I own a bunch of S600's all on MK25's and have really liked them so far. I've got a cold weather trip coming up in January, so I thought it would be a good idea to get a pair of Apeks ATX 200's. I decided that these new regs should have a few dives (well o.k. several) on them before this trip. This is by no means scientific. The Apeks have been used on 10 consecutive dives with a max depth of 117 fsw. The S600's have been used for in excess of 100 dives so far this year with a max depth of 135' fsw. Both sets have been used on air and Ean 30% and 32%. Average water temp was around 50 F. Average air temp for the APex was around 50 degrees. So here are my thoughts and opinions about these two regs.
First of all my inititial impression is that ATX 200's breath easier than the S600's. This was true at all depths. This is completely subjective, so I went back and tried the S600's tonight and now feel that the ATX 200's are only slightly better.
I would say that the performance wise in the enviroment that I was using them, they were both close in performance capabilities.
The Apeks weakness though is that it is not the driest reg I've ever used. Finning along in a horzontal position and looking down my body behind me, let in enough water to make me cough on a number of occasions. Going head down in any manner also elicited the same problem.
The S600's don't respond that way at all. For the record I find these regs to be very dry and very breathable. My drysuit and mask are far wetter than any of these regs.
Were I to have to have to choose between the two brands I would opt for the Scuba Pro's and get the cold weather kit.
Just my $.02
First of all my inititial impression is that ATX 200's breath easier than the S600's. This was true at all depths. This is completely subjective, so I went back and tried the S600's tonight and now feel that the ATX 200's are only slightly better.
I would say that the performance wise in the enviroment that I was using them, they were both close in performance capabilities.
The Apeks weakness though is that it is not the driest reg I've ever used. Finning along in a horzontal position and looking down my body behind me, let in enough water to make me cough on a number of occasions. Going head down in any manner also elicited the same problem.
The S600's don't respond that way at all. For the record I find these regs to be very dry and very breathable. My drysuit and mask are far wetter than any of these regs.
Were I to have to have to choose between the two brands I would opt for the Scuba Pro's and get the cold weather kit.
Just my $.02
