HOG internals compared to an Apeks? DiveRite internals compared to Apeks

[beanojones]

Since HOG regs are part of the slew of Apeks copies, this might go for all of them including DiveRite, etc. but for those who have worked on them, how close to exact are these copies of the Apeks TX50 regs?

Do any of the knockoffs have a replaceable high pressure orifice? Do any of them have a separate spring tension setting for the second stage (not the the external adjuster knob, but a something like the Atomic's internal adjuster inside of that knob.)?

Is the venturi vane the same inside as the Apeks? Does it get clogged with grit as easily as the Apeks?

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Go to the HOG forum and ask Chris himself. I've never seen the inside of an Apeks so can't really give you a good answer.

 

[beanojones]

I have also asked in the HOG/Edge manufacturer forum, but the HOG guy does not (understandably) want to talk about other manufacturer's gear.

I would use only Apeks, but Aqualung distributes it now, and that is causing me problems. If I can get something that works just like Apeks then I would prefer to use it instead.

 

[cerich]

no removable oriface and no it does not have the second stage second adjustment... I did say to call me or pm me your email addy and i'll shoot you the schematics

 

[beanojones]

Thanks for the schematics

Well after looking at the schematics (but without looking at the physical objects) I would say that other than the Apeks TX50 using a full cover, and the HOG using a cover and a retaining ring, and the fact that the balancing piston has two O-rings on the HOG and one on the TX-50 the second stages are identical. The first stages only difference seems to be the shape of the spring pad, and the fifth port.

Which makes me wonder, how is the swivel retainer removed with the fifth port in place of the hex bolt?

 

[Bubbletrubble]

Which makes me wonder, how is the swivel retainer removed with the fifth port in place of the hex bolt?

@beanojones: The turret retaining bolt with integrated fifth port has an allen wrench/hex bit fitting in the fifth port recess that can be used to remove/install it.

 

[Ste Wart]

I would use only Apeks, but Aqualung distributes it now, and that is causing me problems. If I can get something that works just like Apeks then I would prefer to use it instead.

Why is that causing you problems?

 

[beanojones]

@beanojones: The turret retaining bolt with integrated fifth port has an allen wrench/hex bit fitting in the fifth port recess that can be used to remove/install it.

Is that how it works on the Apeks as well?

 

[beanojones]

Why is that causing you problems?

Many Aqualung dealers ignore the Apeks line completely. I can walk in and get a exhaust cover for a Micra, but I have to order rebuild kits for the Apeks, despite the fact it is common to all their first stages, inclugin their current line.

When I am working for Aqualung shops (and not for myself), the Apeks regs sometimes don't count as shop gear even though the shops nominally are Apeks dealers. I believe in diving in what a shop is a dealer for, and has in stock and on display, because I believe in customers wanting to own, and actually owning, gear. When the shops themselves don't even carry what they are exclusive dealers for, it sucks for everyone. If Aqualung the distributor allows a dealer to carry only Aqualung, and does not force Aqualung dealers to stock and sell Apeks, Aqualung as a distributor should allow other competing shops to carry Apeks. Especially, they should allow the tech diving shops to carry the original tech diving brand (Zeagle/Apeks).

Basically Aqualung buying the Apeks brand has made it disappear in many places. When Zeagle sold Apeks, access was limited by the fact that the Zeagle dealer network was limited, but Zeagle was open to new dealers. Every tech startup shop carried the Zeagle/Apeks regs from the day they opened. Once Aqualung took over distributing it in the US, Apeks was only able to be found in areas of the Pacific served by Singapore/Hong Kong where Aqualung did not have regional rights (or previous dealers were 'grandfathered' in), and the dealers could bring it in from Asia. The established US Divers dealers already had their lines in place, and had no interest in making room for Apeks. Once Aqualung bought Apeks completely, Apeks disappeared completely in much of the Pacific. It could no longer be brought in from Hong Kong/Singapore because Aqualung had worldwide exclusive because they bought the whole brand. And tech startups simply are locked out of Apeks by regional exclusivity.

Now that HOG is around though, it looks like it is time to stop fighting city hall. If Aqualung wants to starve out Apeks, that's their prerogative. If I can get the same sort of gear from Edge/HOG, then I will, or at least I hope I will.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

Is that how it works on the Apeks as well?

No, I don't think so. I don't own a DST with the 5th port, so I can't say for sure.

From pictures on the Apeks UK website...
The Apeks 5th port turret retaining bolt has a big "nut" on the outside. I would think that a crowfoot adapter, box-end adapter, or a simple socket could be used with a torque wrench to install it.
Seems like a fairly straightforward procedure to me.

FWIW, I think I would prefer HOG's implementation of designing an allen wrench fitting into the fifth port recess.