OMS vs APEKS

[rawls]

I have a question...I would like to get some input from anyone familiar with both the OMS BC118 with elastomeric bands and the APEKS WTX series of BC's. I have heard alot of good things about the APEKS and wanted to get some input related to the positives and negatives of both systems. I'm not a tech diver although I have made quite a few deep water penetration dives with other divers who have alot of experience and are tech divers. They are very conservative divers and they limit the degree of penetration and dive time (no decompressions) when I dive with them. If I did invest in a tech rig at some point I would probably start with a 32 lb bladder. I know APEKS has a 32 pound bladder. I'm not sure about OMS. Anyway, I will probably invest in some tech diving courses in the next 2 years as well as some tech gear at that time. And I know new gear will probably be around by that time. I was simply reading about the APEKS system and interested in what some of you familiar with both systems thought. Thanks! PS...I have bout 120 logged dives and many nonlogged dives. I hit the wrong button on my profile

 

[GreenDiverDown]

I'm not sure what you are asking.

The OMS BC118 is a HUGE... 94# lift... dual bladder bungied wing for use with doubles.

The Apeks WTX3 is a reasonably sized... 32# lift... wing for singles.

I don't even know how to begin to compare them. As far as positives and negatives... hmm... where to begin? The OMS is too big, has dual bladders, and bungies. The Apeks is a bit new to say.

OMS does have a 32# single nonbungied wing, BTW. It might be better to compare this with the Apeks. The biggest difference is the design... the OMS is an inner bladder/ outer shell whereas the Apeks is a single layer.

 

[daniel f aleman]

Well, OMS equipment is used by NASA.

 

[David P]

look what happenes when NASA contracts are awarded to the lowest bidder (space shuttle, space station,Hubble...)

 

[rescuediver009]

Nothing wrong OMS stuff. I use the 100 single bladder. I quite enjoy it and the evil bungee wing of death has yet to harm me. As for the apeks wing, if you are looking at the small one, you should probably be comparing it to the OMS single tank wing here: http://omsdive.com/buoyancy.html They also make a 32 lb lift single wing. If you are looking for singles, I would not recommend the 100 lb. bladder as yes it is too big, However, I would also not recommend the unbungeed wings as they are quite big for singles, and they taco on single tanks.

 

[GreenDiverDown]

However, I would also not recommend the unbungeed wings as they are quite big for singles, and they taco on single tanks.

The single 32# OMS (unbungeed) is O.K. It won't taco.

 

[rescuediver009]

The single 32# OMS (unbungeed) is O.K. It won't taco.

With one exception

 

[wayner638]

I've owned the APEKS WTX system for nearly a year now and dive quite a lot.

First the cons:
I have the 40 lb wing bladder. As correctly mentioned by others here, that size wing bladder "tacos" around the tank and adds a good bit of drag (and also some potential snagging risk?). Properly weighted at the surface such that with the BCD completely deflatted, I can exhale and sink slowly. I only need to add small amounts of air to adjust at depths, therefore the wing is mostly nearly deflated all the time. I'm finding that unless your technical excursions require you to haul a total of very heavy equipment always attached to you, the 32lb would be preferred.

I find the "SureLok" weight system not so "sure locking". I lost a weight pouch on the very first dive. I 've witnessed others lose pouches of that same system. I could NOT find replacements without buying the whole system again... they might be available though. The dive shop gave me one from a recreational rig, buy those ar not teh same size and are hard to get to clip in. Mistaking they were clipped in completely was the reason for the original loss. Also, they take up a LOT of space on the waist strap, limiting what else I can attach. They do have a built in D ring which might be useful, but they are a bit bulky. Subsequently, I've switch over to DiveRite weight pouches. I added grommets to the back of those so I could screw it in securely to the attachment points ( see the SureLok) weight attachment system...can be purchased separately from teh weight system).

PROS:
As with most all the BPW systems, it is flexible. The WTX harness if very comfortable. With thicker wetsuits I don't use the additional back pad. Make sure you don't get the harness too big... sized right it is as if the BCD and tank are a part of your body underwater... very snug and secure.

Other NOTES:
Looks like OMD has a LOT of options for configuration, but my understanding is that it may be a little harder to get service. Other owners could maybe comment.

DiveRite and Hollis also make BPW type systems, and they may be a bit cheaper. Apeks was a little pricey, but I"m happy with it. Whichever, I'd recommend the comfort harness... whatever that maker calls it. My buddy and I have both tried the systems with just the webbing, and find that is a bit more uncomfortable.

Hope this helps.

 

[wayner638]

p.s. Oxycheq is another brand that owners seem to really like. That would be one I'd look at if I were buying again.

Disclaimer: My actual experience is limited to the APEKS and a very old now out of existence BPW type system. The information I provided is based on observations and conversations with other system owners.

 

[Tortuga68]

...I have made quite a few deep water penetration dives...

I like my OMS bungee wing and have used it on many deep OW dives... but I don't use it in overhead, due to the entanglememt risk - have a non-bungee wing for that

The other guys already made the correct points about the lift capacity and singles vs doubles