Apeks WTX harness and b/p--Is it stable and solid?

[BigTuna]

I'm interested in the Apeks WTX harness system to replace my existing harness. I'd reuse my existing b/p and wing with the Apeks harness.

After looking at the harness at my LDS, I'm wondering about the stability of the resulting rig because the b/p just slips into a pocket. Nothing is (nor can be) directly attached to it. This forces the bottom ends of the shoulder straps to connect to the waist strap.

Will the Apeks harness deliver the same feeling of solidity as my current rig, which is more "Hog-like," with its shoulder straps and waist strap attached directly to the b/p? It simply locks onto my back and becomes a part of me, with no independent motions.

I know there've been prior posts about the Apeks WTX system, but none that I can find have much to say about actual experience with it, and none reflect on the stability of the WTX harness with b/p. So I'd appreciate any recounting of personal experience you may have diving the system.

 

[JimmyP]

I'm interested in the Apeks WTX harness system to replace my existing harness. I'd reuse my existing b/p and wing with the Apeks harness.

After looking at the harness at my LDS, I'm wondering about the stability of the resulting rig because the b/p just slips into a pocket. Nothing is (nor can be) directly attached to it. This forces the bottom ends of the shoulder straps to connect to the waist strap.

Will the Apeks harness deliver the same feeling of solidity as my current rig, which is more "Hog-like," with its shoulder straps and waist strap attached directly to the b/p? It simply locks onto my back and becomes a part of me, with no independent motions.

I know there've been prior posts about the Apeks WTX system, but none that I can find have much to say about actual experience with it, and none reflect on the stability of the WTX harness with b/p. So I'd appreciate any recounting of personal experience you may have diving the system.

Hello!!
I am no expert but I am also looking at the Apeks system. My LDS carries Dive Rite, OMS and Apeks. They had a complete Apeks WTX system with the 32 Ibs. wing and an OMS IQ Pack system set up side by side. They looked the same!! I didn't notice any diference in build quality and both are very solid systems out of the water!! The difference between the two was the waist belt. The Apeks has a 'grommet' belt so you can attach the quick release weight system to it and the OMS just has webbing. I think both either will serve me well for Advance Rec. Diving!! and I can always update them in the future if I decide to do any other type of diving (Tec, dual tanks, etc.
I hope this helps!

 

[jk47]

I just purchased the Apeks and so far I like it, although I've only been on one dive with it - may have more to report later this week.

I have a single tank adapter on it, so there are screws through the back plate which secure it in. Feels very solid and stable that way to me.

 

[Sadamune]

jk47,

I'm seriously considering the Apeks back plate and Hogarthian webbed harness, but I noticed that the Apeks back plate is bent differently than most other back plates. The centre channel is much wider than what I've seen elsewhere. Does this affect stability or comfort? Does the mounting hardware in the centre channel (wingnuts, etc.) come into physical contact with your wetsuit?
Also, I have a Halcyon Pioneer wing that I'd like to mount to an Apeks back plate. Do the cam band slots in your back plate have standard spacing so that they line up properly with most wings?

The Apeks gear looks quite nice out of the water, but I need some informed opinions based on real diving before I buy one.

Thanks!

Sadamune