Apeks XTX 200 vs Zeagle Flathead VI

[Hoyden]

The Zeagle Flathead VI and Apeks are very similar. I currently own a couple of Zeagle Flatheads along with a bunch of other regs. I previously owned a couple of Apeks. The main difference between their first stage designs lies in the fact that both seats (hard and soft) are replaceable in the Zeagle. In the Apeks (as in most other diaphram regulators) only the soft seat can be replaced. If anything happens to your hard seat you have to buy a whole new body. As far as second stages, their designs are very similar. The Apeks offers a choice of exhaust covers and IME, the Zeagle breathes drier. All of my Apeks seconds breathed damp when the exhaust valve was above the mouthpiece (if you tipped far enough to side or were upside down). Both can be tuned to breathe extremely well. The Zeagle is made in the USA and their lifetime warranty has fewer limitations than Apeks' warranty. Apeks has a larger following in the tech diving community. Usually, the Zeagles can be bought at a lower cost.


Jackie

 

[serrada]

Just curious what you meant by that, I have a DS4 and I use a transmitter on it.

You must use a Scubapro transmitter then.

It does not fit with an oceanic transmitter and an inflator hose.

 

[serrada]

The other way round. Apeks made Zeagle's regs in the 90s (1993-1996 to be exact), while Zeagle made Apeks' wings. The relationship did end when Apeks was bought out by Aqualung. After they split, Zeagle design and make their own regs.

Anyways, my vote goes to Apeks. I bought an XTX200 with similar reasons to the OP, I wanted something I can grow into. I've heard great things about the Apeks regs, many are still using the older models for YEARS and have no problem in extreme cold or deep waters. If you must know, breathing machines say Apeks breath a smidgen better

Zeagle regs are made in US....Apeks are made in UK. Not sure how that affects the decision making. As far as I know, both have very good manufacturing and quality controls.

I think both of you are saying the same thing.

 

[Hoyden]

I could be wrong, but I had an Apeks tech tell me that his Apeks parts kits fit the new Zeagles as well, so service worldwide theoretically should be easy to find.

The Apeks tech was wrong. I know off the top of my head that the first stage kits for Zeagle regs made since 2000 are not interchangable with any Apeks kit. They don't contain the same parts since the Zeagle has a different design. I'd have to look at the second stage kits, it's possible, but unlikely, that the kits might interchange. I have been trained to service both Apeks and Zeagles. Jim taught my Zeagle class.



Jackie

 

[Dan Watkins]

You must use a Scubapro transmitter then.

It does not fit with an oceanic transmitter and an inflator hose.

No, I have an Oceanic Transmitter

If you look at THIS PICTURE.

The HP port is upper right port, my inflator hose is on the upper left port LP port. I am not using the middle LP port. - The transmitter is in the way of the lower LP port.

EDIT - if you have a drysuit and need another inflator, I could see that might be a problem. I used to have Poseidon Odin Jetstream regs. The HP port did block the LP ports on that reg. I used a HP port spacer found HERE. 3rd item down, Part # 004-799 to make it fit. It works like a charm.

 

[serrada]

No, I have an Oceanic Transmitter

If you look at THIS PICTURE.

The HP port is upper right port, my inflator hose is on the upper left port LP port. I am not using the middle LP port. - The transmitter is in the way of the lower LP port.

EDIT - if you have a drysuit and need another inflator, I could see that might be a problem. I used to have Poseidon Odin Jetstream regs. The HP port did block the LP ports on that reg. I used a HP port spacer found HERE. 3rd item down, Part # 004-799 to make it fit. It works like a charm.

OK, now I understand thanks.

 

[sporket]

Thanks guys for you help and info! Now one final question....I know where I can buy a Zeagle, not to sure how savvy they are as far as repair or tuning them. Any help with a Apeks??? I live in the southeast ( South Carolina ). Anyway, Thanks for your help. If you guys have anything else to add please do. It will still be a few weeks before I purchase my reg.

 

[Nismo]

One thing I like about the Zeagle is that the rebuild kit for the annual servicing is around 5 perts where almost everyone elses has more than twice the parts. The more moving parts the higher risk for something to go wrong. I have a Zeagle DS/V. It's a really good working reg not that I've had much time with it. It should do very well for just about anything I will throw at it. Just like all the other Zeagles, it exceeds all the requirements of the US Navy.

 

[docmartin]

i like that service kits for apeks are easy to find so i can service my own regs.

 

[meesier42]

I love my DS-V, you can't go wrong with this US company. As already stated, the regs are not related to the Apeks anymore, when they separated Zeagle redesigned the HP seats/diaphragm in the first stage, this, as I understand is common to the Flathead VI (and XP), DS-50, DS-V, Envoy. From what I understand, this also means they are share the same rebuild kits (which are free for life, if you maintain the warrantee). Not to mention that the price is awesome, Scuba.com is selling the DS-V right now, with an octo for $340. See the advertisement at the top of the page. And they compare with every top reg on the market, at this price they are a steal, and their customer service has been top notch, even though I am yet to have any issues, I have called to get info more than once.