Apex ATX100 or 200

[Yerba Mate]

I was probably as worried as you can get about the bubble interference issue before I got my DS4/ATX50. I went for it anyways, cus really apeks is the best you can do, and I got it at a good price.

On my first dive with the ATX50 I did notice the bubble a bit more (probably because I was so worried), however they were only in my face in a specific position, that it looking completely forward (being vertical) and head not tilted. Even in the normal swimming position, if I looked forward instead of down the bubbles just went past my head, not in front of my mask.

On subsequent dives, when I wasn't thinking about the issue so much, I didn't notice anything at all. In fact, I was diving with someone who had a TX50 on a long hose and I tried that one out. Seriously there was so little difference in bubble interference it really is not an issue.

Being one who wrestled with this issue quite a bit before buying my regs, I can honestly say it is not serious at all and you will really not notice it most of the time. If you are vertical for a long time (maybe ascending or something), just tilt your head to one side...The interference will disappear.

About the breathing wet, I've noticed it a bit, but not anything worse than other regs I've dove. It's a bit wet sometimes, but nothing so much as would be any problem or annoyance. Really not as much an issue as people say.

 

[will_tekkie]

Will, I completely agree with you, but.....the bloke is from London. The beer there may be 50F, but the lakes certainly aren't! :cheeky:

Yes ScubaRon, you´re right..this is why i like diving only in warm water..but beer here usually is served colder than 50F.. (being the water hotter)

 

[ScubaRon]

Yes ScubaRon, you´re right..this is why i like diving only in warm water..but beer here usually is served colder than 50F.. (being the water hotter)

I'm jealous...

 

[SimonJ]

Thanks for all the feedback guys...it seems like the Apeks regs are a good option, but I will certainly take a look at the Legend series from Aqualung and maybe a ScubaPro.

Appreciate your help. As for the beer...I kind of like it warm when it is cold outside, but give me a nice cold Harpoon IPA or Sam Adams when its warm )

 

[rescuediver009]

As far as the exhaust problem goes, I would follow Lubold and get the TX series. They are a ltitle bigger, however having used both the TX and the ATX I would recommend the older in a second to a photographer. Bubble interferance is immanent before you even reach a vertical position.

 

[Scubaroo]

I have the ATX200 - I only notice it breathing "wet" when in certain positions - usually when doing contortions trying to outswim the sealions

 

[VTernovski]

I don't think the bubble interference is too bad. IMO the main issue with the Apeks is that they breathe very wet, especially in strange positions. You may want to take a look at the Aqualung Legend series: their first stage design is very similar to that of Apeks (no wonder since they're sister companies), but they have a superior 2nd stage.

That's not true with original TX100 nor with ATX100. it doe snot breath wet. the original TX50 does seem like it's a bit wet when you're upside down, but it really is not a big deal...

The skirt on the original TX100 (or TX50 for that matter) is large, so yes, with my new ATX200, I feel I get more bubbles in my face than with my original TX100, especially when you're slightly looking up... but I kinda got used to it, and it;s not a big deal afterall.