(Genuinely) new Apeks regulator - EVX/Tungsten

[ChrisMBC]

Starting a thread for anyone interested in Apeks' new 1st/2nd, the EVX 200/EVX Tungsten. Description and images that I scraped are in this post, but to summarize:

• Looks quite a lot like an XL4 second stage with a redesigned purge cover. Double-swivel hose will anger the DIR crowd but maybe make an alternative to Atomics?
• Hose routing for the 1st stage looks pretty good for single-tank long-hose, not sure about doubles
• ACD device looks like a fairly logical carry-over from the Apeks Legend range
• Looks like a lot of focus on freeze resistance, between the massive headsinks everywhere and the plastic cover (which I assume is the "Unfreezable end cap technology")

 

[jborg]

Double-swivel hose will anger the DIR crowd

Nah, we'll replace the hoses with better lengths regardless. Unclear if ACD is good or bad though.

 

[mundo121]

Wow they are finally going to stop making the xtx?

 

[jborg]

Why do you think so?

 

[GF99/99]

Starting a thread for anyone interested in Apeks' new 1st/2nd, the EVX 200/EVX Tungsten. Description and images that I scraped are in this post, but to summarize:

• Looks quite a lot like an XL4 second stage with a redesigned purge cover. Double-swivel hose will anger the DIR crowd but maybe make an alternative to Atomics?
• Hose routing for the 1st stage looks pretty good for single-tank long-hose, not sure about doubles
• ACD device looks like a fairly logical carry-over from the Apeks Legend range
• Looks like a lot of focus on freeze resistance, between the massive headsinks everywhere and the plastic cover (which I assume is the "Unfreezable end cap technology")

No thanks. Kind of hard to beat the tried, true, and legendary DST (or some variant of it)/XTX combo. They kind of set the golden standard (along side the MK25/260 or some variant of it, and a shout out to Poseidon as well) for a work horse of a reg.

I get that manufactures need to come out with "sales gimmicks" for new naive divers but in the end if you truly know regs and dive gear you will just revert back to each manufactures flagship regs. If you notice pretty much big box name manufacture has there one or two reg sets that is there flagship regs so why not put more effort into marketing these to complete with other manufactures instead of competing with your own companies products. Or work on minor improvements to there flagship regs to make them that much better. Instead of Apeks putting on all this money, time, R&D, etc into what is basically a another variant of what they already make why not improve the jam nut/barrel on the XTX so it does not rotate when you tighten it, also a wider flat for a regular size wrench when your attached a LP hose, etc. etc.. Or maybe extend the turret on the DST a couple mm so the turret does full a 360 (not that it really needs it but now they can say it does like the MK25) maybe a different DIN wheel that is easier on the fingers, etc etc.

Not that I own any Halcyon regs (little to pricy for my taste) but I do really think they are about the only company (and ill throw Poseidon in there) that has done it right. Just keep in simple! Nothing flash or fancy. They have 2 first stages to choose from and 2 second stages. That's it. And they just work really really well. Not to sure why more you need

 

[rsingler]

The first stage? Meh. Incremental improvements.
But the second? FINALLY a second stage that I can MAYBE get behind.
The XTX-50 second has insufficiently strong capture of the barrel, and overly vigorous hose attachment will tilt your barrel. Very bad. Purge button excursion too limited to test your reg's tuning by trying to induce a surface freeflow. Another reason to dislike this reg. Finally, case too flimsy for a beating.

But the EVX second? Apeks took the absolutely magical poppet of the Scubapro C350, and adapted it to a balanced type by tucking the poppet spring behind a flange that directs gas flow out the barrel hole. Now, gas doesn't have to go thru the spring coils and can be much less turbulent.

Barrel capture is much more secure than with previous regs:

Finally, the flimsy inserts in the MTX-RC to allow reversible hose mounting have been strengthened.
There are still too many flimsy plastic bits, but that's a technician's problem. Interesting flow director in the Venturi sleeve, tho.

I'll probably give it a try. As for all the DST/XTX50 enthusiasm? I've never understood it. This might tempt me, however.

 

[lexvil]

Is this the new Roomba?

 

[Still Kicking]

For all those weeping (or dancing, in some cases) on Aqualung's grave, it's worth noting that the EVX was the only genuinely new reg design I saw at DEMA. Everyone else's R&D (other than Garmin) still seems to be hunkered down, post pandemic.

And a lot of Aqualung back orders are finally shipping.

Maybe things are heading in the right direction for Aqualung.

 

[jborg]

Anyone seen any info on when these might be available in the wild?