Juris Diver
Registered
Hi everyone! I'm getting set to buy my first reg/octo setup and could use your advice.
Like most people who are in the market for new dive gear, I read all the reg reviews I could find and talked with a couple local dive shops and to my dive buddies and instructors, but I was still pretty clueless. Next, I borrowed/breathed from several different regs at different depths and in different positions (inverted, etc.), but still couldn't decide what setup to buy and why. I still needed more information. Then, about a month ago, I found this board. After reading your discussions about regs, I feel much more confident and informed, and I've finally decided on Apeks! So, thanks to everyone that took the time to reply to those people who asked regulator questions. Your experience and advice is invaluable and appreciated.
I need your help because even after reading all the previous threads regarding which Apeks reg to buy, I still have several unanswered questions about the ATX 200, the ATX 100/TX 100, and the ATX 50 DS4 combo.
My first question is whether anybody has noticed any differences between the ATX 200, ATX 100/TX 100, and ATX 50 DS4 with respect to breatheability under various conditions, at greater depths, while inverted, etc. From what I remember reading, nobody (except a machine) can tell the difference. If that's true, then which Apeks reg to buy appears to depend on which first stage is right for you.
As far as first stage quality goes, the TX 100 and DS4 both are proven. As everyone knows, the TX 100 is ranked #1 by Rodale's and holds the deep dive record. I don't know much about the quality characteristics of the DS4, but it's definitely the favorite amongst technical divers, so I assume it's as good as the TX 100 (could anybody verify this?). The ATX 200 first stage is totally redesigned and has no track record. Even so, it is hard to believe that Apeks would risk its reputation and its customer's lives by designing an inferior first stage and marketing it as their "best ever." Hence, quality is probably a non-issue with any of the first stages Im considering. Do you agree?
In addition to quality concerns, it looks like what regulator to buy also requires a consideration of whether I plan to do technical diving. Because facing new challenges is part of why I love this sport, technical diving may be in my future. Therefore, it would seem ideal to buy a reg that can be used for all types of diving, from rec to tec. Based on what's been said in previous threads, the DS4 looks like its almost everyone's favorite because it has standard 3/8" ports and no upsweep versus the 1/2" port and 20% upsweep of the TX 100 (these features of the DS4 apparently make it better for doubles). (I think the ATX 200 has the 1/2" port and upsweep also. Can anyone confirm this?). Are there any divers out there that prefer the ATX 200 first stage over the DS4? What about the ATX 200 first stage versus the ATX 100 first stage (the TX100)? If you knew that you werent going to be doing any technical diving, which of the three first stages would you choose?
In previous posts, while some people said that they'd buy the ATX 50 DS4 because the DS4 is a better first stage for technical diving, others said that the ATX 200 and 100 are simply not worth the extra money. With respect to the money issue, the difference in price at simplyscuba.com between the ATX 200 ($410.38) and ATX 100/TX 100 ($400.44) is only $10. The ATX 50 DS4 combo sells for $325.54 (including hoses, which for this combo you've got to buy separately). So we're not talking a whole lot of savings to go with the ATX 50 over the ATX 200 or 100. These prices are even reduced further after VAT and discounts (if any) are subtracted. (Diveinn.com has similar prices).
Given that the difference in price is relatively minor, would anyone choose the ATX 50 DS4 over the ATX 100/TX 100 and the "top of the line" and "best ever" ATX 200? If so, why? On the other hand, if you'd buy the ATX 200 no matter what, what are your reasons?
Finally, does which reg YOU would buy depend at all on the type of valve? For example, for those of you who would buy the ATX 50 DS4 over either the ATX 200 or ATX 100, if DIN was not available, would you change your mind?
Phew! That was a long first post.
Thanks in advance for your replies,
Dan
Like most people who are in the market for new dive gear, I read all the reg reviews I could find and talked with a couple local dive shops and to my dive buddies and instructors, but I was still pretty clueless. Next, I borrowed/breathed from several different regs at different depths and in different positions (inverted, etc.), but still couldn't decide what setup to buy and why. I still needed more information. Then, about a month ago, I found this board. After reading your discussions about regs, I feel much more confident and informed, and I've finally decided on Apeks! So, thanks to everyone that took the time to reply to those people who asked regulator questions. Your experience and advice is invaluable and appreciated.
I need your help because even after reading all the previous threads regarding which Apeks reg to buy, I still have several unanswered questions about the ATX 200, the ATX 100/TX 100, and the ATX 50 DS4 combo.
My first question is whether anybody has noticed any differences between the ATX 200, ATX 100/TX 100, and ATX 50 DS4 with respect to breatheability under various conditions, at greater depths, while inverted, etc. From what I remember reading, nobody (except a machine) can tell the difference. If that's true, then which Apeks reg to buy appears to depend on which first stage is right for you.
As far as first stage quality goes, the TX 100 and DS4 both are proven. As everyone knows, the TX 100 is ranked #1 by Rodale's and holds the deep dive record. I don't know much about the quality characteristics of the DS4, but it's definitely the favorite amongst technical divers, so I assume it's as good as the TX 100 (could anybody verify this?). The ATX 200 first stage is totally redesigned and has no track record. Even so, it is hard to believe that Apeks would risk its reputation and its customer's lives by designing an inferior first stage and marketing it as their "best ever." Hence, quality is probably a non-issue with any of the first stages Im considering. Do you agree?
In addition to quality concerns, it looks like what regulator to buy also requires a consideration of whether I plan to do technical diving. Because facing new challenges is part of why I love this sport, technical diving may be in my future. Therefore, it would seem ideal to buy a reg that can be used for all types of diving, from rec to tec. Based on what's been said in previous threads, the DS4 looks like its almost everyone's favorite because it has standard 3/8" ports and no upsweep versus the 1/2" port and 20% upsweep of the TX 100 (these features of the DS4 apparently make it better for doubles). (I think the ATX 200 has the 1/2" port and upsweep also. Can anyone confirm this?). Are there any divers out there that prefer the ATX 200 first stage over the DS4? What about the ATX 200 first stage versus the ATX 100 first stage (the TX100)? If you knew that you werent going to be doing any technical diving, which of the three first stages would you choose?
In previous posts, while some people said that they'd buy the ATX 50 DS4 because the DS4 is a better first stage for technical diving, others said that the ATX 200 and 100 are simply not worth the extra money. With respect to the money issue, the difference in price at simplyscuba.com between the ATX 200 ($410.38) and ATX 100/TX 100 ($400.44) is only $10. The ATX 50 DS4 combo sells for $325.54 (including hoses, which for this combo you've got to buy separately). So we're not talking a whole lot of savings to go with the ATX 50 over the ATX 200 or 100. These prices are even reduced further after VAT and discounts (if any) are subtracted. (Diveinn.com has similar prices).
Given that the difference in price is relatively minor, would anyone choose the ATX 50 DS4 over the ATX 100/TX 100 and the "top of the line" and "best ever" ATX 200? If so, why? On the other hand, if you'd buy the ATX 200 no matter what, what are your reasons?
Finally, does which reg YOU would buy depend at all on the type of valve? For example, for those of you who would buy the ATX 50 DS4 over either the ATX 200 or ATX 100, if DIN was not available, would you change your mind?
Phew! That was a long first post.
Thanks in advance for your replies,
Dan