Atomic vs Leg3nd vs Apeks - EAN vs air, service between?

[CapnBloodbeard]

Hi all - just looking at some new regs (and I'll have more queries over the next few days) - but while we don't use nitrox at the moment, we are likely to get certified in it.

I noticed the Leg3nd Elite and Apex xtx200 both say that if you use normal compressed air, it needs a service before switching to nitrox - but the Atomic B2, Z2/3 and M1 all say that you don't need to service between....

So, is that right? If so, seems like it could make ownership of the Atomics a little simpler and cheaper....

On that note, does anybody know how servicing costs differ between those regs?

 

[Marie13]

Pretty much all modern regs are good for use of up to 40% Nitrox out of the box. I have the AL Legend LX Supreme and Apeks XTX50 and I switch back and forth between air and 32% nitrox all the time.

It’s different with higher percentages of O2 that require regs to be specially O2 cleaned.

 

[shurite7]

Leg3nd Elite and Apex xtx200, Atomic B2, Z2/3 and M1

The three regs are ready to use with nitros up to 40% when purchased. You can change from air (assuming the compressor isn’t compromised) to nitros with no issues.

As stated above, using oxygen percentages above 40% is a different issue.

On that note, does anybody know how servicing costs differ between those regs?

Prices will vary for labor, with rates ranging from $20 to $45 per stage.

 

[CapnBloodbeard]

Thanks all....so where the Leg3nd states that you need to have it serviced if switching from regular to nitrox....people aren't worrying about that?
Is there any difference between this reg and the others why they'd say that, or just a particular risk-adverse approach this company has taken (ie company policy, nothing to do with the reg)

 

[BoltSnap]

I noticed the Leg3nd Elite and Apex xtx200 both say that if you use normal compressed air, it needs a service before switching to nitrox

What I know is that all modern regulators from all/most manufacturers are compatible with up to 40% O2 out of the box. The Apeks website states specifically that the XTX200 is "Nitrox compatible Yes to 40% O2 when new, out of the box / Can be cleaned to 100%" on its web page: XTX200 Regulator

 

[rsingler]

Thanks all....so where the Leg3nd states that you need to have it serviced if switching from regular to nitrox....people aren't worrying about that?
Is there any difference between this reg and the others why they'd say that, or just a particular risk-adverse approach this company has taken (ie company policy, nothing to do with the reg)

That comment is lawyer-speak. CYA for the company. Every other manufacturer (who all used to say the same thing) has stopped.
But here's where the "mandatory service after air" thing is true: you get your air fills at a grungy LDS that hasn't serviced their compressor in years. It still works, so who cares? Their clientele is tourists whom they'll never see again. They're the only game in town, so they don't worry about TripAdvisor reviews. They haven't changed their filters in awhile.
So their tanks, and as a result, the inside of your first stage, is coated in a fine oily (combustible) film. Now you go home, get out your new AL80 that you've just had filled with EAN40 for a nice long local 75' dive. Because you're excited, you just quickly slam that tank valve wide open to test your gear.
What's possible, though still not really likely, is that impact adiabatic heating from 3000psi tank pressure EAN40, striking against the inside wall of your oily first stage creates micro conditions for ignition. The oil is the fuel (along with the ?titanium in your expensive first stage), and of course, there's plenty of oxygen. Heat, oxygen, fuel. It probably won't crack open the case, but at your next service, the tech will comment on the fire-blackening of the wall nearest the tank outlet. Theoretically, it could be worse than that.
EAN doesn't contain those hydrocarbons. The shop would have problems long before you did without clean gas. And a reg that's factory fresh doesn't either. And once it leaves the factory, the company wants to be able to pin any damage like this squarely on you.

Most every shop is not like the one above. But not every shop. Maybe ask your shop about their last compressor air analysis. They shouldn't resist showing it to you.

 

[Marie13]

Thanks all....so where the Leg3nd states that you need to have it serviced if switching from regular to nitrox....people aren't worrying about that?
Is there any difference between this reg and the others why they'd say that, or just a particular risk-adverse approach this company has taken (ie company policy, nothing to do with the reg)

Worry about it? Absolutely not. Think of it this way: you dive one weekend with air. Have to have your regs serviced before you dive with 32% the next time? Might be 7-10 days before you get your regs back depending on how quickly the shop services them. Now you can see how this is just ridiculous.

 

[Centrals]

All Apeks regs are nitrox compatible to 40% unless the technician(cheap charlie) use nitrile O-ring instead of genuine Apeks parts(EPDM) when service them.