New 2013 XTX Tungsten vs. Pre-2013 model

[ron_dodge]

I'm thinking about replacing my almost 15 year old Sherwood regulator for a while now. Apeks is one of the manufactures that I've decided I like and have been looking at an xtx100 or 200.

I wasn't initially interested in the Tungsten but with the release of '2013' models from Apeks I've seen a pretty significant price drop on the Pre-2013 XTX Tungsten and can pick up a 1st and 2nd stage package for $499USD. The 2013 model is obviously $850+.

I know the Tungsten has been based on the 200 platform which many people seem to enjoy. I can see that the 2013 model has a slightly different finish on both stages and a 5th LP on the 1st.

But other than those minor differences, is the 2013 worth an extra $350USD?

I know that this is all subjective, but thanks in advance nonetheless.

 

[buddhasummer]

Unless you plan to dive doubles, the new 5th port is supposed to improve hose routing, for me not enough to justify the additional cost over the pre 2013. If you look a post or two under this one Mr Phillips posted re the differences. Improved gas flow has been stated but I doubt a human could tell the difference when breathing. I'd say go for the cheaper one the price you have quoted is very good indeed. Good luck.

 

[ron_dodge]

Unless you plan to dive doubles, the new 5th port is supposed to improve hose routing, for me not enough to justify the additional cost over the pre 2013. If you look a post or two under this one Mr Phillips posted re the differences. Improved gas flow has been stated but I doubt a human could tell the difference when breathing. I'd say go for the cheaper one the price you have quoted is very good indeed. Good luck.

Thank you buddha, I appreciate the feedback. Happy bubbles!

 

[buddhasummer]

You're welcome.

I would expect given the "new" line up that you would be able to pick up an XTX200 even cheaper than the Tungsten? FWIW I dive Apeks(FSR/XTX50s & DS4/ATX40s) and have no complaints, have proven over the years to be very reliable.

if you know anyone in the EU who can on post things, take a look at Scubastore.com out of Spain, they will not ship outside of the EU, prices on Apeks are some of the best in the world. Service is a bit sketchy but always works out in the end.

 

[lucky83]

I'm sorry if you consider this tread-crapping, but i just have to ask you buddhasummer, how does that work? I am looking to buy some equipment that is ridiculously cheaper over in the us. but i somewhat got the impression that you do have to pay tolls etc no matter who it comes from? I do have a friend in the US that could help me out, but i'm still afraid being "caught". I would really appreciate if you could help me and would offer myself helping ron if he finds it that much more cost effective.

 

[buddhasummer]

I'm sorry if you consider this tread-crapping, but i just have to ask you buddhasummer, how does that work? I am looking to buy some equipment that is ridiculously cheaper over in the us. but i somewhat got the impression that you do have to pay tolls etc no matter who it comes from? I do have a friend in the US that could help me out, but i'm still afraid being "caught". I would really appreciate if you could help me and would offer myself helping ron if he finds it that much more cost effective.

I don't live in the US I live in Japan. Scuba equipment is stupid expensive over here, my home is NZ where scuba gear is also very expensive. I have previously bought Scubapro, Apeks and Suunto from Scubastore.com in Spain as their prices on those brands are far cheaper than either Japan or NZ.

Unfortunately a year or two ago the above listed brands among others put a stop to Scubastore selling outside the EU, I'm guessing local distributors got a little grumpy that potential customers were shopping for the same items offshore and that they could no longer screw customers on prices and make what I imagine were some pretty good profits. I get that small local shops cannot compete with large online stores but charging in some cases more than double is BS. So be it, life goes on.

Fortunately my family is from the UK so now I will get the items shipped to them and get them to forward to me. Both NZ and Japan will charge tax on imported items, for NZ it's anything over $400 from memory and in Japan it's 9000yen, again from memory. It's pretty easy to get around this I just have my relatives label the package as a gift and write an under the tax threshold value, as long as your not trying to import 10 regulators etc there is usually no problem.

I have no idea of import duty in Sweden or the US so cannot offer any assistance there.

What specifically were you looking at as I know Apeks for example is generally more expensive in the US.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help. Hopefully the Americans release how lucky they are with the selection and pricing they have. I have to order pretty much everything from overseas, Spain for big ticket items and the US for smaller or more specialised items that I cannot find locally.

Good luck.

 

[ron_dodge]

You're welcome.

I would expect given the "new" line up that you would be able to pick up an XTX200 even cheaper than the Tungsten? FWIW I dive Apeks(FSR/XTX50s & DS4/ATX40s) and have no complaints, have proven over the years to be very reliable.

if you know anyone in the EU who can on post things, take a look at Scubastore.com out of Spain, they will not ship outside of the EU, prices on Apeks are some of the best in the world. Service is a bit sketchy but always works out in the end.

I thought the same thing but that didn't seem to be the case with the retailer I was shopping online. They didn't have any regular (non-Tungsten) XTX200's at reduced prices advertised and the discounted prices between the XTX50's and the Tungsten's was negligible. So I ended up not only buying 2 of the Tungsten models, one for me & one for the wife, but I also found a 10% off coupon. No shipping or taxes on the units so all told I ended up picking each up for $450USD. With the Tungsten being based on the XTX200 platform the price to value ratio was so good I couldn't pass it up.

The regulators arrived at my door yesterday, I'm thrilled. I'll now be scheduling some time with our local Apeks dealer to add Apeks braided hoses and setting up our computers and Octos. Can't wait for our next trip in June!

 

[buddhasummer]

I thought the same thing but that didn't seem to be the case with the retailer I was shopping online. They didn't have any regular (non-Tungsten) XTX200's at reduced prices advertised and the discounted prices between the XTX50's and the Tungsten's was negligible. So I ended up not only buying 2 of the Tungsten models, one for me & one for the wife, but I also found a 10% off coupon. No shipping or taxes on the units so all told I ended up picking each up for $450USD. With the Tungsten being based on the XTX200 platform the price to value ratio was so good I couldn't pass it up.

The regulators arrived at my door yesterday, I'm thrilled. I'll now be scheduling some time with our local Apeks dealer to add Apeks braided hoses and setting up our computers and Octos. Can't wait for our next trip in June!

Nice, I wouldn't buy the Apeks hoses as I imagine they are expensive, not sure where you are located but Dive Gear Express sell braided hoses at very reasonable prices. Good luck with your June trip hope you have an awesome time. I'm off to Thailand in March for some warm water diving, can't wait...

 

[ron_dodge]

Nice, I wouldn't buy the Apeks hoses as I imagine they are expensive, not sure where you are located but Dive Gear Express sell braided hoses at very reasonable prices. Good luck with your June trip hope you have an awesome time. I'm off to Thailand in March for some warm water diving, can't wait...

I made it to the dive shop today. The hi-flex Apeks hoses weren't too bad the problem was even those Apeks has them on their website they aren't available to order yet. Not sure why but it is what it is. So I ended up going with Miflex hoses and XS Scuba swivels. We're in the US so that's all pretty easy to come by. Thanks again for all your advice!