Apex-Zeagle need facts

[cokeman]

Need true facts from divers that have or tryed these regs...
Apex tx-50 $250
Apex tx-100 $330
Zeagle 50D $390
Zeagle Flathead VI $420 ( $ from LeisurePro)
Diving performance in all types of conditions please...

Thanks

 

[martinjc]

I have no experience with Zeagle, but I dive with the Apex TX50/DS4 with TX40 octo. (Purchased them as my first set of regs after doing a lot of research and getting recommendations here on the board).

They both breathe very smoothly, and are a respected reg in the tech community. I have never dived/dove in cold water/ice, but the Apeks is supposed to perform very well under those conditions.

Check our DiveInn in Spain (that's where I got mine) you may get a better price than you have listed.

 

[GP]

I dive an Apeks TX-50 and I like it very much. I've only dove in water temp down to 46degrees so far but it has performed great.

 

[Lost Yooper]

What kinda facts are ya looking for?

I have an older Zeagle T50D which is identical to the Apeks TX50/DST. It breaths nothing short of awesome. I don't like the 1/2" port or the swival first stage. I have had this reg free flow in very cold water (less than 38F), but both times were my fault (factory IP was set way too high).

I have a TX100 that breaths nothing short of awesome. I don't like the 1/2" port on the first stage. This first stage is/was the same as the Zeagle Flathead. I've had this reg in ice water with the IP tuned down to 130psi, and never had a problem with it. I am considering selling or trading it for the ATX200/DS4, however.

I have a TX40/DS4 that I've had in ice water (IP tuned to 130psi) and I really like this reg too. The DS4 is certainly my favorite first stage to date for back gas.

I wouldn't spend anywhere near as much as you have stated there for any of those regs. DiveINN and Simply Scuba have good prices, but I can put you in touch with someone who can often beat their prices (e-mail me).

Take care.

Mike

 

[Norm]

I own the 50D (swivel) and the Flathead, each with a ZX second stage. I love them. They do just exactly what they're supposed to do: No freeflows, diver-adjustable BALANCED second stage,(which is wonderful), all-environmental first and second stages, the most comfortable mouthpiece I've ever used, a reg that breathes super at any depth, with no changes whatsoever, super-easy cracking effort and a company that not only listens, they are easy to access.
Zeagle and Apeks used to be the same but they have completely separated and supposedly now Zeagle has tweaked and improved what they already had.
I've never heard anything negative about the Apeks line either.
Norm

 

[TexasMike]

I have the Zeagle Tech50D reg (with swivel) on the first stage and have found it to be a very capable regulator. Breathes fine in all attitudes (including lying on my back during a safety stop). I have used it mostly in warmer fresh water. The coldest water I've been in is 40 degree water this past New Year;s day and it performed as good as ever.

But after using it for a while, I am finding that I am becoming in agreement with Lost Yooper. I would rather have the non-swivel 1st stage (to eliminate that failure point) and all the Low Pressure ports be the same size (1/2" fitting hoses are not very common, whereas 3/8" are). But neither of these "down points" are affecting my overall enjoyment.

Like the others have said, the choices you have listed are good ones.

Also, my preference is to not purchase regulators through an online source. Yes you can save some money up front, but it's my experience that the post sale service from the LDS more than makes up for the difference. (and we'll save the "online vs. LDS" arguments (version 10.34) for another thread)

 

[Tavi]

I use the Apeks Tx-50 DST. I like it a lot. It always delivers however much air I need.
Once swimming against a very strong current. I got to really huffing and puffing. I could not overbreath the reg.

The coldest water I've been in is 52f, so I can't help much there.

My wife has the Apeks Tx-100. She loves it.
She won't even let me try it.

Let us know what you decide on.

 

[tombiowami]

I would echo the above on the Apeks tx50 (Zeagle brand) with swivel. No problems myself but would get the non swivel if I had it to do over. I have the tx40 octo.

Someone correct me if I am wrong here but I think
the Apeks tx50 is the reg of choice for the WKPP guys that need it 3 or 4 miles back in a dark cave 300 feet underwater on a 20 hour dive/deco...


Tommy

 

[Lost Yooper]

Yeah, I believe that's what they use 'cept with DS4 firsts (backgas). Last I heard, they used Scuba Pro's for stages and deco bottles (due to their piston firsts) with a few Oceanics and an occasional Posiedon first stage thrown in once in while. Their trademark regs are the Apeks and Scuba Pro's.

Mike

PS. There's virtually no real difference in the second stages of the TX50 and TX100. I don't suspect much of a real difference in the ATX200 seconds either -- just a bit lighter.

Keep in mind that they are using the Halcyon rebreather for those extreme dives, but still have the Apeks on their backgas. That's a lot of confidence for sure.

 

[tombiowami]

LY,

After I posted I thought about that I should have clarified it some as they are not diving the whole dive on the one reg, but use an extensive combination of the stages, back gas, rebreathers and habitats. I was coming more from Georges postings that the Apeks regs are the only ones he has in which he keeps no spare parts because they don't break.

I am just touching on the specifics here and am not presenting myself as an expert or very experienced as I am not.

Tommy