Apeks vs. Scubapro

[buff]

I'm going to get a new regulator for my wife and I don't want her thinking I didn't care enough to get her the very best(besides I bought a Poseidon Jetstream for myself). I have been debating between the APeks tx50($312 with octopus from DiveInn) or the Apeks tx40($289 with octopus from DiveInn) or a Scubapro R380 with Mk 16($149 without the octupus from DiveInn-then I would just get another 380 as the octopus).
I know that the Apeks have swivel mount on the first stage-is that so noticable with regards to comfort? Is there a port on the first stage of the Apeks that is non-standard and can be a hassle to refit-or fit to a dive computer?

Thanks
Mike

 

[turnerjd]

Originally posted by buff
Is there a port on the first stage of the Apeks that is non-standard and can be a hassle to refit-or fit to a dive computer?

Thanks
Mike

This might have changed but...

The first stage for the TX50 is called the DST. I have two of them, and neither has any special 'funny' size ports.

There have been no problems fitting things to it. However, my youngest DST is now 3 years old, it might have changed since then. If it has changed, then one of the (4) LP ports will be slightly larger than the rest for the 2nd stage hose. This leaves you with three other standard ports to fit whatever you want to - however I am sure that the DST's I saw at the london dive show were all the same as mine.

Personally I love the Apeks, and have never had any problems with it. Would recommend it to anyone and everyone. As for TX40 vs TX50, I prefer the 40 simply because it is simpler, and for the depths I usually dive has the same performance as the TX50. You only really notice differences between the four Apex regs at depths of 40m (130ft) or so. - I would even go as far as saying if you are only doing warm water diving the TX20 would probably be just as good!

Jon T

 

[Warhammer]

I have a new Apeks TX50 with the DST 1st stage(swivel) and the TX40 octo. All the ports, hoses and etc are standard. I believe the TX100 does however have a larger sized hose for the primary second stage.

Like turnerjd, I'm love my set.

 

[buff]

I will be getting my wife and Apeks(probably the tx40, instead of the tx50-why spend the extra money-can go to beer instead). I hope she likes it.

 

[haggis]

If you are going to hope she likes it then why don't you ask her her opinion?!!! I've noticed that a lot of guys round this board are always going to buy some piece of eqipment "for the wife". Equipment is a very personal choice and what's good for some people way be overkill or not enough or just plain unsuitable for others. That said, I love my TX50 and I'm sure your wife will get on fine with whichever Apeks she ends up with, and I'm sure you have her best interests at heart and know what type of diving she's into.

This isn't directed specifically at you, Mike, and please don't take offence, it's just something I've noticed as I've been trawling the boards, and I thought I'd bring it up. I personally would not be delighted at being presented with such a vital piece of equipment that someone else had chosen (yes, ungrateful I know). Anyway, I'll nip down off my soapbox now and go and do some diving instead.

BTW havn't really noticed any diference with the swivel, and I was using a reg without one before.

Linda

 

[turnerjd]

Linda,

I suspect that the 'I'm going to buy her XXX' becomes in general a joint visit to the store, and an offer to buy XX if she approves.

Consider it as research, and a preffered solution.

Jon T

 

[egg007]

Both are good regs, but let her try out the mouth pieces and the feel of the reg, she may find the Scubapro more friendly ro sits better in her mouth. Let her decide its her reg.