What APEKS Octo to go with???

[sell66]

I currently have the Balance BC with Aqualung Airsource 3 but don't like it. I'm also using a Apeks XTX50 Regulator. I want to change the Octo/Inflator to the classic setup and don't know what Octo to go with. I was told that it's recommended to match the Reg. brand with the Octo Brand? What do you guys think of the XTX50 octo? Any better ones? Thanks for the help.
David

 

[piikki]

Go with the XTX50 octo. You won't be sorry.

 

[Kern]

The XTX 50 is Apeks top of the line 2nd stage. Other manufacturers probably make a 2nd stage just as good, but I doubt you'll get one that's noticeably better.

If you stick with the same manufacturer you know the IP will work with it & it makes servicing a little more straight forward.

You don't actually say, but with the above I'v assumed you're using an Apeks 1st stage.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

I believe your other option is the Egress. I'd recommend going with the XTX50 if you don't mind the extra expense. If you ever switch to a long hose/bungeed necklace backup rig, you could purchase a new black faceplate for your XTX50 "octo" and then you'll have identical second stages.

 

[Kern]

In fact, there's also the XTX 40, same as the 50 minus the cracking pressure control & the XTX 20 same as the 50 minus both the cracking pressure & the venturi control. I still use an Egress on my single tank set up. All of these regs will work well at recreational depths.

 

[sell66]

The XTX 50 is Apeks top of the line 2nd stage. Other manufacturers probably make a 2nd stage just as good, but I doubt you'll get one that's noticeably better.

If you stick with the same manufacturer you know the IP will work with it & it makes servicing a little more straight forward.

You don't actually say, but with the above I'v assumed you're using an Apeks 1st stage.

Yes, Apeks first stage too. I spoke with my dive shop and they said they will swap the Airsource 3 for the XTX50 Octo.

 

[keyshunter]

In fact, there's also the XTX 40, same as the 50 minus the cracking pressure control & the XTX 20 same as the 50 minus both the cracking pressure & the venturi control. I still use an Egress on my single tank set up. All of these regs will work well at recreational depths.

Kern,
All current second stages have the venturi control. The XTX 20 is identical to the XTX 40 second. The difference is in the first stage--the XTX 20 does not have the extra seal. The XTX 50, 100, and 200 seconds are identical as well.

I have only taked a few breaths at depth from an Egress octo, but it seemed pretty good as pancake octos go, and I am sure it would be fine at recreational depths. It did not breath as easily as the standard configuration Apeks octos, which do a great job at well beyond recreational depths.

 

[Kern]

Kern,
All current second stages have the venturi control. The XTX 20 is identical to the XTX 40 second.

Quite right, thanx for the catch.

 

[CardShark]

The XTX50 makes the best alternative, as it offers all the features you want / have ( why would you want your alternate to be inferior ? That's the one you ultimately depend on.) for scootering / depth / cold / very turbulent water. If you ever sell the regs, the XTX50 would make the set much more desireable. If you plan to do any cold-water diving, remember the XTX20 does not have a heat exchanger. ( My first set had a 40 as its alternate ; I now know I should have spec'd a 50. ) Hope this helps.

 

[sell66]

Ok, thanks for the info guys, I'll go with the XTX50.