Apeks Status - another reason to avoid gimmicks

[SangP]

I just bought my first Apeks reg (XTX100 Status). I live and work in the Marshall Islands with no shops, technicians or service centres less than 2,000 miles from here. I have been diving Mares almost exclusively, but heard that Apeks was famous for reliability and quality. I would have avoided the Status electronic gimmicks, but the reg was on sale so I bought it.
Shipping was prompt, opened the box, installed the 1st stage, and no M.P. reading! Did a few checks, read the instructions, eventually tested the battery. All good. But still not working. I've been emailing Apeks regularly but they won't reply to me. Not even an auto-response.
Now I know I could still dive the Apeks without a working Status, but why should I trust the reg when I can't trust the indicator?
Moral of my story:
1) stay away from unecessary gimmicks like regulator electronics;
2) be aware of Apeks...their reputation is not warranted.

In only your 2nd post you're bashing Apeks???

I have owned more than a few apeks for years with no issues whatsoever and I know for a fact that Apeks are used by a lot of armed forces and have performed well under some of the most adverse conditions.

There are a lot of unanswered questions from your post.

1. Where & who did you get it from.
2. Why didn't you contact the distributor instead.

Most companies won't recognize purchases made from non authorized sellers.

SangP

 

[ZenDiver.3D]

In only your 2nd post you're bashing Apeks???

I have owned more than a few apeks for years with no issues whatsoever and I know for a fact that Apeks are used by a lot of armed forces and have performed well under some of the most adverse conditions.

There are a lot of unanswered questions from your post.

1. Where & who did you get it from.
2. Why didn't you contact the distributor instead.

Most companies won't recognize purchases made from non authorized sellers.

SangP

I agree. Sign in to bash. This smells of troll.

The OP has been diving "Mares exclusively,".... for all 50 - 99 dives of his profile.......

I have owned Apeks regs for 9 years, I have 4 and all work extremely well. All of my students who purchased Apeks because their instructor had it and let them try mine, are very happy. I do not suggest the one you bought because I see no reason to have an electronic piece in there to babysit me. I can tell if it works, inhale. I can tell if I need to service it, I have a calendar.... Most people who want this are either gullible or just want the newest toy. New doesn't mean the right choice.

If you are not happy, send it back, get a refund, and buy something you know and can have serviced if you don't know how to service it yourself. But based on one experience, please don't come crying to boycott Apeks. They have great products and have a solid track record.

 

[SangP]

I agree. Sign in to bash. This smells of troll.

The OP has been diving "Mares exclusively,".... for all 50 - 99 dives of his profile.......

I have owned Apeks regs for 9 years, I have 4 and all work extremely well. All of my students who purchased Apeks because their instructor had it and let them try mine, are very happy. I do not suggest the one you bought because I see no reason to have an electronic piece in there to babysit me. I can tell if it works, inhale. I can tell if I need to service it, I have a calendar.... Most people who want this are either gullible or just want the newest toy. New doesn't mean the right choice.

If you are not happy, send it back, get a refund, and buy something you know and can have serviced if you don't know how to service it yourself. But based on one experience, please don't come crying to boycott Apeks. They have great products and have a solid track record.

Exactly, I have 6 sets from DS4, FST, FSR, xtx and atx 2nd stages. All are great breaths n are as easy as heck to service n maintain.

I've recently moved on to the Legends LXs simply cus I got a great deal on them n they require even less maintainance.

I have also used a number of Mares regs n witness their servicing... I wouldn't use one unless it was a free n even then it's a maybe

SangP

 

[super7]

I chose Apeks for the very reason SangP pointed out; it's used by armed forces in many countires.
And as ZenDiver pointed out, I wasn't thrilled by the idea of having extra gimmicks that may fail in an otherwise trustworthy reg.

As for the OP's status not functioning, maybe a dead battery causing the trouble?

 

[Saudi-Diver]

I don't dive Apex Regs but I dive a lot with people who do, they have a cast iron reputation for quality here in Scotland. Although I think the Status idea is a evolutionary dead end and will die a natural death. Whats wrong with slapping on an IP pressure gauge and annual servicing.

 

[John_B]

According to the Apeks website, the distributor for their Pacific Islands territory is Professional Sports Diver in Guam. Did you contact them?

Most companies won't recognize purchases made from non authorized sellers.

Sang makes a great point. You may have had to buy from a dealer in your territory to get service in your territory.

I still think your best bet is to return it from whoever you bought it from.

 

[fire_diver]

I have an OT question... Why are all the Marshalese moving to my town? Whats it like over there? Maybe we should all move there!

Back on topic, you've gotten some great advice. Does the reg breath? Dive it. Otherwise ship it back to who sold it. Maybe there was a reason it was on sale.

Edit-- Damint, another drive-by poster. Hasn't been back since posting his rant. I say troll.

 

[mhoneth]

OK, you can call me a troll, flame me if you like, and yes, I know I'm not a very experienced diver. I was not calling for a boycott on Apeks, I was simply posting my experience for the benefit of others.
Marshall Islands has minimal internet connectivity, hence my limited access to the board.
Thank you for the meaningful comments above.
Apeks and the dealer have been in touch with me and offered to replace it with a 'store credit' to cover shipping costs. Shipping, even DHL, would take over a month, which I cannot afford as I need the gear for work. I have therefore chosen to use the reg anyway.
I do blame myself for not being more careful in my selection of dealer, but it is hard when living in the middle of nowhere. I thought I would minimise any problems by choosing Apeks from a licensed distributor, but it just goes to show that even those with a great reputation can fail.

 

[SangP]

OK, you can call me a troll, flame me if you like, and yes, I know I'm not a very experienced diver. I was not calling for a boycott on Apeks, I was simply posting my experience for the benefit of others.
Marshall Islands has minimal internet connectivity, hence my limited access to the board.
Thank you for the meaningful comments above.
Apeks and the dealer have been in touch with me and offered to replace it with a 'store credit' to cover shipping costs. Shipping, even DHL, would take over a month, which I cannot afford as I need the gear for work. I have therefore chosen to use the reg anyway.
I do blame myself for not being more careful in my selection of dealer, but it is hard when living in the middle of nowhere. I thought I would minimise any problems by choosing Apeks from a licensed distributor, but it just goes to show that even those with a great reputation can fail.

What do you mean fail, you got store credit and a replacement reg?

That's more than what I've seen other companies do. My leaking Mares mask got exactly $0 in refund or service from the local distributor.

Simply put electronics n water don't mix well or costs a lot to work together.

If you had gotten a DS4 or DST instead of the status you might be singing the praises of Apeks here.

FYI, learn how to service your own regs since, it's going to be real pain to send them for servicing when the time comes.

SangP

 

[pjones]

I would suggest to them that they bill you for a new reg and have it shipped out to you then refund you the cost of the second reg when they receive your first (defective) one. Apple's warranty (computers) is great for that (I think they don't even bill you unless you fail to return the product in a given amount of time).

Never hurts to at ask anyway.