Apeks XTX200 & FSR

[Letz]

Does anyone have any views or opinions on the XTX200 and FSR 1st stage, particulalry for use on twins ?

All input appreciated. Good deal available and I just may not be able to resist

[nickb]

Nice kit, but overkill IMHO

DS4s & TX50/TX40 (or ATX) is easily good enough

[Tricky]

I agree with Nick, although I do have an FSR that I might try on my twins instead of a DS4. This would only be on the left post though because the HP port is angled outwards so might help hose routing for the gauge when using my Evolve wing. On the right post, the LP ports point inwards which is not optimal for hose routing - this is assuming that you have the environmental seal pointing inwards on both 1st stages.

[Letz]

Originally Posted by Tricky

I agree with Nick, although I do have an FSR that I might try on my twins instead of a DS4. This would only be on the left post though because the HP port is angled outwards so might help hose routing for the gauge when using my Evolve wing. On the right post, the LP ports point inwards which is not optimal for hose routing - this is assuming that you have the environmental seal pointing inwards on both 1st stages.

Interesting, and I can see how that could be a problem.
Although I'm a bit confused If facing the outlet valve of the cylinder, are both HP ports on the right and LP ports on the left ? If so, how can the HP port angle outward on your left post yet the LP ports would angle inwards on the right post.

Sorry if I've completely misunderstood. The picture on the Apeks website doesn't help much, perhaps a drawing is needed

[Tricky]

Ok, looking at the picture on the Apeks website, imagine that the top of the 1st stage is pointing towards the manifold knob. This means that you have 2x LP and 1x HP on top, and the same on the bottom. The lower HP ports on both 1sts will be angled outwards, but all of the LP ports will be angled inwards.

On the left post you have gauge, backup reg and suit inflate. The gauge hose is angled away from the body due to the angle of the HP port, the backup reg hose goes behind your neck so having the LP ports angled that way is also useful. For the suit inflate, it would be better if one of the LP ports was pointing the same way as the HP port, but as I plan to use off-board suit inflation, I figured this wouldn't really be an issue for me. Also one of the lower LP ports on this post is 1/2" and I don't have hoses that fit this size.

On the right post you have the main reg and wing inflate. The wing inflate goes behind your neck in a similar manner to the backup reg so the angle of the LP port helps. For the main reg it would be useful to have the LP port angled away from the body.

This is only based on what I've seen by looking at the 1st, but I haven't tried it out yet so in reality, having the LP ports angled inwards may not really be that much of an issue. If I get to the club tonight, I will try to bring the FSR and a DS4 with me, and I can try to show you what I mean.

[Letz]

Originally Posted by Tricky

Ok, looking at the picture on the Apeks website, imagine that the top of the 1st stage is pointing towards the manifold knob. This means that you have 2x LP and 1x HP on top, and the same on the bottom. The lower HP ports on both 1sts will be angled outwards, but all of the LP ports will be angled inwards.

On the left post you have gauge, backup reg and suit inflate. The gauge hose is angled away from the body due to the angle of the HP port, the backup reg hose goes behind your neck so having the LP ports angled that way is also useful. For the suit inflate, it would be better if one of the LP ports was pointing the same way as the HP port, but as I plan to use off-board suit inflation, I figured this wouldn't really be an issue for me. Also one of the lower LP ports on this post is 1/2" and I don't have hoses that fit this size.

On the right post you have the main reg and wing inflate. The wing inflate goes behind your neck in a similar manner to the backup reg so the angle of the LP port helps. For the main reg it would be useful to have the LP port angled away from the body.

This is only based on what I've seen by looking at the 1st, but I haven't tried it out yet so in reality, having the LP ports angled inwards may not really be that much of an issue. If I get to the club tonight, I will try to bring the FSR and a DS4 with me, and I can try to show you what I mean.

Thanks Tricky, I began to understand your post better when I took a look at a twinset hose routing link someone sent me.
I can understand your point I'm just unsure how much effect the slight angle on the ports will really make, but I'm not an experienced twinset diver.

I've been comparing pictures of the DS4 and FSR on the web but it would be easier to see the real thing so if you do get down the club that would be great

Thanks again, great advice and direction

[pieater]

I use two atx200's on my twins. The first stages are the same FSRs as you are talking about. Hose routing is OK, but not as obessively neat as with the DS4s I've seen others use. I use a DS4 for a single rig and gas delivery is identical.

The advantage as I see it with the XTX range is that changing which side of the second stage the hose goes into would make routing that post a lot neater. With the ATX's, the second stage has to come round the back of your head. You wouldn't need to do that with an XTX. However, this comment applies equally to all regs in the XTX range.

[Mr Scubatank]

Originally Posted by pieater

I use two atx200's on my twins. The first stages are the same FSRs as you are talking about. Hose routing is OK, but not as obessively neat as with the DS4s I've seen others use. I use a DS4 for a single rig and gas delivery is identical.

The advantage as I see it with the XTX range is that changing which side of the second stage the hose goes into would make routing that post a lot neater. With the ATX's, the second stage has to come round the back of your head. You wouldn't need to do that with an XTX. However, this comment applies equally to all regs in the XTX range.

I've got them on my twins, I like em, and haven't had any issues with the routing. Looks nice and neat. Had to remove the hose protectors though.
Nice easy breathe, plus they are nice and shiney.

[Letz]

Great input from everyone, thanks

Think I'll treat myself to one XTX200/FSR and DS4/ATX40 as secondary.
No problems with mix and match I hope

Reckon I'll route my hoses slightly differently than I've seen anyway, certainly with dry suit and wing. I'll be content with my dry suit on my right post for now. I've heard the argument "as long as your breathing your buoynacy device is ok" and I'll bear that in mind.

Thanks again to everyone who gave me prompt and useful input allowing me to make a speedy decision and, possibly, get an order in that may mean I'm diving my twins this May bank holiday

[Letz]

Well, given the fantastic price and differential of the price of the XTX200/FSR and DS4/ATX40 against quality and 'newness' and, of course the alure of shining symmetry, I bought 2 XTX200/FSR

I've been told I'll get the cold shoulder on boats now for having and XTX200 secondary On the plus side though, I don't drive a BMW