Review of the Apeks Exotec

[Irreverent300]

I have owned the Exotec since October 2023. I got one as that is what my store sells and considers top of the line, and as an instructor we have to wear what we sell!!! It feels great. I got 65 dives on it since! Now with that said last weekend I noticed, rather heard, a popping sound in the lumbar area. Got it home and got to looking. The lumbar bolt is not loose but the plastic grommet and metal washer where the bolt goes through are giving out. Also where the waist straps/buckles/ weight pocket holders connect to the lumbar plate, since I have to adjust it, the metal eyelets have been rubbing on the back plate, and has been filing the edges of the back plate. The same is happening to another one of our assistant instructors. I have emailed Apeks and sent them pictures of it, but have not heard back yet.

Now, it is perfect for travel long and short distances with it. I can easily fit in my Aqualung carry-on when traveling by plane. I definitely love the materials as it dries very quickly and the wrapture system and grip material are phenomenal. I am okay with the tank valve strap and the chest strap but rather have a clip/snap buckles. The color and model variety are good thinkin by Apeks. The lumbar BioReact articulating waist system was genius idea. it allows me to twist and turn and the BCD just stays in contour with me awhile allowing me to maintain "perfect" buoyancy at all times. Over all a great BCD to dive with, although i still have concerns about the issues with the bolts, eyelets and backplate I am experiencing. Check the pics I have attached.

The Exotec is in no way a replacement or better BCD that the Black Ice as some people have said it was meant to be. Nice but not better! Apeks definitely made a huge mistake by discontinuing the Black Ice.

 

[Irreverent300]

I have owned the Exotec since October 2023. I got one as that is what my store sells and considers top of the line, and as an instructor we have to wear what we sell!!! It feels great. I got 65 dives on it since! Now with that said last weekend I noticed, rather heard, a popping sound in the lumbar area. Got it home and got to looking. The lumbar bolt is not loose but the plastic grommet and metal washer where the bolt goes through are giving out. Also where the waist straps/buckles/ weight pocket holders connect to the lumbar plate, since I have to adjust it, the metal eyelets have been rubbing on the back plate, and has been filing the edges of the back plate. The same is happening to another one of our assistant instructors. I have emailed Apeks and sent them pictures of it, but have not heard back yet.

Now, it is perfect for travel long and short distances with it. I can easily fit in my Aqualung carry-on when traveling by plane. I definitely love the materials as it dries very quickly and the wrapture system and grip material are phenomenal. I am okay with the tank valve strap and the chest strap but rather have a clip/snap buckles. The color and model variety are good thinkin by Apeks. The lumbar BioReact articulating waist system was genius idea. it allows me to twist and turn and the BCD just stays in contour with me awhile allowing me to maintain "perfect" buoyancy at all times. Over all a great BCD to dive with, although i still have concerns about the issues with the bolts, eyelets and backplate I am experiencing. Check the pics I have attached.

The Exotec is in no way a replacement or better BCD that the Black Ice as some people have said it was meant to be. Nice but not better! Apeks definitely made a huge mistake by discontinuing the Black Ice.

 

[Irreverent300]

So according to Apeks and quote; "There is an upgrade kit for this product that was issued last year. This BCD has not been upgraded .Please make sure to go back to the dealer you've bought it from. They will expertise your product and either fix it themself or come back to us directly."

Funny how there is nothing out there about this upgrade!

 

[Seppel]

Hi Irreverent300,

I came across your post about the Exotec and I’m experiencing the same issue with mine.

You mentioned a response from Apeks regarding an upgrade kit. Do you have any more details on that?
I guess this is only adressing the waist-plate bolt.

Did you get any feedback on the issue with the metal eyelets damaging the back plate?


BR

Sebastian

 

[keith.johnson]

Mine was showing signs of wear on plastic bushings, order some from Gainger supply. Added ss washers to every side. Then used a longer M8 x 50mm socket flanged button screw. I have to disassemble to fit in luggage, so I have extra bushings,washers,nuts, and bolts. Bushing part number 4DCL7.