Zeagle DSV vs. Apeks DS4

[dirthead]

Is there any real difference between the Zeagle DSV and the Apeks DS4 first stages? I know the Zeagle has 5 low pressure ports, and the Apeks has 4, but other than that, are they virtually the same performance/durability/reliability wise??

I currently have an ATX200, which I really like, but want to get a backup set. I don't want to spend a lot of $$ on it, so I was looking at the Apeks ATX50 with DS4 or the Zeagle ZX DSV in DIN mount with adapter. I know the DS4 has been a very popular 1st stage for tec diving because of it's simplicity and reliability, and I really like Apeks. However, I don't have an Apeks dealer very close, at least not one that offers prices below MSRP. I can get Zeagle from ScubaToys at very good prices and great service. So that might be choice if the regs are close to the same.

I just sold an SP MK25/S600 set on Ebay, so I'm really not interested in anything other than the 2 mentioned above.

Thanks!!

 

[xwhitesmokex]

Hi all, I've been researching which regs to get for some time now and found this post to bring back to life to get a more updated opinion as opposed to older comments to help me decide which to get... the Apeks TX50/DS4 or the Zeagle ZX-DSV?

My considerations right now are based on price and warranty for free parts understanding the overwhelming outreach for apeks and the whole apeks/zealge company thing, but with below consideration which would you get:

I'm not savvy on servicing regs yet of course, so i have to consider getting service done at an LDS.

i can get a zeagle for 339 with yoke adapter and free parts as long as i get it serviced every year ( i think ), but no 7' foot hose which will be another $40

as for the apeks, i'd get it for the same price from the abyss with their facility warranty, but no parts for life and with no adapter, but with a 7' hose.

Obviously, the warranty is a perk, but with the solidness of the apeks and my dive schedule, i don't see it being a big issue in doing service twice a year. i haven't read anything bad on the apeks aside from the mouthpiece and something about an unreplaseable internal part that won't be an issue for years to come. As for the zeagle, i read on the deco stop that it blew up on a few people ...

thank you..your comments a greatly appreciated and welcomed.

 

[Rainer]

Pleae link to where a Zeagle blew up on someone on TDS. Zeagle makes fine regs (I own three). If you aren't servicing your own regs, you'll be saving a bit of cash not paying for parts every year. And shop around a bit for that 7' hose. There's a brand new one going on TDS right now for $25, and TDL usually has them for $28.

 

[xwhitesmokex]

Rainer, this is one link,
http://thedecostop.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20626&highlight=zeagle+vs+apeks

details states it happened while pressurizing doubles.... i'd have to go back through and find the other link...

 

[Rainer]

Thanks. Hadn't seen that. Sounds like a very isolated incident, seeing as no one else posted saying they had experienced the same. Good to know it didn't happen in the water, as that could make for a very unpleasant day!

 

[xwhitesmokex]

post #18 was a bit concerning...

How have the zealges treated you? do you get any freeflow problems?
How does it breath at different angles?

 

[Rainer]

I have Flathead VIs with ZX seconds. Never had a free flow and I routinely dive in waters in the 30s and 40s (it's a good day if I see 50). Breathe great, even at depth. Inverted you do notice a higher draw, but it's fine (and for me, this isn't an issue, I'm almost never inverted). Very solid regs. A couple of my buddies also use them up here, and none of us have had any problems in our cold water. Might be overkill for warm water diving, but they work just as well there.

 

[xwhitesmokex]

anyone else with any additional insight that can be of assistance?? thanks

 

[DiveTub]

I have 3 Zeagle DSV's, 4 Envoys and a Flathead XP.
All are flawless, never had any problems. Some have not been serviced for over 4 years and still hold a perfect 10.5bar Line Pressure.

Cheers
Chriso

 

[serrada]

I have both and If you already have an Apeks go for the Zeagle. I prefer the quality of the Apeks second stage over the Zeagle, but prefer the quality of the Zeagel 1st stage over the Apeks, but overall I like my Apeks's for some reason.

I like the build quality of the Apeks second stage over the Zeagle, but I prefer the weight of the Zeagle second stage over the Apeks.

The Zeagle 1st stage is more robust over the Apeks and I prefer be build quality over the Apeks, but I like the simplisty of the Apeks over the Zeagle.

In a million years I could not tell you which one breaths better.

So, if I was you I would probably try something different. But, if your not like me and you have problems servicing something in your area, you should maybe go with what you have so you can do it all in one shot.