The Big One

[Andrew H]

Here it is folks, you've seen it all before. Which gear to buy?
I am planning a return to diving but have not dived before in the UK. I am hoping to start with ne deco dives then on to nitrox (I'm already qualified) and train in deco and adv nitrox later. It seems from the boards here that DIN is the way to go for regs?

I have my heart set on Apeks regs, but am unable to decypher the difference between them. Even the Apeks site seems devoid of usefull information. Is there in fact any difference between the ATX50 ATX100 ATX200? The fist stages look different but the second stages all seem the same. I know there must be a difference but what is it?

I am thinking that the Buddy Tekwing will be a good option because it's cheap. Oh and it seems you can replace the harness and backplate later with something more serious. Then replace the wing. And it should take singles and twins?

I have a 5.5 semidry which I will be stuck with for this season at least, I have a shorty which goes over the top and hopefully will not freeze too much before I can afford (get permission to buy) a drysuit.

Obviously I have overlooked something serious but I'm not too sure what it is. Perhaps someone can show me the error of my ways...

Andrew

[tom]

Originally Posted by Andrew H

I am thinking that the Buddy Tekwing will be a good option because it's cheap. Oh and it seems you can replace the harness and backplate later with something more serious. Then replace the wing. And it should take singles and twins?

Yep, I've used mine with everything from single Ali 12, single steel 10, 12, 15 + pony, twin 12s, and I know of people who use them with twin 12s + a stage. Needs a bit of fiddling to get surface trim right with a single (I now use trim weights), but once you've done that its great. Very customisable (e.g. replacing plate, harness etc - though I've yet to see the need), tough, and above all cheap. Pretty horrible inflator but you can't have everything

[Mrs Narked@50]

The Apeks regs are good, I bought the 100s because the 200s were too new and not a known quantity, no one I know has yet to say they can tell the difference in performance. They both have the same second stage but the first is different. Both are different to the 50s, better specs, but the 50s are good anyway. With the new bollocks about nitrox equipment going on it may be worth considering it now rather than later.

I rekon your brave with your suit although it will be fine inland during the summer you will chill very quick in the sea, you have been warned!

What have you forgot? computer, tanks, pony/twins, rest of the stuff? If it's a return to diving and you want to custom buy it's going to cost you. If you just want something to get started with you can buy a "job lot" from someone giving it up. If I were you I'd invest in a suit and get the rest as funds are available, there is no point in having good kit but being too cold to use it.

James (posting as the wife!)

[Dominic]

I've got both Apeks TX40 and TX00. The differences between the first stages are purely cosmetic - the internal are identical. The differences in the second stage are even less than that - I breathe the 40 and keep the 100 as backup, purely because it's more de-tunable and the performance is identical.

Other than the cracking resistance knob, there's no real difference in any of the Apeks range. I wouldn't buy a 100 again - it's not worth going higher than a 50.

Why not start with Nitrox right from the word go? It's a better gas than air..

[Woz]

Originally Posted by Dominic

I've got both Apeks TX40 and TX00. The differences between the first stages are purely cosmetic - the internal are identical. The differences in the second stage are even less than that - I breathe the 40 and keep the 100 as backup, purely because it's more de-tunable and the performance is identical.

Other than the cracking resistance knob, there's no real difference in any of the Apeks range. I wouldn't buy a 100 again - it's not worth going higher than a 50.

Why not start with Nitrox right from the word go? It's a better gas than air..

Yep- internally the Apeks stuff is almost identical across the range and you really don't need the cracking adjuster if your reg is set up properly.
Some people don't like the newer ATX range as the exhaust is smaller and you get bubbles in your face.
I run a TX40 over the right shoulder and a Jetstream over the left. TX40 luvverly to breathe at whatever depth and Jetstream utterly crap above 15m but a delight below.
Don't believe the guff that Poseidons are expensive to service- that's utter bulldogs- both cost me 18.50 for the labour and within a fiver for the parts.
If I was buying from new I would probably go for TX40's or 50's from Apeks (or maybe 100's if I was feeling particularly flush) and not bother with a 200- They are just jewellery.

[Andrew H]

Thanks for that guys. I have a day off on Thursday (baby sitting) so I will have to go to Divers Warehouse and fondle the gear and hope for divine inspiration!

I have been thinking about being dedicated to nitrox in an equipment sense but don't think it will be a major issue until I buy tanks. Then you have to choose to O2 clean or not to O2 clean...

At Divers Warehouse the reg kits go ATX50 £349 ATX100 £375 ATX200 £399
all with ATX40 octo and gauges. Doesn't seem that big a price difference (in for an penny in for a pound, and another pound, and another pound...)

Thanks Again

Andrew

[Jules]

Originally Posted by Andrew H

Thanks for that guys. I have a day off on Thursday (baby sitting) so I will have to go to Divers Warehouse and fondle the gear and hope for divine inspiration!

Andrew

Andrew
Before you buy anything you should speak to Andy Heyhurst from dales divers www.dalesdivers.co.uk...he will give you good advice and good prices. I have sent you a pm

jules