What is the Apeks T20 freeze potential?

[MuddyFox]

I dive in tropical waters. I'm currently looking for a second regulator setup. I've noticed that the Apeks T20's are on sale at LeisurePro. They are suited for warm water diving, but what are the chances of them freezing up when I take them back to California?

Would the T20 be a good purchase or should I go with the Oceanic Alpha? If the Alpha, should I buy the Metal ring version or not? What's the difference? Finally, is the Dacor Fury a decent regulator?

Thank you.

 

[nickjb]

The T20 is classified as a 'warm water reg'. Apeks deine 'warm water' as anything above 10 deg C or 50 deg F.

Going along with the specs if you dive in anything less than 50F you run the risk of a freeze.

Aside from the heat exchanger the T20 is very similar to the TX40 and 50 and should be a very nice reg.

I don't know much about the Oceanic Alpha other than than it got a very good write-up in the Divernet budget regulator test. www.divernet.com

 

[Spectre]

Originally posted by nickjb
The T20 is classified as a 'warm water reg'. Apeks deine 'warm water' as anything above 10 deg C or 50 deg F.

Thank you. In my blindness, I stupidly ordered an T20 to replace my current octo [the balanced setup with the non-balanced reg was starting to worry me as I started getting into more advanced diving].

Luckily it was backordered, and my LDS was able to change my order over to an ATX40 without a problem...

Note to self: research when you spend money!

Oh... BTW: Talked to my LDS about it as well, and he's surprised that they state 50F. He said anything will function fine in 50F, and one shouldn't be concerned with the T20 until they get under 40F.

 

[nickjb]

I would say 40degF (4degC) is a bit too cold. The change in pressure in a reg will cause the temp to drop so you want a bit of a safety factor 50F (10C) might be a bit over cautious but not that much.

JMTC and I am definetley no expert

Glad you could sort out new reg in time