Bad things about Apeks TX50?

[dmentia]

Ok, so here's the deal- I purchased my first reg/octo based on what all the reviews said, and never tried it in the pool. I hated it, and now I am getting a new setup. I would really like to buy a setup after at least trying it out in the pool (which would have saved me from my previous reg mistake), but I don't have a chance to do that with the Apeks.

Most everyone here raves about them, but what I would like to do is give people a chance to convince me that I won't be sorry if I get one without trying it. I have seen a TX50/TX40 set up and the large stage 2 is a slight concern, but I had a large stage 2 in my O/W class and it didn't really bother me, so I don't think that would be an issue. Anyone think that might be a mistake?

Anyone brave enough to take on the Apeks lovers and tell me anything bad about them? Any Apeks lovers got a convincing argument that I am worried about nothing?

My first chance to use it will be a dive trip to Grand Cayman in Feb., but then I'll be diving cold water in Lake Michigan and quarries, which is how I zeroed in on the TX50 to begin with (BTW- thanks to those that offered advice about my coldwater questions).

And nope, I can't afford the ATX200!
Thanks for any help in advance,
Dmentia

 

[TexasMike]

Beyond the size, what else are you concerned about?


But if you are looking for a regulator that is going to last you throughout your diving career, the TX50 is one of the best choices around.

 

[Tavi]

Hi again.
My wife tried lots of different regs. there was something she didn't like about each of them. She bought an Apeks Tx-100 because I told her I loved my Tx-50, and she couldn't go wrong with Apeks. The Tx-100 has a slightly smaller second stage, this was important to her. She loves her reg. I'm glad she does! Imagine the years of abuse I would have gotten if she bought it on my advice and didn't like it!!! :

Yes it would be great if you could try it in the pool first. Ask around maybe someone has one you can try. Some of our instructors let us check out their own personal gear. Stuff they could get if we wanted, but did not regularly stock in the shop.

Let us know how you make out.

Disclaimer: see subject line at top of post.

 

[SpyderTek]

No one loves estolling the virtues of the Tx-50 regulators more than I do I promiss you that...Ok perhaps a salesman selling them on commission would

Anyway this time, for the sake of counterpoint, only put the negatives things with the TX-50

1) The larger size does cause a bit of jaw fatige if you have the "standard" molar biting mouthpiece (comes this way if you buy it over seas) but if you get it in America then it comes with the "comfo-bite" and makes it easier long term on the jaw.

2) Due to its adjustable sensitivity it is prone to "finger in the hole" syndrome when out of the water. Unless you back off all the knobs to its tightest setting.

3) Position in water effects how easy / hard to draw a breath. Not a whole lot but enough to be noticeable. What I mean by this is if you are horiszontal and facing down everything is great but roll over on your back and look straight up you can feel it become more difficult to draw.

Those are the only negative things I can find at all about the TX-50.

Will sign off by saying I wouldn't have gotten certified without it.

SpyderTek

 

[chuckrt]

Spydertek your negatives are the same ones with my ScubaPro GT250 but I love it in the water.

AS far as mouth/jaw fatigue I like the Seacure moldable mouthpiece really helps the jaw.

Now to the Apex: this is a very well liked reg for all kinds of diving and should fit your needs for many years.

 

[Tavi]

I have a Sea-cure mouthpiece on my Tx-50 (thats why my wife never tried my reg) I have never even noticed a hint of jaw fatigue, even when doing 4 dives in one day. It does make a difference.

 

[blacknet]

Hello,

Sure i'll bite.

The controls are hard to use with gloves/mits on. The controls are not clearly marked and leaves wonder to the new owner as to the proper placment. The exhaust ports are against the chin and somewhat rubs the skin. I can see some people having problems with this. The second stage is abit on the large side. The housing presents some complications with attaching clips for stage bottles. The housing is plastic, which under the right load will crack.

Let me also say that you can have my apeks tx-50 when you pry it from my cold dead hands.

Ed

 

[GP]

I bought my TX-50 without even trying it shortly after I got certified. There isn't anything I don't like about it to be honest. I had only used an Aqualung Titan for my training and the TX-50 is much nicer. I actually love the wide exhaust T because I get absolutely no bubble interference. Mine has the Comfo bite mouthpiece and I like it but may try a seacure at some point. The second stage is a bit bigger than some regs out there but it isn't heavy so I doubt that will be a problem. If you want a smaller second stage you could just get an ATX-50 instead.

 

[Iguana Don]

Hello,

I gotta agree with what Ed said.

Somebody take my pulse to see if I am still alive!

ID

 

[Lost Yooper]

This is what I would advise:

Don't get the ATX200 first stage -- just get the ATX200 second stage and the DS4 first stage. The weight difference of the ATX first stage won't effect your comfort anyway. This can be had for about $275US + shipping. You can add a TX40 octo for about $90. So, for about $375, you have an awesome combo that should last you forever (or until you feel like buying something new). At DiveInn, you can get the TX50/DS4 with TX40 octo for $319. If it were me, I would spend the additional $60 (from someone I know) or so for the lighter ATX second stage.

If you have to go with the TX50, I advise against getting the standard DST first stage that it comes with. The turret is totally unnecessary, and is why I advise getting the DS4 first stage (dry sealed no turret). I have the Zeagle T50D (older one) which is identical to TX50 and swival first. The other problem with the DST first on the TX50 is the single 1/2" port. Although it doesn't seem like a problem at first thought, 1/2" plugs and hoses are quite uncommon if you need one in a hurry. The 1/2" port is totally unnecessary, and all of the ports on the DS4 are the standard 3/8". My line of thought is if it's not necessary, then don't get it/use it. Not only that, but I believe the DS4 first is cheaper than the DST first, which is a bonus.

I have bought all of my Apeks sight unseen and untried and haven't been disappointed at all with their reliability and breathability for deep diving. I wish I had not gotten the TX100 first stage or that DST first stage, but as a whole they are very good regs. I now have a TX40/DS4 and I much prefer that first stage. I will be buying an ATX200/DS4 soon.

Other than that, I have nothing particulary "bad" to say about the Apeks line of regs. I use 6mm mitts and gloves and don't have any problems with the controls, and I haven't had any particular problem with comfort for dives in excess of 90mins. Lighter would be better, of course.

Good luck.

Mike