Question about Apeks XTX 3rd Stages

[John_B]

yup! if you look at the apeks boxes, the classify their Octos as 3rd stages... which confused me for abit initially.

The "Stage 3" is the term Apeks uses for their "complete" sets that include a first stage and both a primary second stage and an octo with a yellow cover. Still, very confusing...

 

[goodeatsfan]

I have been doing some reading, and it seems to me that whether a Regulator set can or can't be used for cold water is actually dependent on the 1st stage. The reason the XTX 20 is not suitable for Coldwater seems to be because they come with a UST which is an unsealed 1st stage. The XTX20 itself is essentially the same as the XTX40 which is coldwater suitable because it comes with the DST which is environmentally sealed. The core difference between the XTX50 and the XTX40 is the 2nd stage itself which has a venturi switch and BRA knob whereas the XTX40 and XTX20 doesn't. The 1st stage for the XTX50 and XTX40 is the same.

So I guess I've answered my own question Thanks for the input from everyone!!! MUCH Appreciated!!!

 

[John_B]

The core difference between the XTX50 and the XTX40 is the 2nd stage itself which has a venturi switch and BRA knob whereas the XTX40 and XTX20 doesn't.

The XTX40 second stage does come with a venturi switch, but you are right that it doesn't have a breathing adjustment knob.

John

 

[goodeatsfan]

oops, yup, my mistake. thanks for the correction.

 

[Toolbox-13]

I dive a TX-50 with a TX-50 Octo and never had a bit of trouble with it. Cold water deep water it breathes great

 

[goodeatsfan]

Not sure how true this tidbit of info is (or if it is even a tidbit), heard from one of the staff at the LDS selling Apeks XTX that the XTX20/40 hasn't got a heat exchanger where the hose connects with the 3rd stage, whereas the XTX50 octo has one, thus making the XTX20/40 octos unsuitable for cold water diving. Is this true? anyone?

 

[John_B]

Not sure how true this tidbit of info is (or if it is even a tidbit), heard from one of the staff at the LDS selling Apeks XTX that the XTX20/40 hasn't got a heat exchanger where the hose connects with the 3rd stage, whereas the XTX50 octo has one, thus making the XTX20/40 octos unsuitable for cold water diving. Is this true? anyone?

Deja vu...

The XTX40 second stage is basically an XTX50 without the breathing adjustment knob (but does have the venturi control). Both have the heat exchanger.

Its the XTX20 second that, just like the ATX20 before it, doesn't have the heat exchanger. The UK Apeks website even says the XTX40 is "Suitable for cold water use." Link.

John

 

[goodeatsfan]

yup, thanks JOHN B! I ended up getting the egress instead.... I know lots of folks got it for free here, but BOO HOO!!! but they haven't got tat deal where I'm at...