Apeks XTX200 on Leisurepro

I’ve bought my Apeks XTX200 around 2 month ago and I can truthfully say that it is the beset regulator that I have ever used. The Apeks XTX200 the flagship of Apeks’ line of regulators (currently replacing the older but similar ATX200). As of today I have made around 15 dives with it and has performed perfectly in all conditions. All of my dives with the Apeks XTX200 have been technical dives up to a depth of around 75 meters (246 feet) and it was used as my primary regulator on the twin cylinders setup. I have also did wreck penetration dives with it. It breathes so easily that it’s hard to compare to any other high-end regulator that I’ve dived with. Even at great depth and in extreme physical activity with high heart rate it breathes as easily as on the surface.

 

The ease of breathing is not the only advantage of the XTX200. Apeks is a highly reliable manufacturer (now owned by Aqualung) and it is well known for it’s seamless reputation as a manufacturer of high-end regulators. Located in the UK, Apeks is well known for manufacturing regulators that are well adjusted for cold water and extreme weather diving. Although I didn’t dive in frozen water with it yet, I’m pretty sure that if I had to chose a regulator to take to the northern see with me, thae XTX200 would be my reg of choice.

The Apeks XTX200 was tested by Scubalab on the ANSTI Breathing simulator and has scored a perfect score! A perfect 5 (on a 2 to 5 scale) in all 4 categories. By the way, the cheaper XTX50 has also scored a perfect score on this test!
Here’s a little info on that ANSTI Machine (from Scuba Diving Magazine):
“The ANSTI machine is the international industry standard for scientifically evaluating a regulator’s performance. It measures a regulator’s work of breathing (WOB) in joules per liter (j/l) for each complete inhale/exhale cycle. We test regulators at four different RMV/depth combinations (RMV stands for Respiratory Minute Volumes, basically the amount of gas that can be ventilated through the lungs in one minute). All simulator tests are performed at a supply pressure of 725-760 psi. If a regulator can perform well at this supply pressure, it will perform as well or better at higher supply pressures.”

The XTX200 first stage is very comfortably built, featuring 4 angled medium pressure ports and 2 angled high pressure ports. Of course, it is environmentally sealed.
The second stage is has adjustable cracking control (This feature adjusts the spring load on the poppet vavle assembly and varies the cracking resistance. This can be adjusted during the dive to suit individual diver preference.), it is pneumatically balanced and it can easily be converted from right to left hand hose configuration, there’s an optional hose swivel connection. The knob is extremely large and can be easily adjusted during the dive, even while wearing 7mm gloves.

 

Specifications

First Stage Compact one piece body 4 angled medium pressure ports, 4 x 3/8″ UNF 2 angled high pressure ports, 2 x 7/16″ UNF Environmentally dry sealed system Attractive black and luxurious satin silver chrome finish Balanced for superior performance Removable ARCAP valve seat

Second Stage Adjustable cracking control Integrated venturi control Pneumatically balanced valve design Micro Adjuster Suitable for cold water use Bright Chrome Finish Right or Left hand hose configuration Metal Inserted front cover New Optional Extra Hose Swivel connection Changeable Exhaust Tees (DCE, Diver Changeable Exhaust) (Both sets supplied) Identical to the XTX100 except for model number decal Nitrox versions available

Link to Manqafacturer’s website: Apeks