Oceanic Delta 3 or Apeks Regulator

[adjuster-jd]

I am a new diver and an trying to decide on which regulator to purchase. My LDS sells Oceanic (their main brand), Apeks, Sherwood and a couple other brands. (I'll probably be purchasing from LP but want to be able to get annual service at LDS so I want to purchase a brand they sell) (don't flame me - the $250-$300 in price difference is significant, and I'm purchasing other things as well as training from LDS).

I have pretty much narrowed the choices to either the Oceanic Delta 3 or some model of Apeks reg.

My local diving is mainly cold water (quarries) and I am concerned about dangers of freeflows at deeper depths in cold water, but also want a reg which will function well on vacation to warm water destinations.

I would prefer a reg which is very easy to breathe which some of the apeks are, and I don't know how the oceanic compares.

I can't really tell from the Apeks catalog which reg would be best for me - Do I really need the top of the line ATX200, or would one fo the lesser models be ok for cold water/ easy breathing?

Any opinions would be welcome.

Thanks.

 

[agstreet]

The DS4/TX50 combination is pretty much a standard amongst the tech and cave crowd. LeisurePro has the ATX50/DS4 for $299.00

 

[LUBOLD8431]

Well, personally, i like the APeks better. Higher performance, better first stages, better second stages.

Secondly, you probably know that when you buy at LP, you lose the warranty that the APeks regs come with.

This is a lifetime warranty for service kits every other year for overhaul. In the off years, it just needs an inspection. You only pay for Labor. Now, if you have NO warranty, you would be paying for parts... The first stage kit for apeks would be around $30, and the second stage service kit would be around $15. Thats damn near $50 for parts every other year. If you expect to own your reg for only ten years, that would be about $250 in parts.

Now, the price difference between LP and what most shops would sell the TX 50/ DS4 combo would be $150. Most better LDS would also offer you something to entice you to purchase at their shop. Somethings we have done is offer free labor for the first service year, or a five fill nitrox card, or a free air card. Or even a Nitrox class thrown in as a "thank you" for buying an air delivery from us. Try to work something out with your LDS instead of just using them for info to help you purchase, and then buy it online. They should be able to make you happy... And, you can still get a warranty with it...

 

[globaldiver]

I have had solid performance from my
Apeks regs, from very cold and harsh diving conditions during winter in Sweden, to the warmer waters of the Mediterranian and Pacific ocean.

Apeks is in my opinion a very good brand of regulators. I personaly have two ATX 200 and two TX 50, and have previously owned two TX 100. I would recommend them any day.

Sincerely

Anders

 

[pjdc1]

Being from chicago I also wanted a reg
that was going to perform well in cold water.

After talking to my LDS and reading all the
threads regarding Apeks regs, I felt that
Apeks was the reg that I wanted to go with.

When I talk to people and tell them what I'm
buying they all say " Good Choice".

 

[globaldiver]

I would also recommend to buy the Apeks regulator in DIN fitting. You can then use HP tanks, and easially convert them to Yoke with a Yoke adaptor, if you ever need to.

Sincerely

Anders

 

[spike627]

I live in Florida and I will be diving also in Brazil I was looking at the Apeks ATX50 Regulator and the Scubapro MK16/S550 Regulator can any one help , are these good breathers? witch one is better.

 

[ColdH20diving]

I own both the Apex TX100 and an Oceanic Delta 3. I used them both in cold water and to depths of 135ft. My personal choice is the TX100 over the Delta 3, it seems to breathe easier at depth. The other complaint I have with the Delta 3 and other smaller second stages is with exhaust bubble interference. The exhaust "T" on the TX100 is wider and I have less bubble interference. If I had to choose just one it would be the Apex.

 

[Scubamedicjoe]

another apeks vote hear all i use

 

[DIR Tec Diver]

Definitely the Apeks, however try to go for the ATX100 or 200 to avoid the swivel head and oring problems that are prone with those. I had 2 and had to get rid of them. I love the 100s and 200s, not a single bad comment to say about them.