Apeks question or 3...

[Warhammer]

Ok, reg gurus, help me out here with a little info on Apeks regs. I’m in the market for a new setup and talked with a local shop owner. He offered a reasonable deal on an Apeks 3-stage set, which includes the TX50, TX40, and DST(either yoke or DIN) first stage, for $535 tax title and all. Best non-online deal I’ve found so far, should I keep looking?

He also stocks Zeagle, cheaper, but wouldn’t recommend them. He says that the Zeagle/Apeks aren’t identical internally, contrary to what I’ve been told. And that the true Apeks is the way to go. That rung this “parts for the future” bell in my head since Zeagle no longer distributes the Apeks line. Is this true or false?

He also wanted to know if I planned to dive in water colder than 40 degrees. Currently I have no plans too, but could sometime down the road. After telling him that, he offered to put a kit in the reg at no extra charge, that, according to him, boosts the regs performance but makes it unsuitable for 40-degree water. He also said it could easily be re-prepped for cold water if I decided to go there in the future. Anybody know anything about this kit? Good or bad? Does it break the environmental seal? I meant to ask him that but it slipped my mind.

He seems like he knows his stuff, but thought I'd ask you guys, as I've never dealt with him before. He also carries Atomic, ScubaPro, Mares and another line or 2. And offered to let me demo them all before buying. Here's my chance at the ScubaPro line, Mario!

 

[Kevin]

Mario
I do not know much about the Zeagle gear but I use Apeks gear which is now quite old. I have a T50 and a Manta 2nd stage. Both have never let me down and I can still get replacement parts no trouble. The internal parts on Apeks equipment are not the same as any other manufacturer. As for the cold water preperation, I have never heard of any replacement kit. Apeks equipment is some of the best on the market and I would think that it is highly unlikely that you will get any problems at either end of the temperature range when using the gear as supplied 'off the shelf'. If he is offering to let you try out various set ups then it is probably worth doing so that you can compare them to see if you have a preference.

Kevin

 

[Mario S Caner]

Hey peeps,
I've said it before, and haven't changed my mind just yet. Since I own both the ScubaPro Mk20/G500 and the Apeks TX100 I can honestly tell you what I like. The ScubaPro is the :boom: See if you can snag one of those for around that price range, it'll be worth it! Unless that is you can get a smokin deal on the new Mk20/G600. I have two Mk20/G500's perhaps you can talk me out of one... LOL

Mario

 

[Warhammer]

I'm definately gonna try out the ScubaPro setup before I buy. I'd checked on the Apeks a few weeks ago and the shop owner sent me an email the other day, which brought this issue back to mind. What I'd like to do is get the ScubaPro MK20/S600 or G500, the Apeks TX50, and the Atomic B1 and try them all the same day and then make my decision. Don't know if he'll do that or not though.

How much for your spare?

 

[LoCz]

Hey guys

Mario do you mean the S600 or the G600 or are they the same thing? I thought the S600 was a better regulator than the G600?

Warhammer I can definately point you in the direction of a cheaper supplier here in the UK who are also on the internet and who do FULL waranties. Most also do International mail order.

http://www.sdswatersports.co.uk/frame.htm
http://www.simplyscuba.co.uk

But like Mario said, I've heard alot of raving about the S600/mk20 combo. Also, I dont know the case in the US (if indeed thats where you are?) but over here the TX100 is only about 40-50 pounds more expensive than the TX50. However I think alot of people shyed away from buying Apex TX100's probably because a small number of them had a fault and were recalled.

 

[Mario S Caner]

Thanks for catching that... I meant of course the G600, can't talk about the 6...

Mario

 

[Warhammer]

I'm aware of simplyscuba.com, wasn't aware of the other one though, thanks. But I just can't bring myself to buy a reg online. I do however use the online prices as a bargaining tool. But in the end, I'll buy it locally.

 

[Warhammer]

I don't think there is a such a thing as a G600, at least ScubaPro's website doesn't list it. There's the new top-of-line S600, the G500(being replaced by the G550, I here), the D400, G250, R380, and the R190.

 

[Mario S Caner]

The S600 is the replacement to the G500. In addition to that there is also a S550 that has no diver adjustable inhalation effort control. The R380 is also fairly new. And of course the D400, G250HP and R190 is still around.

Mario

 

[Spearo]

Just want to say that I've been using Zeagle and Beuchat for many many years and never had one single problem, I also own a 2nd.S. by Pro. and had nothing but when in rough conditions. I do want to admit that when diving from shore in rough conditions the Zeagle 2nd. stages at times have been known to stick when lots of sand gets in them but under those conditions so would others too.

Cheers,

Spearo.