Oceanic Regs

[Howard Payne]

I dive both Apeks and Oceanic regs and have had two different sets of Oceanics.

Oceanic regs are very good - the Alpha 8's are probably the best entry level budget regs IMHO

Oceanic second stages are very light which stops jaw ache and the lifetime free parts of you maintain them on the dot annually is a nice deal.

However, they tend to be set up very hot with a low cracking pressure which seems great when you try them for the first time because they chuck tons of gas into your mouth with apparently very little breathing effort. Buts as Mark points out this makes them very prone to freeflow.

My vote would be for an Apeks DS4 first stage with two XTX40/50 (depending on budget) second stages and simple pressure gauge rather than a cumbersome console with either a cheap Suunto Computer or a Uwatec depth gauge on your right wrist for depth measurement.

A cost effective rig that offers real value for money and top notch performance. Apeks are really well made and solid, cheap and easy to service in the UK and breath beautifully whilst being resistant to freeflows. Excellent cold water performance if you find yourself diving through the winter as well.

HTH

[Richard Mason]

I've just acquired an Oceanic Omega with DIN and am very pleased with it. It's a way easier breath than my trusty Conshelf 14, especially at depth. Once I change my cylinders over to DIN fittings, it will be my primary regulator.

Our coldest diving is in around 8~9 degrees so I doubt freeze ups are going to be an issue. Certainly they haven't been for the other members of our club who dive them.

[CotoChris]

I had Ocea inc regs (Omga and Alpha) for some 8 years. They were my first set and they were great. In the end I changed to Scubapro because Oceanics are not so easy to have serviced in my part of the world. Nevertheless they are good regs.

[Ahoy]

I have all Oceanic regs. Other half uses DX4 / Alpha 7s and they are (were) the best value regs at the time. I have DX4 / Zeta which really pumps air into you if you need it: got me out of an awfully sticky mess recently by chucking air into my panicky lungs - I kid you not.

If I were buying new now, i'd probably go for upmarket Apeks as I don't think the Zetas are made anymore and I like a big demand capacity in a reg. But Oceanic are almost as good and a lot cheaper.

HTH,
S.

[Lou]

Well, I can't say I have ever had my Alpha 7's freeflow on my stage (which is where they live now). Maybe they were set just a bit better. They still outstrip the Apeks ATX40 on DS4 combo that are on my back tanks by a country mile. If I just use the Apeks there is no complaint as such on performance, but they don't wow me. Switching to the Oceanic on stops is a joy though. Suddenly you realise how much resistance the Apeks do give.

I did have a small issue of first stage hammer with the CDX when I first got them, but it was found to be a widespread issue and Oceanic had them back, upgraded whatever it was causing the issue and not a spot of trouble since....despite only one service!

[RobbieS]

Thanks for the replies guys. I guess it's just what works for you. My LDS does Apeks and Scubapro so I'll probably be looking at Apeks, just curoius about the Oceanics and didn't necessarily want to follow the recieved wisdom of Buddy BCD - Apeks regs.

I guess that's why I got a drysuit instead of the semi-dry I was advised to!

[Mark Chase]

Originally Posted by Lou

Well, I can't say I have ever had my Alpha 7's freeflow on my stage (which is where they live now). Maybe they were set just a bit better. They still outstrip the Apeks ATX40 on DS4 combo that are on my back tanks by a country mile. If I just use the Apeks there is no complaint as such on performance, but they don't wow me. Switching to the Oceanic on stops is a joy though. Suddenly you realise how much resistance the Apeks do give.

I did have a small issue of first stage hammer with the CDX when I first got them, but it was found to be a widespread issue and Oceanic had them back, upgraded whatever it was causing the issue and not a spot of trouble since....despite only one service!

Your Apexes arnt set up right.

Get an IP gauge (or borrow one off a CCR diver) and check the IP presure. Crank it to about 10. Then adjust the sensitivivity till in the + position it will freeflow if you press the purge buttonm on land but not in the - position.

Then try them again.


I set my back up regs to 9bar IP to add a safety margen. I have never had a reg free flow in the - position.


ATB

Mark Chase

[chrisch]

Originally Posted by RobbieS

..... the recieved wisdom of Buddy BCD - Apeks regs.

I guess that's why I got a drysuit instead of the semi-dry I was advised to!

Hmm.. While buddy BCs are OK I doubt they would be first choice for a lot of us. And a drysuit is the way to go not a semi. Hardly received wisdom.

Sounds a bit old-school BSAC - if they start talking a single 15 and a pony run away

Chris

[Lou]

Originally Posted by Mark Chase

Your Apexes arnt set up right.

Get an IP gauge (or borrow one off a CCR diver) and check the IP presure. Crank it to about 10. Then adjust the sensitivivity till in the + position it will freeflow if you press the purge buttonm on land but not in the - position.

Then try them again.


I set my back up regs to 9bar IP to add a safety margen. I have never had a reg free flow in the - position.


ATB

Mark Chase

Hmmm. They've never been any different, either since I bought them, or when I had them serviced. Well, serviced once. That's 4 different first stages.

I'll see if Mr Okeanos has an IP gauge to check your suggestion though.

[Janos]

Mark,

Your Oceanics aren't set up right if they freeflow on your stage

I have a set of Oceanics (CDX5, Alpha7) which I've had for aaaages and it's now my bailout reg on my stage tank. I've used it at 60m and it's fine.

I don't know why they're not more popular in the UK.

Janos