Tek 3 vs DS4 for doubles

[Van Isle]

So. Tek3's are more expensive, DS4s may be better routed for single tanks. Is the slickness of the Tek3 in a doubles setup really worth the cost? Are they that slick? I'm looking to upgrade my regs, piecemeal, to something that will work on doubles and - until i get the doubles - single tanks. Anyone use a Tek3 first stage on a single tank?

Thoughts?

TIA

 

[Ragnar]

I haven't, but from the looks of it the single tank hose routing seems horrible, I dunno. I'd rather have a reg that I can use later for other purposes if I needed to, on the opposite post, for a single tank, etc. Spending more for a reg that has less flexibility doesn't make sense to me, especially since the big selling point is hose routing; the DS4's hose routing on doubles is really good already, doesn't really need improving. See pics....I just don't see the big deal....

The DS4/XTX50's can be had at Diveinn for about $350US

 

[Van Isle]

A picture is worth a thousand words. Point well taken. Thanks.

VI

 

[eliminator]

Tek3s are fine if they're going to be on a doubles only set up. They are very nice regs and I have seen them in person. The hose routing is decent, but IMO not as good as a MK25 or Atomic first stage where you can route via the but end of the reg. There's still some hose bending going on.

I see that you're also on Vancouver Island, apparently there's been a big shift from Apeks and Scubapro to Atomic regs on the west cost, in particular, the M1s.

I'm personally looking at new regs for my doubles, and the TEK3s are a close second to the Atomics.

another good thing about the Atomics is that they have a 2year/300dive service interval and alot of people have gone way over that in some cases

 

[eliminator]

...and another minus about the Tek3s is that you cant get even wear on the fist stages since they're left or right only. Most people diving doubles here, including me, swap posts every 50 dives/6 months for even wear on the parts.

Tek3s arent very good for singles because you only have 3 low pressure ports
-drysuit
-wing
-backup reg
-primary reg

= not good for cold water diving in a singles config

 

[Van Isle]

Sometimes it's in the fine print, too...I didn't realize Tek3 1st stages had just 3 LP ports...deal breaker as a "single's rig" reg. And I like those Atomic set ups, great images there, but I am kind of in love with the Apeks stuff, and in addition local dealer support/service is a plus for me (Aqua Lung Canada is in Victoria.)

For me it's settled: DS4s coming up!

VI

 

[eliminator]

you'll be very happy with the DS4s, I'm actually still considering them to replace my Oceanic CDX-5s on my doubles.

Hose routing isnt that bad versus the Tek3s anyways, and you'll be able to use them as singles

 

[gearhound]

I've got both and use both for doubles. You've already figured out that Tek3s don't work for singles with a drysuit. There is no noticeable difference in breathing and they use the same service kit. Routing is not much of a problem either. Besides, you can always use them for stage bottles later if you want to upgrade.

 

[Ragnar]

Some things I hadn't thought of here, thanks That's the beauty of the DS4, good routing for singles, doubles, and at the price, perfect for stage bottles too. Before I bought mine I agonized about buying the FSR's instead, but in the end am very happy with the DS4.

 

[dori fish]

what about anything from scubapro maybe the mk17 g250v for doubles since you can use it in singles for anykind of diving