21 REGULATORS

THE DEEP BREATH TESTS

Apeks TX40
Diaphragm first-stage with four mp and two hp ports. Plastic second-stage with heat exchanger and venturi +/- switch.

First impressions:
We liked the design of the environmentally dry-sealed first-stage with a turret that can be used the right way up. We also liked the positive venturi +/- switch design of the second-stage, which was easily felt for but did not protrude. There were excellent hose protectors which did not trap salt water when left to dry. Some liked the way the exhaust tee rested on the chin, although George did not. We liked the blanking ball.

At depth:
George: "Excellent. A very smooth breathe. I would buy this regulator."
Sarah: "I tried all manner of panicky inhalations but it was always excellent."
Steffi: "Probably my favourite."
Steve: "I was conscious of the draw at depth but I liked it a lot. A good positive breathe."

Upside-down: Became dry after two breaths.
In a fast current: Very good.

What the machine found:
With the venturi +/- switch at the minus setting it breathed exceptionally easily at 50m, but in the plus position it gave an unacceptable positive inhalation pressure above 25 lpm.
Work of breathing at 50m: 0.58 joules/litre.
Guide price: £212

Apeks TX40


Apeks TX40

Apeks TX100*
Diaphragm first-stage with four mp and two hp ports. Plastic second-stage with heat exchanger, venturi +/- and BRA.
First impressions:
We liked the design of the first-stage with its "aluminium" look and environmental dry-sealing. The hoses were swept up nicely and the blanking ball was easy to drynd position. Good hose protectors as on TX40. The second-stage proved impossible to strip and clean (of sand) in the field. We liked the positive design of the BRA knob and the venturi +/- switch. One of the second-stages supplied had a Comfobite mouthpiece, which our testers either loved or hated.

At depth:
George: "Good but complicated by knobs. I prefer the TX40. I was disappointed. I expected much more from Apeks' star performer."
Sarah: "Not bad but not brilliant. I would not buy it. Why is it not as good as the TX40?"
Steffi: "I was very surprised at the apparent resistance overall. Power breathing seemed to be met with very high resistance."
Steve: "It was not bad but I encountered some resistance to deep breaths."

Upside-down: Good. Cleared well if blown hard but even with a small blow cleared eventually.
In a fast current: Average when BRA screwed right down.

What the machine found:
Similar results to the TX40 at 50m. It tended to give a positive inhalation pressure: ie, more air than demanded. Exceeded depth rating of TX40 and breathed very easily.
Work of breathing at 50m: 0.83 joules/litre.

Guide price: £347
Apexs TX100


Apexs TX100

The Deep Breath Tests | ANSTI Testing | The Conclusions
Apeks TX40 and TX100
Beuchat Evolution and VS8 Club
Cressi-Sub XS1 and F3
Mares MR12 Voltrex and MR22 Ruby
Ocean Reef 6600 and Enterprise
Oceanic Delta IID and Gamma D
Poseidon Cyklon 5000 and Jetstream
Scubapro Mk14/M50 and Mk20/G250
Sherwood Blizzard and Magnum
Spiro Ranger XP and Supra D XR2 Cryo,
US Divers SEA4 Micra ADJ

Appeared in DIVER - March 1998.