Apeks v. ScubaPro Regulator

[Mermaid T]

I was certified a month ago and have been on 4 dives since then. I am hooked and have found "My Thing" for life. That being said, I now need my own equipment. I have been researching it ALL and have narrowed the regs down to the SP MK25/S600 and the APEKS ATX200. I know that these are both great. I dove with both in my pool and liked the SP slightly better. My question is...

Which one will perform better at depth? I was only able to go pool deep so that was my limitation. If the difference is non-existent or negligible so be it, but I would like an opinion if there is one.

 

[MNScuba]

Chevy or Ford? Both are excellent regulators from what I've read and heard. I am partial to ScubaPro, but that's all I've used. If you like the ScubaPro, you can't go wrong with it... wish I had the money to get the one you are looking at... top of the line system. I have the Mk16/G250hp setup and love it!

 

[redacted]

I doubt if anyone could reliably distinguish base on performance.

Other things to consider:

$$$$...
Local service
Other support
If you go with an LDS, make real sure you are comfortable with them and go with their brand. If that is the deciding point, don't make that decision too quickly.

I dive SP and do as much of my own service as possible. I got real lucky on SP schematics and it seems the SP parts are a bit easier to find. Then again, I haven't been looking for Apeks parts. If I could find a reliable source for Apeks parts & service documentation, I'd probably make the switch.

 

[nickjb]

Both excellent regs. You wont go far wrong. I'd lean towards Apeks, they are very popular this side of the pond.

awap, There is loads of Apeks tech data on the net and my Apeks regs came with a small manual including very good diagrams

 

[Scubamedicjoe]

Hum both good just recently went through this myself i ended up with the apeks atx 200 did a dive to 110 feet yestersday on wreck dive man this is one greast regulator , breaths like it wasnt there just my choice try both if you can maybe in pool or something and allot depends on local dive store as they will be one serviceing them every year just a thought in mind !!!!!!!!!

 

[redacted]

I copied the Apeks service documentation a few months ago before Seaquest apparently put the screws to sites that were making it available. Diveinn had Apeks parts but it looks like they were forced to delete that offering. Diveinn is currently offering SP parts and I have foud a number of other sources, none of which I consider reliable.

 

[Finesse]

Awap hit the nail on the head .......Most likely they are neck to neck on performance .... Apeks vs. SP . The thing you really need to look for is a shop your comfortable with (if purchasing via LDS). I probably would have bought a SP as that is the one everyone is most familiar with (lots of Advertising), but as mentioned before in a different post, the SP dealers I had to pick from and deal with did absolutely nothing for my desire to own a SP ... mind you they are great regs.....

Once I got the Apeks ......WOW ..... just an unbelievable performer....especially at depth!!!!! I said this before and I'll say it again...you cant tell your breathing U/W with this reg ... and as Medic13 eluded too!!!!

The parts thing....well I felt the same way when I purchased it last summer...... but with the Apeks now under Aqua lung there should be no problem with that. My LDS said any shop worth its salt that sell’s Aqua lung better be able to service/repair Apeks gear....

This is not meant to start this debate ......Buying from LDS or ONLINE….. Just as an FYI.....
Dont know how it was before for SP but as with Aqualung/Apeks/Seaquest I have seen an ad in Dive mags that Scuba pro is also enforcing purchase of their product through authorized dealers ( no online / phone/ catalog orders) to get the warranty coverage/ work /free tuneup parts etc…..

 

[Mermaid T]

Thanks for the input! My local dive shops are both very good so I have excellent access for either choice.

As a friend said, ultimately this decision is not going to change the course of civilization...but it is that pesky "Breathing" thing so I'm compelled to get it right!

 

[Scubamedicjoe]

well there are several factors to take in mind one wear you will be diving , second which shop around you services and sells mantains ect
they are both rpoven and well reputable brands persnally i love my apeks ATX 200 bit i have dived with scubra pro before and they too are ok try both then decide from there hope this helps