DGX Custom - Apeks DS4 or DST/XTX50 Sidemount Reg Package
Some divers prefer the swivel turret feature of the Apeks DST First Stage and we offer the DST in this package as an optional upgrade to the DS4 fixed port alignment. The DS4 and DST first stages are both EN250 certified to a depth of {660 fsw | 200 msw} and have identical extreme performance breathing characteristics.
DGX Custom - Apeks DS4 or DST/XTX50 Sidemount Reg Package
- Complete ultra-performance sidemount style regulator configuration
- Apeks over-balanced diaphragm first stages and balanced adjustable second stages
- Assembled, tested and shipped to you ready-to-dive
- Cold Water and Nitrox Ready
- Tested and EN250 certified to a depth of {660 fsw |200 msw}
The Apeks DS4/XTX50 Sidemount Regulator Package contains everything you need for an ultra performance regulator setup in a sidemount style configuration. Some divers prefer a shorter {60 in | 1.5 m} hose in their configuration, but some divers still prefer the {84 in | 2.1 m} hose, and our package gives you the choice. Hose materials are your choice of rubber or braided flex for the low-pressure hoses and rubber, braided flex or braided stainless-steel for the high-pressure hoses. We also offer an upgrade from the DS4 fixed first stages to the DST swivel first stages. This package is also available in Right/Left configuration utilizing the ambidextrous feature of the XTX50 second stage. This DGX Custom package is assembled and integrated by Dive Gear Express using Apeks first and second stage regulators together with our premium quality hoses, gauges, adapters, stainless steel hardware and other accessories, including:
- Two Apeks DS4 First Stages (optionally upgrade to DST swivel first stages)
- Two Apeks XTX50 Second Stages
- One DGX { 60 in | 152 cm } or { 84 in | 213 cm } LP Reg Hose
- One DGX { 22 in | 56 cm } LP Reg Hose
- Two DGX Swivel Adapters for the Second Stages
- Two DGX SPGs (Choice of Size, Face Color, PSI or BAR)
- Two DGX { 6 in | 15 cm } or { 9 in | 23 cm } HP hoses for the SPGs
- Necklace, S/S Bolt Snap, two DIN Caps, two Bungee Loops for SPGs
- Optional Inflation hoses for BC and Drysuit ({ 22 in | 56 cm } is typical)
The Apeks DS4 First Stage is a work horse with years of proven performance and reliability preferred by the most demanding technical divers. The Apeks DS4 is a unique 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. The polished chrome plated body 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; popular for sidemount configurations. An environmental seal keeps water out of the main spring chamber thus preventing ice buildup and keeping silt and contamination out. The DS4 comes standard with a DIN connector and is Nitrox Ready.
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-bite™ mouthpiece by Aqualung greatly reduces jaw fatigue.
Apeks brand regulators include a Limited Lifetime Warranty as long as they are inspected or serviced annually by an AQUALUNG AMERICA Authorized Dealer. This warranty covers the original owner against defects in parts or workmanship for the lifetime of the regulator and includes the Free-Parts-For-Life Program as outlined on their website.
| Brand | Apeks |
|---|---|
| SKU | PK-791006 |
| Weight | 11.000000 |
Customer Reviews
Rigging the SPG on Stage and Sidemount Bottles
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.
