Octopus For Apeks

[wwunder]

I'm considering picking up a new apeks regulator and am wondering about the mechanics of an appropriate octopus...

Will the "overbalanced" first stage cause a normal octopus to free flow at depth? Is a pneumatically balanced octopus necessary?

Also, are all the apeks first stages overbalanced or just the atx200?

 

[LUBOLD8431]

All the first stages with an environmental seal are also overbalanced. So, that would be the DST (tx+atx 40/50), the 100 and the 200 first stages.

Balanced octo is not necessary. However, I would recommend that you get a little better octo than most people usually do. This is life support equipment, and when you need to use it, its usually in a panic situation, and you will breathing hard (most likely). DO you really want a piece of crap octo on your rig for you to breath off of when you donate your primary??? I would think not. Now, if you pass the octo, then its your buddy that you are giving a lower quality reg to. IMO, I would go with something a little better for an octo...

FOr Instance, Aqualung LPO is a cheap octo. The Apeks AT-20 is better. So, tough decision to make...

 

[Scubamedicjoe]

I use the tx 50 , just remember that if you dive long hose that octoous is what you breath out of .

 

[MI2diver]

I went with the ATX40 octo.

 

[wwunder]

Yeah, right now i'm diving a scubapro set
(mk10, d400, g200b), but i'm finding the d400 a pain to keep tuned up the way I like and have been debating moving over to apeks.

I haven't decided whether to purchase a new apeks octopus, use the G200b or use a conshelf 22.

I just wasn't sure if the increasing interstage pressure would overcome the spring pressure on an unbalanced valve that is tuned for the IP on the surface. thereby making a balanced valve necessary to account for that increased IP.