buying first set of equipment

[Big fish63]

could someone recommend a reg setup for me, i've been looking at the different packages availible and i can't really tell the difference between the cheaper ones and the more expensive sets apart from what there made of.

i've heard good things about the apeks products but i'm not sure if its worth me paying the difference between say the xtx50 or xtx200??

i've done just over 100 dives. i think all my future dives will be in warm water, although i seem to enjoy diving in more challenging conditions drift diving, currents etc ( don't know if this will make a difference).

also i will only get 2 maybe 3 diving holidays a year apart from this they will be dry.

thanks guys

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

One of the first things to consider when deciding on regulator brands is where you plan to have them serviced. If you are comfortable mailing them off for service, your choices are pretty much unlimited. If you plan to have them serviced locally, your choices may be limited to the brands carried by your local dive shop(s).

Apeks makes great regulators.... so do many other brands. If I were buying a new regulator set today, I'd take a hard look and the brands that currently allow direct sales of rebuild kits and parts to their customers.... this includes Zeagle, Edge/HOG, Dive Rite, maybe a couple others I'm forgetting? Being able to obtain parts openly is a big deal to me, because I service my own regulators. While it is possible to obtain parts for the brands that prohibit direct sales to their customers (Aqualung/Apeks, Scubapro, etc.), it is a royal pain.... none of this matters much if you never intend to service your own gear however.

As far as between the xtx50 and xtx200? I'll let Apeks owners comment on that, but from simply looking at service manuals for the two, I'd probably save some $$ and go with the "50", it looks like a very good design, and is well regarded by people on this board who use it...

Best wishes.

 

[Big fish63]

thanks for the response. i think i will leave the servicing to a professional for the foreseable future..i'm just worrying i'll buy something and regretting it doesn't have this feature or it can't do that etc.. the apeks range is availible in a dive shop close buy to me. i'm just wondering which model will suitible..

 

[keyshunter]

I guarantee you will never be able to tell a difference in breathing between a properly adjusted XTX50 and XTX200.

 

[SangP]

I agree with LeadTurn_SD on the issue of parts availability but if you're not servicing it Apeks are really great regs.

I've tested my DS4/XTX50 and FST/XTX50 which have the exact same setting n I couldn't find a difference at 30m. At 60m I almost felt the FST breath a bit easier but I could have been narced lol!

Have you considered Hog regs? They are basically Apeks DSTs only more affordable with better routing.

SangP

 

[Kunundrum]

I would be inclined to agree, the Apeks XTX50 is a great all around regulator, They are a worldwide regulator meaning if you needed to have emergency service finding an authorized dealer will be easier than some of the other less common regional brands (like Oceanic).

Atomic is also a great choice, I would look at the sealed Z2x or B2, they are very advanced and simple to use, and the 2 year recommended service interval make it cheaper to service.

Being that you have done 100+ dives you should have had experience with a wide range of regulators, this is great exposure to what feature you like and want in your own regulator.

Regards

Kun