1st stages on doubles

[auburntiger1976]

I just posted this on Scubaboard, and I thought I would post here as well to get some other opinions.

I am transitioning to doubles. Currently, I have an Apeks XTX100 and XTX50 (2nd stage only) for my singles rig. I need to buy another 1st stage for my XTX50 and I've looked and looked for an Apeks FST 1st (XTX100 1st stage) because I love how it routes. However, the FST's are extremely difficult to find -- found a shop in Europe that sells them, but it will cost a fortune with international shipping, etc.

My question is, for those who dive doubles, do you have identical 1st stages? Are there any benefits to having the same 1st stages, other than the fact that they match? I'm frustrated and thinking about just buying the Apeks DS4 for my XTX50 so I can go dive. Thanks.

[texdiveguy]

There is no huge advantage to having both your first stages the same outside of the obvious in terms of service ease and if you are into having things look purty. The important thing as that each first stage is up to the the task for the type/condition of the diving you will be involved in. I have Oceanic and a Salvo as my first stages for diving doubles....both are great regs with all the req. I expect from my gear.

[CompuDude]

The main advantage is interchangeability of parts.

Beyond that, there's no harm in having different regs.

[medicdiver]

I agree with Texdiveguy, in that the advantage is more of a maintanence insure than anything else. As long as it is able to with stand the demands of the dive then it doesn't matter. I personnally use the Apeks DS4 and I like it and I don't have matching regs either. I do have Apeks for my doubles and one for my stage but I then have a Dive rite First stage with a ATX 40 second for my other stage. This was a choice that I made only because I liked how the Apeks performed.
The one thing I am in the process of doing is getting my wifes regs changed over to Apeks so when mine are in the shop, I can take hers if needed.

[auburntiger1976]

Thanks. It would be a plus if they matched, but the FST is a phenomenal 1st stage and the routing is great. Oh well. Guess I'll buy the Apeks DS4. I looked at Salvo, but haven't heard much about them. I wonder if I'd run into any problems combining a Salvo 1st with an Apeks 2nd.

[auburntiger1976]

Originally Posted by medicdiver

I agree with Texdiveguy, in that the advantage is more of a maintanence insure than anything else. As long as it is able to with stand the demands of the dive then it doesn't matter. I personnally use the Apeks DS4 and I like it and I don't have matching regs either. I do have Apeks for my doubles and one for my stage but I then have a Dive rite First stage with a ATX 40 second for my other stage. This was a choice that I made only because I liked how the Apeks performed.
The one thing I am in the process of doing is getting my wifes regs changed over to Apeks so when mine are in the shop, I can take hers if needed.

Good to hear you like the DS4. Some folks have told me that, with aluminum 80's, the routing of the DS4 sucks, but that they are fine with steel doubles....something about the necks of aluminum vs. steel tanks -- aluminum tanks have shorter necks.

[LiteHedded]

I use salvo sr2's on my doubles
they're the same mainly because I bought them at the same time :P

[texdiveguy]

Originally Posted by auburntiger1976

I wonder if I'd run into any problems combining a Salvo 1st with an Apeks 2nd.

No.

Salvo regs are very good. I use both the SR3/SRX combo and I also have a Salvo small argon first stage for my argon bottle....both work under any water condition you can throw at them....they are easy to service and the parts are ease to find. As nice as Apex are and they used to be the technical divers choice for reg., but now their are several brands on the market that are as good or better IMO. For the cost of around $380 you can get a great 1st/2nd stage combo with Salvo.

[auburntiger1976]

Originally Posted by texdiveguy

No.

Salvo regs are very good. I use both the SR3/SRX combo and I also have a Salvo small argon first stage for my argon bottle....both work under any water condition you can throw at them....they are easy to service and the parts are ease to find. As nice as Apex are and they used to be the technical divers choice for reg., but now their are several brands on the market that are as good or better IMO. For the cost of around $380 you can get a great 1st/2nd stage combo with Salvo.

Wow, that's cheap. Thanks for the info. I'm going to look at the Salvo regs. Thanks.

[texdiveguy]

Originally Posted by LiteHedded

I use salvo sr2's on my doubles
they're the same mainly because I bought them at the same time :P

The Salvo SR2 is a sweet first stage and do great for deco bottles with the turret.