I'm trying to decide between getting the ATX200 and DS4 first stages (in either case I think I'm going to get the ATX200 second stage). If I get the ATX200 I would use it with the Yoke for awhile and then sometime down the line get the DIN conversion kit. Thoughts?
ATX200 vs. DS4
- Thread starter pgraham11
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SpyderTek
Guest
Hi pgraham11,
Well I use the Tx-50 myself and I love it. I read a review by Rodales on the atx-200. They said that the only advantage over the earlier series was the fact it was 25% lighter. They also said that it was slightly hard to draw on at depth.
Don't have any specific information as to how it compares to the DS4 however. Sorry.
SpyderTek
Well I use the Tx-50 myself and I love it. I read a review by Rodales on the atx-200. They said that the only advantage over the earlier series was the fact it was 25% lighter. They also said that it was slightly hard to draw on at depth.
Don't have any specific information as to how it compares to the DS4 however. Sorry.
SpyderTek
large_diver
Contributor
One aspect to consider is hose routing. I have not been able to get a close up look at the ports for the new ATX 200 (I have a TX 100). Some tech divers swear by the DS4 vs. the newer model Apeks first stages because apparently the port orientation makes hose routing for certain configurations easier.
SpyderTek
Guest
How is that possible though? Whith the Apeks first stage being a 360 degree swivel configuration I don't see how there could be a way NOT have the hose routing the way you like it.
I'm very interested to know more details Large_Diver. Can't tell you the number of times so far that I have had one idea or understanding of something in scuba then someone came along and said, "yeah but have you looked at it this way?" and a bulb goes on over my head.
Thanks.
I'm very interested to know more details Large_Diver. Can't tell you the number of times so far that I have had one idea or understanding of something in scuba then someone came along and said, "yeah but have you looked at it this way?" and a bulb goes on over my head.
Thanks.
Unless I am goofed, the DS4 is not a swivel first stage. I looked at an ATX-200 the other day and it has the same fixed layout at the TX-100. I thought that the DST was the only swivel first stage. Or at least the ones that swivel end with T (turret).
JoelW
JoelW
SpyderTek
Guest
Well, I don't know for sure enough about the whole line to make a statement I am 100% comfortable on what is swivel and what isn't. But I CAN tell you I have the Apeks TX-50 1st and 2nd stage. And the 1st stage is definately 360 degree turret.
ST
ST
Lost Yooper
Guest
The TX100 first stage (DS4) is definately a fixed first stage. My Zeagle T50D has the swival first stage. I like the fixed first stage.
Mike
Mike
The ATX50 first stage is on a swivel, the ATX200, TX100, and DS4 first stages are not. I'm defintely looking at a non-swivel first stage.
I just can't imagine there is a significant difference in hose configuration between the ATX200 and the DS4 (my LDS doesn't have a DS4, but they are willing to order me one), as best I can tell from the picture they are almost the same. The biggest difference (besides Yoke vs. DIN) is that the ATX200 has 2 HP ports and 4 LP ports, whereas the DS4 has 1 HP port and 4 LP ports.
I just can't imagine there is a significant difference in hose configuration between the ATX200 and the DS4 (my LDS doesn't have a DS4, but they are willing to order me one), as best I can tell from the picture they are almost the same. The biggest difference (besides Yoke vs. DIN) is that the ATX200 has 2 HP ports and 4 LP ports, whereas the DS4 has 1 HP port and 4 LP ports.
The ATX first stage is quite a bit different than the DS4. The hoses come of at an upward angle like the TX100 as opposed to radially. Below is a link that describes the Apeks first stages. The other big difference between the DS4 and DST is that there is a 1/2" LP port on the DST where all 4 LP ports on the DS4 are 3/8". I don't think that the DS4 is very prevalent here in the States.
http://www.divesource.com/apeks/firststages.htm
JoelW
http://www.divesource.com/apeks/firststages.htm
JoelW
That kind of suprises me, the Sea-Quest website doesn't mention the enlarged primary port for the ATX200 or ATX100, only for the ATX50. The Apeks website doesn't even have the ATX line listed, but it does show the TX100 with the enlarged primary port. I guess the enlarged primary port isn't that big of an issue though, I read you can order a plug that converts it from 1/2 to 3/8.
I think if the hose orientation is such that it angles upward, my concern would be if I were to get a second one and dive doubles, with the second one upside down it would cause problems with the hoses angled down.
I think if the hose orientation is such that it angles upward, my concern would be if I were to get a second one and dive doubles, with the second one upside down it would cause problems with the hoses angled down.
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