Apex Atx40 /50 /100/ 200

[spindlemonkey]

Hi

Am wanting to purchase a new regulator - the research I've done so far has pointed me towards Apex ATX 40/50/100/200 and that's my problem what are the differences between the 4 models.

 

[GP]

ATX40 and ATX50 - come with either the DS4 (nonswivel) or DST (swivel) first stage. The DS4 has all 3/8 inch LP ports, the DST replaces one 3/8 inch LP port with a 1/2 inch port. The second stage is identical to the ATX50 but doesn't have the breathing adjustment knob on the side. They both have a venturi lever on the second stage and they both have heat exchangers for good coldwater performance.

ATX100 and ATX200 - both have the same identical second stage. The difference from the ATX40/ATX50 being a slightly larger heat exchanger in the second stage and a new special micro adjustment that can be adjusted by a tech. The ATX100 is supposed to be a step up from the DS4/DST firsts. It's a nonswivel like the DS4. It still contains one 1/2 LP port like the DST though. The ATX200 first stage is the newest top of the line first stage and supposedly breathes the best of them all. I haven't personally tried the ATX200 so I can't say for sure but I've heard from others it does breath noticeably better. They all breath good though and you can't go wrong with any of them IMO.

 

[buff]

I have the TX50 with the TX40 second and it rocks.

How's that for a review?

You can't go wrong with any Apeks(ATX20 is for warm water only), I just think the more expensive models are........well, more expensive.

 

[buff]

Had to get my favorite dive shop name in.

Best Apeks prices.

 

[spindlemonkey]

Thanks guys!

Just one more thing, what's the 1/2 inch port on the DST for?

 

[mchiapetto]

buff once bubbled...
Had to get my favorite dive shop name in.

Best Apeks prices.

Actually a quick check today shows Leisurepro with better prices than Diveinn on the ATX100 and ATX200. Diveinn does have a better price on the ATX50.

 

[Lost Yooper]

spindlemonkey once bubbled...
Thanks guys!

Just one more thing, what's the 1/2 inch port on the DST for?

To complicate things. The same can be said out the swival too. It's a marketing ploy.

Mike

 

[O-ring]

Just one more thing, what's the 1/2 inch port on the DST for?

As I recall, and I may be wrong, it was some convoluted idea about breathing better with a larger diameter hose. Most of the guys I know with DSTs just get a port plug/adapter thing and use a standard hose on it. Last thing you want is to have a hose problem on that liveaboard trip you saved pennies for and not be able to fix it with standard parts.

That being said, I have 3 DS4s, an ATX50, a TX50, and a TX40. They all work great and are awesome breathers. I honestly can't tell the difference between the ATX50 and the TX40, but I haven't ever tried any of the higher end models (ATX100-ATX200).

 

[Ranz]

We use the ATX200 and love them.
*tossed in my $0.02*

 

[Scubamedicjoe]

PERSONALLY I THINK APEKS ROCKS AND I LOVE MY APEKS ATX 200