Which Apeks to get?

[Padi Diver]

Good evening.
I am thinking about getting my first own regulator, I have read a lot of reviews and I am convinced that Apeks are the best but I am confused between which model to get.

I heard a lot of good reviews on the XTX 200 and other models as well.
I will give a brief on myself in order to help you in your advice.

I am currently taking my dive master course; I usually dive in warm water not cold.
So, which to get?
Apeks 50, 100, or 200?

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[Bubbletrubble]

If you plan to work as a DM for your LDS, you really should take your store's policies into consideration when buying gear. My local shop stipulates that, during a class, dive pros (instructors, DMs) need to be using gear that is sold by the shop. It's a form of advertising if you think about it. If this is the case with your LDS and you plan to DM for them, then I hope that the shop carries the Apeks line of regs.

I'd just get the Apeks XTX50 with a DS4 or DST first stage + XTX50 octo. The Apeks XTX50/100/200 second stages are essentially identical, so the only difference is the first stage: DS4/DST/FST/FSR -- differing in overall size and location/number of ports. Personally, I'd choose the first stage that gives the best hose routing. For single tank recreational diving, any of the Apeks first stages will work great.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you may want to wait until you work for the shop before purchasing any expensive scuba gear. Often the LDS will give active DMs and instructors access to "keyman" discounts which are 60-70% off of MSRP.

Hope this helps...

 

[Padi Diver]

Thanx for your reply.
I might stop at DM, not continue after thatm not sure.

Now what is the difference between the DS4/DST/FST/FSR?
If I am going to get the XTX50, which to get from the above?

 

[ajduplessis]

Thanx for your reply.
I might stop at DM, not continue after thatm not sure.

Now what is the difference between the DS4/DST/FST/FSR?
If I am going to get the XTX50, which to get from the above?

The main differences are ports and configuration options. They are all sealed units. The DS4 is the older version and should be cheaper. They all will do the job you require from them. I use DS4 on my doubles for deep dives, they are bulletproof!

 

[Padi Diver]

Thanx
Now which to get?
XTX50 or 200??

 

[lxchin]

Hi,
the xtx 200 breathes the same as the xtx50 form my experience. If money isn't an object, then the xtx200 is alot more nicer looking. for you octo, consider getting a xtx 50 as minimum as the xtx20 tends to freeflow.

 

[super7]

I have an XTX200 and love it.
It's smaller and lighter compared to XTX50 that features a turret.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

Now which to get?
XTX50 or 200??

It comes down to an issue of money and size/weight. Performance is a wash IMO.

As super7 pointed out, the XTX200 first stage is smaller and lighter. If you're traveling to dive, this might nudge the XTX200 ahead of the XTX50. Personally, I'm a little more price-sensitive, so I'd get the XTX50 with DST or DS4 first stage.

for you octo, consider getting a xtx 50 as minimum as the xtx20 tends to freeflow.

If an XTX20 is freeflowing, it's likely a tuning issue. Perhaps the lever height needs to be adjusted...and the reg repair tech didn't do a good job of tuning the reg in the first place.
The XTX20 lacks the heat exchanger nut that the XTX40/50/100/200 have. In theory, it may be more susceptible to freeflows in cold water.
The XTX20/40 lack the inhalation adjustment knob that the XTX50/100/200 have. Personally, I like having this adjustment at my fingertips during a dive.
The XTX50/100/200 are essentially the same internally...the only exception being a few minor cosmetic differences.

 

[Scott L]

What is the view on the DST first stage. With the 5th port available it's hose routing looks quite good. Performance? Swivel turret, good or bad?

 

[super7]

For recreational diving, I would value the small size and lightness over the versatility of the turret and routing options the 5th port will bring, because of the extra weight and length. Performance wise, there shouldn't be any differences compared to other Apeks models. Some tech divers I know have suggested the turret may be considered an additional failure point.

For technical diving, DST with the 5th port should have hose routings similar to SPro Mk20/Halcyon H-75P and SPro Mk25s, with the additional benefit of the turret. Again, those that take the turret as a failure point may prefer regs that don't have the turret.