Last year I bought the XL4+ as a travel friendly solution to diving here in Canada and in the Caribbean. I have been very pleased with all aspects of the setup but today experienced a surprise.
On the second dive in 5c water I experienced a frozen primary second stage. The first dive of 22 minutes to 22m had ended properly and I had a 135 minute surface interval in 23c sunny conditions. Three minutes into the second dive the primary went into freeflow. I attempted to clear the issue by cycling the venturi adjustment and the purge. After that I called the dive and ascended still using the regulator and breathing through the freeflow while monitoring my pressure. My dive buddy was right there with me with his octo out and ready for me if I needed it. Once I surfaced I inspected the secondary and could see ice crystals through the mouthpiece. The venturi adjustment was just off minimum while diving for what it's worth. Regs were serviced late last fall but only had 6 dives on them.
The description for the XL4+ on the Apeks site states "The Apeks XL4+ is a compact lightweight regulator suitable for diving in all environments including cold water locations." The FAQ section of the Apeks site also states "What is a cold water regulator? It is a regulator that is designed to be used in water of any temperature. The first stage is environmentally sealed."
Do I know have to consider another set of regulators for use here? At depth we routinely experience 5c water even in the height of summer. If not is there some explanation for what happened?
On the second dive in 5c water I experienced a frozen primary second stage. The first dive of 22 minutes to 22m had ended properly and I had a 135 minute surface interval in 23c sunny conditions. Three minutes into the second dive the primary went into freeflow. I attempted to clear the issue by cycling the venturi adjustment and the purge. After that I called the dive and ascended still using the regulator and breathing through the freeflow while monitoring my pressure. My dive buddy was right there with me with his octo out and ready for me if I needed it. Once I surfaced I inspected the secondary and could see ice crystals through the mouthpiece. The venturi adjustment was just off minimum while diving for what it's worth. Regs were serviced late last fall but only had 6 dives on them.
The description for the XL4+ on the Apeks site states "The Apeks XL4+ is a compact lightweight regulator suitable for diving in all environments including cold water locations." The FAQ section of the Apeks site also states "What is a cold water regulator? It is a regulator that is designed to be used in water of any temperature. The first stage is environmentally sealed."
Do I know have to consider another set of regulators for use here? At depth we routinely experience 5c water even in the height of summer. If not is there some explanation for what happened?
