XTX50/DS4 in Cold/Ice Water

[toddr]

Yes, I know this is still summer time, but winter is approaching and I like to dive all year!

I was curious if anyone has experience with the XTX50 in cold water (<50F). I've had my XTX50/DS4's in water temps to 58F and they performed great. However, I'm planning to do a few ice dives this winter. I've read where the XTX50/DS4 can handle an ice dive by specs, but was curious if anyone had actual experience with them and what your thoughts might be?

 

[darkstar]

They use them up here under ice with the water temp a few degrees above freezing.

I've seen them come out of the river with the reg first stage encased in a ball of ice, reg working fine.

 

[snowflake4727]

I have had mine in 39 degree water, but not in ice yet. It worked great.

 

[SwimJim]

If memory serves correct water is at it's densest and about 37 degrees farenheight. A regulator that works well at this temperature in say 100+ feet sea water would be a good one indeed. My Poseidon will do that without blinking and eye, although it will occasionally shoot a little ice down your throat. While I really like my Xstreams I am considering replacing them due to servicing issues. So, I would also be interested in waht users of the Apex line has to say about them. Preferably users that dive the Great lakes Where the temps on the boats add a new dimension to cold.

 

[Jimmer]

I've dove with several guys that use the Apeks regs in the lakes here, and are quite happy with them. I use Zeagle Flathead VI's and DSV's and have never had anything that even remotely worried me, including ice dives and 130 foot dives in 40 degree water, never an issue.

 

[divingbuddy]

I dive my Apeks (XTX 200 and XTX 50) under the ice or when exploring the wonderful wrecks here in the Great Lakes.

Bottom temperatures in Tobermory last weekend on a couple of the wrecks were in the high 30's.

When we were up in May (yeah, I know, just friggin' cold), there were no thermoclines - the water temperature was mid 30's all the way from the surface down.

Service them properly and you'll be fine. Cheers!

 

[matt t.]

I have a bunch of the older version (DS4/TX 50) of the regs you are looking at. They have all been in near freezing temps with no trouble. The XTX 50/DS4 is THE best cold water reg out there for the money, no question. Buy with confidence!

 

[matt t.]

If memory serves correct water is at it's densest and about 37 degrees farenheight. A regulator that works well at this temperature in say 100+ feet sea water would be a good one indeed. My Poseidon will do that without blinking and eye, although it will occasionally shoot a little ice down your throat. While I really like my Xstreams I am considering replacing them due to servicing issues. So, I would also be interested in waht users of the Apex line has to say about them. Preferably users that dive the Great lakes Where the temps on the boats add a new dimension to cold.

Jim, Shipwreck Adventures (2 Rivers) and Divepoint Scuba (Stevens Point) both sell and service Poseidon.

 

[ppo2_diver]

I've used my Apeks under the ice quite a bit. No problems ever. Coldest I've dove them has been 35F.

 

[darkstar]

My usual buddy dives Poseidon and I dive Apeks. I don't dive under ice, but we've done drills at +100 feet, ~39F water and I can't say I noticed any difference in breathing effort on either reg. I do find it easier to purge the ATX/XTX's with dry gloves on.

There are some very serious divers in St. Lawrence/Great Lakes areas who have taken their Apeks to some extreme depths and very cold temperatures. I've never heard any of them say anything bad about them.