simple question for Apeks "gurus"

[Harley1962]

Sorry for not doing extensive "research" before posting but I'm hoping there's someone out there that can give me a direct/simple answer. I've been an "Atomic guy" for years and recently decided to get a set of Apeks regs, mostly due to their reputation for durability / reliability. I understand they are a heavier reg than the Atomic, and I'm prepared to adjust to that difference (or buy the optional 2nd stage swivel)

Can I get a "short primer" from someone here on ATX vs. XTX series and what are the MOST significant differences between them , including model differences (i.e. XTX 50 vs. XTX 100), and if breatheability is noticeably better in the higher models, etc...

From their website, I can see that XTX 100/200 are basically the same. But for example, is the ATX series considered more "budget-oriented" overall than XTX series, or is it simply a different feature set (turret swivel vs. solid body, angled hose routing vs. straight, are parts interchangeable between ALL/MOST XTX models, etc..)

Thanks in advance!
HB

 

[keyshunter]

Harley,
The ATX series is not a "budget-oriented" Series. It is a discontinued series. The first stages of both the ATX and XTX series are identical, with the exception that those models which had a 1/2" LP port, have been changed so that all LP ports are now 3/8". Internally, all parts of the second stages are the same except for the air barrel, which has been changed because in the XTX series it can be reversed . The XTX exhaust diaphragm is also a bit different.

 

[battles2a5]

Another thing to note is that the LP/HP port configuration on the 100 and 200 first stage are reversed. The 100's have the LP ports located at the far end from the diaphragm while the 200 has them toward the middle w/ the HP port at the opposite end. This may or may not make a difference to you, but something to consider if diving doubles. That being said, I still prefer the XTX50/DS4 combo. I have breathed the 100, 200, and the 50/DS4 and I can't tell a difference. Hose routing is great and performance is spectacular. Doesn't have the "bling" of the 100/200 but it's a great workhorse reg.

 

[Tortuga68]

In addition to the above posters, and to the best of my knowledge (ie don't blame me if I'm wrong!):

20 is warm water (10C+) only (non environmentally sealed first, no heat exchanger on second) with swivel turret first

40 same as 20 but is cold water rated (dry sealed first/heat exchanger second)

50/100/200 second is same as 40 but with cracking resistance knob on second, plus different venturi lever (with ratchet)

100/200 have one-piece first stage (ie no swivel)

200 first is smaller/lighter than 100 first

(Hey Apeks, why did I have to spend hours working all of the above out, instead of you putting in your brochures??). Also, while I'm having a whinge, why pair firsts and seconds - maybe I want this first with that second (warm/cold excluded, which could obviously be dangerous)

As keyshunter mentioned, the ATX-superceding XTX is available with a wide (reduced bubble interference/photography) or narrow (aquadynamic/octopus) exhaust. 50/100/200 come with both included, 20 and 40 come with one (narrow) - although you can retrofit the other - and you (Apeks tech!) can change hose routing from right to left

I have also read that you (ie a "qualified" Apeks tech, ok - liability!) can retrofit the cracking resistance knob from the 50/100/200 onto the 40 second (thereby making it the same as 50?), but cannot confirm this

So in summary, if you only dive warm water, 20 is fine; if you want to dive cold (<10C), 40; if you want cracking resistance control, 50 (or possibly retrofitted 40); if you want to eliminate the possible failure of swivel, 100; if you want a smaller/lighter first, 200

HTH, happy to be corrected