Help needed for my first regulator: DS4 vs. DST

[nachodlv]

Hi all.

On the road for my first regulator I've been offered
APEKS DS4 first stage
ATX40 second stage
ATX40 octopus
DIN mounting
for EUR 200. As an option, I could swap the DS4 (1hp port) for a DST (2hp ports).

My questions are:

Does the offer sound good to you?
Had you a wireless receiver and were planning on getting a wireless emitter in the longer run and would like to have a secondary/backup SPG, would you get the DS4 now and swap it for a DST in the future or would you jump in for the DST right away?

I'll be doing only recreational diving (AOW) in the foreseeable future.
Thank you very much.

 

[NorthWoodsDiver]

If you plan to go wireless IMO its a good idea to have a pressure gauge but then that kinda defeats the purpose. In that case you would need 2 HP ports. When I started out I had similar plans and axed them in favor of a bottom timer and a pressure gauge or a wrist computer and a pressure gauge. Its cleaner and you dont have a $400 item on your tank that can break, malfunction, or lead to entanglements.

Anyway go which ever way you want but I will add that people in the "tech" diver market snatch up those DS4's used all the time so if there is any chance you may end up selling your regs I would bet the DS4 will hold value well. Though I dont know anything about the other model you ask about so it may very well be a similar situation.

 

[newman_diver]

The 2 differences is the turret (DS4 no - DST yes) and the HP ports (DS4 1 - DST 2). I would advise against the wireless transmitter. If it fails and you don't have a plumbed SPG then you have no idea of the contents of your tank. If you have a plumbed SPG as a backup to the wireless transmitter then it kind of defeats the purpose.

The wireless systems in my opinion are gadgets/toys. The package you have been offered is a great deal and I would jump on it. They are bullet-proof regulators and you won't be disappointed. If you have any further questions feel free to contact me.

Tyler

 

[ianr33]

I would suggest going with an ATX50, rather than the ATX40,at least for the primary reg. The ATX50 has a cracking pressure adjustment knob that the ATX40 does not.

 

[RonFrank]

I like having two HP ports. I have a wireless transmitter in one, and generally dive with an SPG as well. I've been diving a wireless setup for a couple of years now, and no issues whatsoever. I do carry a backup SPG however especially on trips.

As for an entanglement hazard, a hose is a MUCH bigger entanglement hazard vs. a transmitter. It's a 2" hunk of delrin/plastic, not much to really cause issues there. You are as or more likely to have a first stage hang up, which is also very rare.

 

[Jeff Toorish]

All good points --and you won't be sorry diving with Apeks.

 

[Fishpie]

This will be a pre owned set right? Apeks haven't made the ATX for a couple of years.
Not that it makes much difference the newer XTX 2nd is almost identical to the ATX.
Don't bother going wireless and get the DS4. If it is an older DST you'll have to deal with the odd 1/2" LP port....no such worries with the DS4.

 

[rstofer]

If you ever plan to use an air integrated computer, you should have 2 HP ports. There is no way in the world I want to get down deep, have a computer failure and not know how much air I have. I WANT the mechanical SPG.

None of our computers have air integration. Maybe because I am cheap or maybe because I don't want to mess with them. Either way...

Richard

 

[phillybob]

I'd go with the 2 hp ports. And I wouldn't worry too much about a hoseless computer. I've had mine (VT3) for over a year now with no problems. And if it does punk out, the dive is over at that point.

 

[RonFrank]

I really like the AI computers. They are a bit pricey. I'm betting if they were not most everyone would be diving them. Nothing wrong with an SPG, but it is nice to have everything available on one display. If mine had a compass, I'd have only one gauge!