Cold / deep regs and tech computer

[BlackToe]

This is a really old thread, but you might consider a ReefNet data recorder if you're using your PP2 primarily to capture dive profile data. It's rated to 500'/-20C, has no user-replaceable parts, and easily slips into a small pocket.

I've been using one for the same purpose in rec diving for a couple years now since the IR port on my Aladin Prime died. I plan to get some tec training as soon as time/money allows.

It sounds like you may be in the computer industry (like me). ReefNet publishes a developer's guide and encourages developers to build applications that communicate with the recorder. I've built a little app that downloads my dive data and creates profile graphs for my dive blog at Scuba Crap.

It's limited to pressure and temp, though. You'd have to go with an expensive computer if you want to capture things like heart rate, etc.

 

[DevonDiver]

I've fallen in love with the X1 as a technical dive computer....it will be my next major purchase.

I dive scubapro (mk25 & s600), but I also love Apeks. For me, the decision was based on the hose routing available from the mk25....as the performance at depth is equally as good. The Apeks are a doddle to maintain though...

 

[TSandM]

Unless you are wedded to the idea of a bottom timer and tables, I think it's awfully hard to discard the X1 as an option. Not only does it run VPM, which is a common used program for cutting the tables people are talking about, but you can now actually do the planning on the wrist device. In addition, it has that incredible display, which is awfully handy in cold, dark water, when you are busy with a bag or gas switch and don't have that hand free to illuminate your gauge.

 

[Tavi]

"Apeks are a doddle to maintain "

Wow!! I'm surprised to hear that!

All of my regs are Apex. I rebuild every 2 years, check on the odd years. Never a problem!!

 

[DevonDiver]

(Doddle = Easy) Sorry, random British slang was inserted without realisation

 

[Seraphimx]

Well I live in Canada and we dive in well not so good conditions. I know the American market is better for Apeks but here in canada Apeks setups are VERY VERY expensive. I bought an XTX 200 setup in the states for 600$ and its was like 1500$ here in Canada.

Well.
1)
SCUBAPRO:
The MK25 is a Balanced Piston.
The S600 is not made of metal.
The MK17 is a Sealed Diaphragm (Most tech divers *not me* say it's way better than the M25 in really cold environment like Winter Dives... btw therese 2-3 ft of ice to get to the water so I guess it's really cold)
The G250HP or G250V is prefered by Tech divers here, since the purge and other components are made of metal.

The Higher End model as a poor cold water performance compared to the mid-end one.

APEKS:
I would personnaly go with XTX50's and DS4, The parts are cheap, easy to find someone to fix it ,and APEKS XTX50, XTX100 XTX200 they are mostly made the same, except some small differences, so you better go with the 50 since if you want to buy more than 1 reg setup it's cheaper.

SHERWOOD.
Yes, I know people don't like those. I don't, but I started diving with those (rental gear) and even in October when the water was really cold it never froze on me. They aren't made to perform (less resistance..) they are made though. They will work in cold weather and they are cheap.


Poseidon:
All the tech divers I personally know use poseidon. I was going to buy those but parts are rare, they are expensive. But the regulators are made to perform. They are really good. Yet the Tech Guys always buy the older model since it's much easier to get parts and it's been tested with time and use.


The point of this uselessly long post is to say, don't buy the hip new gadget because it as been "tested by the manufacturer" to get "performance" at deeper dives. Buy the gear that have passed the tests of wear and time.

The Apeks DS-4 is still being sold, why cause lot's of tech divers buy it, cause they know it works.
Like the Scubapro MK17 and the Jetstream first stage.


That's my advice.

 

[bell47]

I just got my XTX200 's and will try them this weekend. Water temp here in Maine is about 38-45 right now. I did dive one of the XTX200 seconds on a sherwood blizzard first last week. Very easy breathing compared to a blizzard second. I gotta say I've used a sherwood blizzard when the water temp was 29 and the air temp was -10, and NO freeze up. I did get the occasional chunk of ice down the throat but the reg never free flowed. Now I dive a AGA mask and Blizzard 1st stage for winter diving.

 

[SpaceGeek]

I use Apeks Tek3 regs. They breathe wonderfully and the hose routing on doubles is great. Computer: I use the Shearwater Pursuit as primary and my old Aeris Manta in gauge mode. I don't dive trimix. But, with the Shearwater having the ability to use five gases, you can use backgas, deco, your buddies backgas and deco, plus boat air if the boat has regs on the hangbar. It is also upgradable to use with CCR if I get one some day.