DGX Custom - Apeks XTX Stage Reg Package

Sample DST/XTX50 Stage Reg Package
Sample DST/XTX50 Stage Reg Package DS4 and DST First Stages XTX50 Second Stage Right and Left Configurations Sample Thin SPG
  • Complete stage bottle regulator configuration with choice of DST or DS4 first stage
  • Assembled, tested and shipped to you ready-to-dive
  • Choose Flex, Rubber or Braided Stainless Steel hoses and Color preference
  • Includes Thin SPG with your choice of {6 in | 15 cm} or {9 in | 23 cm} HP hose
  • Cold Water and Nitrox Ready

DGX Custom - Apeks XTX Stage Reg Package

$859.00
In Stock
SKU
PK-791007
The Apeks XTX Stage Reg Package is a perfect regulator setup for stage bottles. Choose the DST swivel turret first stage or choose the value priced DS4 fixed ports first stage and save $100.00

Everything you need for an Apeks XTX ultra performance regulator setup in a stage bottle configuration. The version from Dive Gear Express comes assembled and includes:

  • First Stage choice of Apeks DST swivel turret or value priced Apeks DS4 fixed ports
  • Apeks XTX50 Second Stage with choice of right or left hose inlet configuration
  • One { 40 in | 1.0 m } LP Hose Choice of Rubber or Braided Flex
  • One Thin SPG, in choice of PSI or BAR and color, with { 6 in | 15 cm } HP hose
  • HP Hose Choice of Rubber, Braided Flex, or Braided Stainless-Steel
  • S/S Bolt Snap, DIN Regulator Cap, Bungee Loop for SPG

The Apeks first stages are an over-balanced, diaphragm design - as the diver descends, the over-balancing feature allows the intermediate pressure gas in the hose to increase at a rate faster than ambient resulting in superb performance at extreme depths. An environmental seal keeps water out of the main spring chamber thus preventing ice buildup and keeping silt and contamination out. The first stage comes standard with a DIN connector. The DST has two standard high pressure 7/16-inch ports and four standard high-flow low pressure 3/8-inch ports mounted on a swivel turret. The DS4 has one standard high pressure 7/16-inch hose port and four standard high-flow low pressure 3/8-inch hose ports in fixed orientation.

The Apeks XTX50 second stage is a pneumatically-balanced design that results in smooth, easy breathing. The all black soft silicone front cover has a large and easy to operate purge button that features two-step progressive operation. Press the purge on the side for a lower flow rate (useful where more control is required such as filling lift bags) then press in the center for the full effect of the purge such as when clearing water. An easy-to-grip knob allows the diver to fine tune the cracking pressure (aka opening effort.) It also offers a large venturi (Dive /Pre-Dive) lever for better gas flow and to reduce free flow upon initial entry. A heat exchanger which surrounds the valve mechanism, dissipates the cold caused by gas expansion while drawing in the warmth of the ambient water. The popular Apeks Comfo-biteā„¢ mouthpiece by Aqualung greatly reduces jaw fatigue.

More Information
Brand Apeks
SKU PK-791007
Weight 7.500000

Customer Reviews

Rigging the SPG on Stage and Sidemount Bottles

SPG Rigging Examples

The classic method technical divers use to rig a stage or sidemount bottle is a compact or "brass & glass" gauge assembled with a very short high-pressure hose folded back on itself against the first stage and permanently tied in place with a piece of cave line. We do NOT recommend doing this with a rubber or flex hose because the hose is also permanently stressed at the two weakest points, the fitting swages. Although not as convenient to read, allow the SPG and hose assembly to lie straight against the tank while held against the side of the cylinder under a hose retainer. Because the short hose is less able to absorb the impact of rapid pressurization, we recommend following best practice to depress and hold the second stage purge while slowly opening the cylinder valve until the regulator begins equalizing with the cylinder pressure.

If you prefer folding the hose, then use a bungee loop (about 1 foot of 3/16" with the ends tied together in a fisherman's knot or we prefer an overhand loop w/pigtail) instead of cave line because when the regulator is off the stage the bungee loop allows the hose to be unfolded. Some divers also prefer using a slightly longer hose when folding, hopefully offering a reduction in stress on the folded hose. Regardless, in our experience all short rubber or flex hoses still may fail prematurely from being folded back on themselves. Recent availability of short high-pressure hoses with a braided stainless steel jacket, together with the bungee loop rigging method, seems to be the most durable and reliable compromise.

Here is one final thought... ask yourself "Do I really need a full size SPG?" Sometimes the exact amount of the gas remaining in an off-board bottle is not being used to control the dive. The only reason for the presence of the SPG on the travel or bailout bottle is the diver just needs an indication of cylinder contents as full, partial, or empty. If your diving application doesn't need an exact reading on gas remaining in the cylinder, an inexpensive button SPG will significantly reduce the number of failure points. This is especially true of bailout bottle applications, whereupon switch to bailout also terminates the dive and knowing the exact tank pressure is unlikely to be meaningful.