Cold water reg?

[simbrooks]

Ok, from answers to previous threads i have started i got the response that these regs are good for cold water diving:
Apeks ATX 200 or 50
Zeagle Flathead 6/ZX

I know there are others, but NOT available or recommended by the LDS's compared to these - I have looked at the prices around here and find that the Apeks and Zeagle regs are probably the best value (also located with LDS's i'd like to continue using). I have also recently been told that the Flathead 6 is very similar to the 50D is probably about the same, but its about $100 cheaper. The other question refers to the octo, is the envoy a good enough buy or is the ZX better for such things? I am going into this dealer this evening to get some rental gear, i could ask, but the people who own the place (and know more about the equipment) arent always guarenteed to be there - so i am asking you all!

I know the Apeks are the best cold water reg, BUT how far off are the Zeagles?? I see some very minor differences in the ATX200 and ATX50 designs, mostly the 1st stage shape, are they that noticibly different to dive? Again for $100 difference in price, is it worth it? I noticed the TX50 had a swivelling turret, is that still on the ATX? I didnt notice it before when i saw it, is it a point of weakness?

For diving in pretty cold (40's coldest water and probably down to ~0 air) areas, which range would be better, or would they both be pretty good? I dont know if i will exceed recommended rec limits (130ft) or doing anything too extreme, apart from the water temp!

Thanks, Simon

 

[DementialFaith]

Design in the first stage is what realli matters and wat ur paying for (ull realize that an oct is a lot cheaper than the same version of primary regulata)
I think that the apeks perform better in depth due to its overbalanced design.

 

[mmcdds]

Ok, from answers to previous threads i have started i got the response that these regs are good for cold water diving:
Apeks ATX 200 or 50
Zeagle Flathead 6/ZX

I know there are others, but NOT available or recommended by the LDS's compared to these - I have looked at the prices around here and find that the Apeks and Zeagle regs are probably the best value (also located with LDS's i'd like to continue using). I have also recently been told that the Flathead 6 is very similar to the 50D is probably about the same, but its about $100 cheaper. The other question refers to the octo, is the envoy a good enough buy or is the ZX better for such things? I am going into this dealer this evening to get some rental gear, i could ask, but the people who own the place (and know more about the equipment) arent always guarenteed to be there - so i am asking you all!

I know the Apeks are the best cold water reg, BUT how far off are the Zeagles?? I see some very minor differences in the ATX200 and ATX50 designs, mostly the 1st stage shape, are they that noticibly different to dive? Again for $100 difference in price, is it worth it? I noticed the TX50 had a swivelling turret, is that still on the ATX? I didnt notice it before when i saw it, is it a point of weakness?

For diving in pretty cold (40's coldest water and probably down to ~0 air) areas, which range would be better, or would they both be pretty good? I dont know if i will exceed recommended rec limits (130ft) or doing anything too extreme, apart from the water temp!

Thanks, Simon

I own ATX50 and an ATX200. They are excellent regs and in my opinion breath the same at any depth I've had them at. I like the ATX200. I like the looks of it and I like the positioning of the LP ports, but its not really all that different. Whether you'd want to spend the extra $ on it would be an entirely personal issue, but you probaly wouldn't notice any difference bewteen the two.

Most of the LDS sell the ATX50 with the DST first stage, thats the one with the swivel. My wife dives that first stage and and likes it, I don't personally see any big advantage to the turret, some people claim its another point of failure, but we've never had any problem with it. Apeks also sells a DS4 first stage which is the DST without a swivel (if i remember correctly, the DST also has an additional HP port), but most of the dive shops I've been in don't stock the DS4 and would have to order special order it. I also think its a few dollars less expensive than the DST. Whichever one you chose, I'm sure you'll be happy with it

 

[docmartin]

if your question aims at finding out if the zeagle is any more susceptible to freezing i would say no. i can't comment on ease of breathing.

 

[simbrooks]

I just spoke with the guy at the one store who sells the Apeks, they actually mostly only stock the TX, he says that the size of the ATX 2nd is actually a disadvantage due to its size - more fiddly to service, smaller parts that might break easier etc, but they still sell them. Any thoughts?

I am attempting to work out IF the Apeks is worth the extra $ compared to the Zeagle and if the various lower priced options are just as good as the more expensive ones. I like the two stores that sell these two regs, so which one i go with is mostly based on which one would be more beneficial/less likely to fail for the price - the Apeks TX50 is $100 less than ATX200 and about the same as the Flathead 6/ZX, and the 50D/ZX is about $200 less than the other Zeagle, if my memory serves me correctly - about $300 difference between 50D/ZX and ATX200. All are said to be cold water regs, env sealed etc, just wondering what you all thought.

 

[LUBOLD8431]

I just spoke with the guy at the one store who sells the Apeks, they actually mostly only stock the TX, he says that the size of the ATX 2nd is actually a disadvantage due to its size - more fiddly to service, smaller parts that might break easier etc, but they still sell them. Any thoughts?

That is BS. I think they said that just because they only stock the TX. I have four of the ATX 2nds, and they work beautifully. The internal components are the same as the TX series. The external size of the second stage is the only thing that is different. What a load of crap!!! I would buy elsewhere, cause they are giving you a line...

I am attempting to work out IF the Apeks is worth the extra $ compared to the Zeagle and if the various lower priced options are just as good as the more expensive ones. I like the two stores that sell these two regs, so which one i go with is mostly based on which one would be more beneficial/less likely to fail for the price - the Apeks TX50 is $100 less than ATX200 and about the same as the Flathead 6/ZX, and the 50D/ZX is about $200 less than the other Zeagle, if my memory serves me correctly - about $300 difference between 50D/ZX and ATX200. All are said to be cold water regs, env sealed etc, just wondering what you all thought.

I would go with the APEKS ATX-50 (either DST or DS4 1st stage, I like the DS4). The shop can get them if they can get the TX series. I personally dont like the new Zeagle regs. I think the plastics they use are not the same quality as the Apeks, and I believe that the first stages dont look as nice as the Apeks. Aesthetically, I just like the looks of the Apeks regs more than the Zeagle. Also, Zeagle did have some problems with the 2nd stage housings cracking around the hose end. I dont know if they started using better plastics or not.

 

[GoBlue!]

...the Apeks TX50 is $100 less than ATX200...

I'm surprised that you only have a $100 difference between the TX50 & the ATX200. Either your TX50 is really expensive, or the ATX200 is a steal. Heck, there's a $170 difference at DiveInn, and usually the differences are exaggerated in the LDSs compared to mail order.

From what I've read on the board (those with personal experience, please correct me as necessary), the TX50 is an ol' tried-and-true of the tech divers. The larger 2nd stage can easily be taken apart underwater, even if you have gloves on. The larger diaphgragm, some say, may give a tad bit better breathing performance. Some like the larger 2nd stage, saying that the exhaust T is wider, which reduces bubble interference, and some like the way it rests on their chin. Others like the smaller 2nd stage, saying bubble interference isn't really an issue, and the smaller size is more comfortable.

Performance-wise, the TX50 & ATX50 should be nearly identical. Some have reported noticing a breathing difference (very subtle, but present) between the ATX50 & ATX200; I'd say that most posts, however, claimed no difference.

I've just purchased an ATX200, but have yet to try it. I was down to the ATX50/DS4 & the ATX200....it was simply a gut decision to splurge & go with the latest. I'm sure if I had gone with the ATX50, I'd be sitting here drooling over my next dive with that as well.

You likely already know this, but remember that Apeks is a little confusing with regard to their naming. "ATX200" refers to both an ATX200 1st stage *AND* an ATX200 2nd stage (which is hardly different than the ATX50 2nd). ATX50, ATX40, ATX20, and TX50 refer to 2nd stages only, and are then paired with a DS4 (nonturret, favorite of DIR/tech divers from what I can tell, although some dive with a turret & haven't had problems) or a DST (turret) 1st stage.

Hope that helps some.

Jim

 

[steve2281]

Adding to what has already been said, I dive the Apeks DS4/TX50 ATX40octo. The DS4 will save you a little money over the DST (Dry Seal Turret) first stage and will save you a lot of $$$ over the ATX100 or ATX200 first stages. The insides are the same, so you should expect the same performance. The guts of the ATX and TX lines of second stages are the same; the difference is the size of the case. My octo breaths as good, or better, as my primary. Don't let the $$$ keep you from getting the Apeks. steve

 

[simbrooks]

I appreciate the Apeks regs, i was mainly wondering IF the Zeagle regs, either Flathead 6/ZX or 50D/ZX are much worse performance wise, particularly in low 30's water and freezing, 10-20'sF air.

Essentially i am thinking of two LDS's that can offer me each set up with a BCD or potentially a BP/Wings option (not going on that route during this discussion) and was wondering if i would be hindering myself in getting the Zeagles instead of the Apeks? This is due to the fact that they are available at the LDS's and are all env sealed and balance diaphragms. I also have another option with a Mares Abyss, but not sure i will take that route.

Thanks for the replies so far.

 

[GDI]

Ok, from answers to previous threads i have started i got the response that these regs are good for cold water diving:
Apeks ATX 200 or 50
Zeagle Flathead 6/ZX

I know there are others, but NOT available or recommended by the LDS's compared to these - I have looked at the prices around here and find that the Apeks and Zeagle regs are probably the best value (also located with LDS's i'd like to continue using). I have also recently been told that the Flathead 6 is very similar to the 50D is probably about the same, but its about $100 cheaper. The other question refers to the octo, is the envoy a good enough buy or is the ZX better for such things? I am going into this dealer this evening to get some rental gear, i could ask, but the people who own the place (and know more about the equipment) arent always guarenteed to be there - so i am asking you all!

I know the Apeks are the best cold water reg, BUT how far off are the Zeagles?? I see some very minor differences in the ATX200 and ATX50 designs, mostly the 1st stage shape, are they that noticibly different to dive? Again for $100 difference in price, is it worth it? I noticed the TX50 had a swivelling turret, is that still on the ATX? I didnt notice it before when i saw it, is it a point of weakness?

For diving in pretty cold (40's coldest water and probably down to ~0 air) areas, which range would be better, or would they both be pretty good? I dont know if i will exceed recommended rec limits (130ft) or doing anything too extreme, apart from the water temp!

Thanks, Simon

Hey Sim,
Any of the Apeks line are good for cold water diving. The Zeagle Flathead and the 50D or Zx 50D are not the same regs. You could add the Ds4 from Zeagle into the cold water comparing selection. I would dive the Zeagle ranger over the Seaquest BCD's for cold water.