?

Or what if I find a great deal on just a first stage... could I buy an Apeks Octopus and therefore have a complete set, or am I missing something?

Think of it this way... second stages are second stages. An 'octopus' second stage is just a concept not a special type of second stage. The only potential difference between a 'primary' and an 'octopus' second stage could be the color scheme, where the 'octopus' version could have a yellow color scheme [the front cap would be yellow and the venturi lever as well].

 

[Boogie711]

If the ATX40 and the ATX50 have different first stages, then, no, they wouldn't be the same first stage. But my understanding is that the two first stages (the 40 and the 50) are virtually identical. So for example, if you liked having the venturi adjustment knob on your primary, and that was the major 'dealbreaker' for you, consider these leisurepro prices...

Apeks ATX50 Reg ($300), with ATX40 Octo ($115) = $415
Apeks TX 40 Reg ($200), with ATX50 Octo ($135) = $335

Now, yes, I know the second setup is a TX, and not an ATX, but isn't the only difference between an ATX and a TX the size of the second stage? And you would be using the 40 only as a backup, anyway, assuming you just switched it around...

 

[LUBOLD8431]

The only difference between the ATX-50 and the TX-40 second stage is the size and the adjustment (the 50 has it, the 40 does not). The only difference between the first stage that comes with the ATX-50 and the TX-40 is the swivel. The 50 has a swivel on the LP port section. The 40 comes with the DST first stage and does not have a swivel.

I actually prefer the DST first stage. I would do as you suggest. Buy the TX-40 with a ATX-50 octo then, just switch them... You will be breathing off a yellow covered second stage, but Oh well...

If you really wanted to, you could buy some new covers. The black one for the ATX-50, and the yellow one for the tx-40...

ANyways, good luck...

 

[Spectre]

Hmm... You might be correct. You could probably switch the faceplates on the two, so your yellow one is still the alternate...

Although I couldn't find first stage specs to be positive.

 

[raxafarian]

You can get the 40 and 50 with EITHER the DST or the DS4 first stage.

If both second stages are TX (or both ATX), then you can swap the faceplates. If one is a tx and the other atx, then they are different sizes.... I think... too lazy to go get mine.

 

[Scubaroo]

LUBOLD8431 once bubbled...
The only difference between the first stage that comes with the ATX-50 and the TX-40 is the swivel. The 50 has a swivel on the LP port section. The 40 comes with the DST first stage and does not have a swivel

This is incorrect - the TX-40 and ATX-50 both come with the DST - which is Apeks' Dry Sealed Turret regulator.

The TX-40 and ATX-50 have different sized faceplates, which are not interchangeable. TX-40/TX-50, and ATX-40/ATX-50 faceplates are interchangeable however. Actually the entire line of ATX faceplates are interchangeable.

 

[Boogie711]

the TX-40 and ATX-50 both come with the DST

So, the first stage would be identical... I would have an ATX50 yellow primary, and a TX40 black octopus... for about $80 less.

Hmmm... I really might be unto something here then...

How much does a faceplate cost, anyway, assuming I were actually bothered by using the 'yellow' as a primary? I've never actually seen a faceplate for sale.

 

[Scubaroo]

But have never seen one for sale - I guess they're special order.

If you're donating from the mouth, there is nothing wrong with a yellow faceplate on the primary - you will just look silly in photos.

 

[detroit diver]

Boogie711 once bubbled...


So, the first stage would be identical... I would have an ATX50 yellow primary, and a TX40 black octopus... for about $80 less.

Hmmm... I really might be unto something here then...

How much does a faceplate cost, anyway, assuming I were actually bothered by using the 'yellow' as a primary? I've never actually seen a faceplate for sale.

I bought one about 2 years ago. I think it was roughly $15.00 or so.