Apeks or Scubapro?

[motohooligan]

I'm just about ready to pull the trigger on a new regulator. I'm torn between the Apeks DS4 w/ XTX50 seconds and the Scubapro Mk17 w/ G250V. I've read a ton about each reg and now my head is about to explode. I would like a direct comparison of the two if possible. Right now I don't dive in water less than 50F. However, I might be moving to Europe in the near future so colder water is possible. I do have a drysuit, so that makes colder water even more of a prospect. Right now this would be a single tank rig. I probably won't do doubles anytime soon, but the idea is simmering somewhere in the back of my head. I know there are about a million of posts of This vs. That and so forth, so I apologize for putting up another one. Thanks in advance!

 

[buff]

Both very good. Buy the cheaper one and with the money you save you can take another diver safety course....or same course again about resusitation, ventilation, rescue, stuff like that. Certainly more important than the logo on the front of your regulator is the safety knowledge in your head.

 

[Tortuga68]

Both popular products, both designated for cold water diving, both adaptable to doubles

My friends and I use Apeks and like them a lot, never had a problem

Something to consider would be availability of service where you live/dive

Have a browse of these threads:

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/regulators/268365-differences-regulators.html

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/regulators/166368-cold-water-reg-advice-needed.html

Hope your head doesn't explode

 

[kathydee]

I took some advice off Scubaboard and bought a MK17 G250V. I love it! It performs fantastic down to at least 38M ;-). Don't know about the Apeks.

International accessability of service was one of the main selling points.

Good luck!

 

[keyshunter]

Both are excellent. Buy the one which has the best availability of service, not only at home, but also where you intend to do most of your diving.

 

[motohooligan]

Honestly I'm not too concerned about service. I'm not sure where uncle sam will send my wife and me next. So it may have to be mail order or I'll learn to service it myself. If we get sent to Europe, I don't think either will be a problem as far as service is concerned.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

SP's dealer network is a bit wider as many Aqualung dealers do not opt to carry Apeks, so getting service anywhere on the globe is probably easier with Scubapro.

As for DIY service, both companies control parts and limit access to dealers only - but Scubapro annual service kits show up all the time on e-bay while Apeks kits are comparatively rare, so again I'd go with the Mk 17 G250V.

 

[Jorgy]

I think both regs are great..........

From my informal globetrotting personal experience I see a lot more SP than Apex......

So, if you're a drifter.................might suggest going SP

Hope this helps........M

 

[DeNomad]

I came to the same choice when I got my regs last year. I opted for the Apeks but both are really good!

I think Apeks are pretty common in Europe? Anyway, it is possible to find Apeks kits online. I'd reccomend going with whichever you get the best deal on.

Personally if I was to purchase again I might get a used set and have them serviced. Your particular two choices of regs pop up on this board and other boards regularly.

 

[beanojones]

SP's dealer network is a bit wider as many Aqualung dealers do not opt to carry Apeks, so getting service anywhere on the globe is probably easier with Scubapro.

As for DIY service, both companies control parts and limit access to dealers only - but Scubapro annual service kits show up all the time on e-bay while Apeks kits are comparatively rare, so again I'd go with the Mk 17 G250V.

Quoting this, because it says what I would say. I just moved out here to the wilds of the Pacific, and sure enough the Aqualung "distributor" does not stock Apeks in their 'warehouse' or in the shop.

As far as DIY goes, the Apeks are much, much easier to work on (as long as you lube the environmental cap and diaphragm cap threads when you are assembling).

In either case (SP or Apeks) you will need some brand specific tools to attack the first stages. In SP's case you will need some model specific tools as well.

Generally it's a hassle to have to buy the SP model specific tools, but once you do, you are glad you did.