Opinions/Comparison Of Three Top Line Regulators

[cbrussell]

What are the pros and cons, (price is not a factor), of the ScubaPro MK25/A700, Apeks XTX 200 and Atomic ST1? I am trying to choose between these three; all have LDS in the area with full repair facilities. I will diving both cold and warm water. How about the exhaust; any better or worse for bubbles in front of the mask?
Thanks

 

[Fishpie]

Since you'll be diving in cold water the best choice of the 3 is the Apeks.

 

[cbrussell]

Why do yo prefer the Apeks? Just trying to educate this old diver.
Thanks

 

[carrielsal]

I don't know about the scubapro's, but the XTX200's are rated for cold water.

 

[scubafanatic]

What are the pros and cons, (price is not a factor), of the ScubaPro MK25/A700, Apeks XTX 200 and Atomic ST1? I am trying to choose between these three; all have LDS in the area with full repair facilities. I will diving both cold and warm water. How about the exhaust; any better or worse for bubbles in front of the mask?
Thanks

.....I own 2 Apeks XTX 200's...and 2 Atomics (M1 + T2)...all these models either come standard with an extended exhaust-T...or one can easily be added as an additional part from the manufacturer......which substantially reduces 'bubbles in the face'. .....I don't own/have experience with SP regs.....but it's my understanding there is no available extended exhaust-T available for that reg...so bubbles COULD be an issue.

 

[Fishpie]

....both the Atomic and Scubapro are piston design where the internals are open to allow in water so they can react to ambient pressure. Both can be adapted to cold water with use of grease and/or oil.
The Apeks is a diaphragm design with water kept away from the internals by 2 diaphragms....it is an inherently better design for use in cold water.

 

[cbrussell]

Based on the exhuast tee extentions, the ScubaPro has been eliminated. Now it seems it is between a "grease" sealed piston Atomic, or the sealed diaphram Apeks. I do like the Atomic automatic venturi control; one less lever to deal with. How about breathing effort? Do eother one exhibit any finiky tendencies? Do either have more of a tendency to free flow? How about breathing inverted? I seem to remember reading that the Apeks breahted "wet" in these circumstances.

 

[maged_mmh]

why not SP MK17 or MK19 1st stage w/ A700 or G250 2nd?

 

[scubafanatic]

...also consider that the hose orientation between the Apeks versus the Atomic is 'different'.....this can sometimes be very important if you go the technical diving route.

 

[Justincase]

I cant believe no one has asked how cold is the cold water he will be diving..some people think cold water is 70F..but assuming the OP is from Maryland he knows what the temp of the cold water he will be diving...i would go the atomic M1 personally as it has all you want with the extended exhaust (which produce no bubbles that i have seen ) and is sealed for Cold water ( 50F or less)...it could also be used later if you want to venture into tech diving..just food for thought...