APEKS 'Vintage' Reg?

[axxel57]

I’m not an APEKS fan, but when I saw this ‘Vintage APEKS’ reg, again I couldn’t resist.

The 1st didn’t look like one of the typical APEKS 1sts, and to my surprise it’s an APEKS piston reg, an environmental sealed 1st (liquid silicone or oil).

Didn’t know they had been designing piston 1sts.

It’s a T50 Reflex.

The 2nd looks quite familiar, the spring seems to have hardened over time, couldn’t adjust it better than 1,6 inch/h2o.

Still I like it.

Does one of the APEKS Gurus have an idea from when this model could be?
And what for could be the 'foam' in the 1st?

Tbone…….?

 

[SubseaSports]

Dunno about the 1st stage, but 2nd is Beuchat, I beleive Vx10.

I have set. Good breathers.

 

[axxel57]

Dunno about the 1st stage, but 2nd is Beuchat, I beleive Vx10.

I have set. Good breathers.

View attachment 744494View attachment 744495

That's for sure an Apeks, never seen these components with Beuchat, maybe just the cover and purge button is from Beuchat.
VX10s as I know them look very different.

 

[lexvil]

the First stage design looks interesting and compact especially sitting next to the second.

 

[axxel57]

the First stage design looks interesting and compact especially sitting next to the second.

Yes, but I think that is just the perspective.
This 1st has simply very good components and chrome, is environmentally sealed (I have had that piston design already in my hands with another manufacturer, just don't remember which it was).
Interesting HP Ports, don't think they would pass modern CE Norms.
I think the yellow 'foam rubber' on the piston base side is called 'silencer', but I have no idea what it could silence........

 

[lexvil]

I think the only thing it would silence is the sound of the oil sloshing around, I enjoy these early attempts at sealing a piston first stage, Sherwood SR’s are the culmination of such endeavors

 

[Geo7]

Oh, a sealed piston 1st?

Wasn't the reflex around since the 1990s? I think the T50 and especially TX50 are what made Apeks reputation and allowed them to break into the market, so can't be bad...