Reg Purchase

[S. starfish]

Being a fellow student and cold water diver I recommend the Apeks XTX50. It's bulletproof and a great performer in cold water, not too pricey and if you're interested in learning to service your own regs they're dead easy to service. A lot of people around here use them (well, the apeks line anyway) and with good reason.
Don't worry about it only being the 50 model as opposed to the higher 100 and 200 models, they perform pretty much the same, the only major difference is that the xtx 50 has a turret on the first stage, which can be a pain in the butt if you want to use it on a set of doubles.

Getting certification could be tricky as you have to attend a servicing clinic held by a representative of aqualung. Usualy these are only open to employees of certified dealers. Doesn't mean you can't learn how to do it, just that you may not be able to do it officially. Parts may also be tricky to get unless your LDS really likes you and knows that you can service regs properly. All of the service kits I've seen have had "not for resale" printed on them. So if you're interested in servicing your own reg I suggest going and making some good friends down at your LDS.

 

[Hoosier]

Hoosier, I already try to act the shop monkey, I service my own vehicle myself and it's a good skill to have in my opinion. Get most of my parts from the local pick-your-part and do whatever in the garage. It's good to actually know how parts you design in university go together in real life anyhow so you can appreciate how things actually work. There is a difference in assembling a CV joint assembly in real life versus doing it on the computer.

Our discussion starts from the assumption that you have to be stick to LDS to get the free part. I am not talking about severing your own reg by yourself. It is a great decistion for you, but it isn't a rocket science, even a high school kicked out kid can do that job.

I am not sure what kind of major you have in what level of university in Canada though. In my perspective, it is NOT a job for someone who has a qualified college degree even though you are pursuing for a mechanical engineering degree.


Just my 2 bar.

 

[John_B]

I had a TX50 which comes with a DST, and whether or not the turret is a failure point (uh, look at the MK25!) or not, even for single tank diving when gearing up I hated how the hoses always seemed to be floating around at the most inopportune time in the most inopportune way. The XTX50 is also available in the DS4 (smaller than DST b/c it doesn't have the turret), I'd go that route before a "plain jane" XTX50. Personally, I just bought XTX100s because I think they route best, but if you don't have the $$$ the XTX50/DS4 might be a better choice for you?

John

 

[John_B]

OI am not talking about severing your own reg by yourself.

I know you meant to type servicing, but reading that made me think of Mike Nelson on Sea Hunt cutting his own air hose!!!!



John

 

[Hoosier]

I know you meant to type servicing, but reading that made me think of Mike Nelson on Sea Hunt cutting his own air hose!!!!



John

John... It is a kind of Mondy Syndrome

 

[DeNomad]

Thanks for the suggestions all. I will definately be looking at the XTX50 (with DS4 single stage) and the MK17. I see the XTX50 comes as a glow in the dark octo, has anyone found that useful? I would almost rather have two standard stages, though it might be handy to spot your buddy with. I plan on bungy-ing my octo in any case.

Hoosier - Oh, not a job, lordie no. Just having the skills is useful, like when you can weld your own exhaust pipe and whatnot.

 

[scubapatton]

Really the only reason you may want to look at something like the XTX200 is for long-term servicing. Inside the 1st stage is a cone like part. With all Apeks (EXCEPT the xtx200), you have to replace the entire housing piece if any of that area gets pitted. The reason is is that it is all one unit. The ability to service the Apeks is a HUGE lure. I have the XTX 200 and love it. On the XTX200 the cone area actually comes apart. If it needs to be replaced, it is a cheap item (I think like $10-20). On the other hand, if the cone part needs replacing on other products, it will require the whole area to be replaced (~ $100 or so).

This is from an AquaLung 3-day seminar I attended around mid-June and we tore apart a few regs to see for ourselves. I cannot remember the names of the do-hickies, whatchmacallits and whatzits... I just remember the rep was very explicit.. ALL great regs, the XTX 200 just allows one key internal piece to be replaced instead of the whole thing... Mostly this will happen only if you are not diligent about blowing out water from the system before storing, dunking, etc. The construction on these things are simply amazing. VERY well done construction.

Honestly, as a college student on a budget, I would go XTX50 and have a hard-core, reliable reg for the next 7+ years if you maintain it right (after a dive and long-term). If you have available funds though, getting the XTX200 would be a wise investment. Getting the Apeks though (regardless of model) is a safe investment. There is a reason Apeks, Scubapro and 1 or 2 other brands are ALWAYS at the top of overall reviews...

Also, the Black Pearl is no longer in production. The new one is the Tungsten (XTX200). They just gussy up the 1st stage over the XTX 200, otherwise, no other changes.

Hoep that helps.

 

[scubapatton]

By the way, you do want to go with the Apeks octo OR the Egress slimline if you go with Apeks 1st stages... The reason is that some Octos cannot handle the over-pressurized systems and will constantly free-flow on you if you try and mix and match. The Apeks does (for some reason) have NO issue with an inline alt air source (eg Air Source). For some reason, these do not conflict with over-pressureized systems... The rep had no clear answer as to why though... maybe a physics question...?

Anyway, if you go Apeks, go with either Apeks Octo, Egress or Air Source-like octo, and you will be good to go. I personally have the Apeks with Egress and Air Source (yes - 3 sources.. I teach, so I have the Egress. When I go for fun, I remove the Egress and just have the Air Source as my octo).

 

[John_B]

Thanks for the suggestions all. I will definately be looking at the XTX50 (with DS4 single stage) and the MK17. I see the XTX50 comes as a glow in the dark octo, has anyone found that useful? I would almost rather have two standard stages, though it might be handy to spot your buddy with. I plan on bungy-ing my octo in any case.

I would avoid the glow-in-the-dark octos like the plague. It creates more problems than it solves with the bungeed backup. Been there, done that.

You can buy an buy a separate black XTX50 second stage to add to a XTX50/DS4, it'll probably be about the same price as whatever reg+octo package you are looking at.

Honestly, as a college student on a budget, I would go XTX50 and have a hard-core, reliable reg for the next 7+ years if you maintain it right (after a dive and long-term). If you have available funds though, getting the XTX200 would be a wise investment. Getting the Apeks though (regardless of model) is a safe investment.

The FSTs (XTX100) route beautifully, if you care about such things. But the XTX50 w/ DS4 is easily the best value. The Egress is only useful for the octo configuration, its a non-starter for a bungeed backup.


John

 

[alphonsis]

sorry to hijack, but does anyone have any opinions on the oceanic alpha 8 sport with px3? Of my LDS' available, there's a Mares, Oceanic and ScubaPro. I thought I was set with going with the oceanic, but after reading this thread, I'm giving the apeks a thought.

Thanks in advance!