What's a better deal for me?? (apeks or scubapro)

[richie75]

Hi guys,
I've got a dive trip coming up in about 10 days. Instead of more wasted money on rental gear I have been slowly buying second hand stuff. All that's left are regs. There's a guy who I was lining up to buy almost new Scubapro mk25/s600 from for about $480 delivered. All in Aussie dollars. But I'm having trouble getting in contact with him and don't know if I'll get them before I go. After searching Aussie online shops I came across a pretty good deal (I think). Apeks XTX200 with XTX40 Octopus all for $645 AUD. Seems pretty good to me, but both are a lot more high end than I was really looking for, and more expensive. But then over hear it's hard for me to find any regs under $500 anyway.

Are these an overkill or a good deal. I know there are lovers and haters of Scubapro, but most seem to agree that Apeks (non status) are pretty good.

What's your thoughts on each

Much thanks
RIch

 

[Bubbletrubble]

Either reg setup would be fine. I'm actually kind of impressed that the Apeks XTX200 + XTX40 octo is selling for $645 AUD ($575 USD). It would be really difficult to get a deal like that in the U.S. from an authorized Apeks dealer.

A great deal on a high-end reg means very little if you cannot maintain reg performance at a high level. Over time, this is determined by the service tech that works on your regs and tunes them. Make sure that your nearest, most skilled, trustworthy service tech can work on whatever reg that you buy.

I'm not sure what the temperature of your local water is. In general, when the water temps dip into the 40s (°F) it's best to have a reg rated for cold water. Such regs are environmentally sealed and have built-in heatsinks for preventing unintentional freeflow. FYI, the Scubapro MK25 is not a sealed first stage, but there are reports of people using them successfully in cold water. If you want to go Scubapro for cold water, the MK17 (sealed design) is recommended quite often. In contrast, most of the first stages in the Apeks line are environmentally sealed.

The only disadvantages I see regarding the Scubapro option are:

1. It's a secondhand reg and although the seller describes it as "almost new," it may require servicing, which can be pricey if you pay for both parts and labor.
2. You are having problems getting in contact with a seller...and that's not a good sign. I try to avoid flaky sellers when buying used gear.

Don't rush your reg purchase. If you have to, borrow a reliable reg setup from a buddy who's unlucky enough not to be accompanying you on the dive trip. Scubapro and Apeks are good brands with worldwide distribution, but there are other great regs on the market, too. If your budget is somewhat limited, I'd recommend shooting for middle-of-the-line regs.

Do a search here on SB or just read a few of the reg threads. This topic has been discussed at great length recently.

Good luck and let us know which reg you end up getting. Have fun out there.

 

[richie75]

thanks BT,
my LDS is an Aqualung (Apeks) dealer so no probs there, also said that they service Scubapro. While I was there I saw they were servicing a MK25 and I asked them about using it diving our waters. They said that quite a few use them and haven't had problems, but they still recommended Apeks. I'd really like to go more for a XTX50 and save $$$, or an Oceanic delta 4 or something, but buying locally would mean even probably even more expensive than the Apeks XTX200 deal . . . go figure . . .

Thanks again mate
rich

 

[Kern]

richie, that's a very good price for a 200 with 40 octo. I doubt you'll see a 50 without the octo much cheaper. For that matter, I doubt you'll see a mid range reg & octo from anyone in Oz any cheaper.

 

[Zung]

I dove an Apeks (didn't look at the model) this afternoon and, to my surprise, it's not bad at all, even though I'm a Scubapro guy.

Buying second hand high end gear is a very good idea, specially from the second most popular brand in your area: for example, everybody in my geography buys Aqualung/Apeks, so used Scubapro's don't sell that well and can be had for a very good price; the last MK20/G250 I bought was USD 150.-, freshly serviced.

 

[lxchin]

wow 645, a dive shop in brisbane and the apeks advertisement in the dive paper are showing that for 795...

go the apeks, pricey at first, but remember that you will be servicing only every 2 years.. compared to the scubapros 1.

 

[Belce]

Warranties normally don't transfer for 2nd sales, regardless of what you buy you won't have a maintenance requirement to keep warranty, it was ended when you bought it.

 

[crushdepth]

Both are excellent choices that breathe very well waaaay beyond normal recreational diving depths. I haven't come across any Scubapro haters but what I can tell you is the Mk25/S600 is an extreme performer that routinely tops comparative performance tests. The XTX is also excellent and offers lower work of breathing down to at least 50m and is easier to service.

Either way, you're getting top shelf gear, but you may as well go for the cheaper option IMHO.

 

[judereguera]

I have used both and I can say the performance is almost the same. scubapro mk25/s600 combo tops breathing test and you would feel the difference on really extreme depths but I don't think you'd go that deep. On a service cost standpoint, im my place, scubapro maintenance costs are almost double of what it takes to service apeks reg.

 

[ZenDiver.3D]

I prefer Apeks. I also prefer to buy new over used. Spend the few more for the Apeks. Also, think. If you maintain your reg, you should never need to buy another one. It is excellent quality and I don't think you can find better.