Apeks DS4 ReviewApeks DS4 Apeks DS4 OverviewApeks is a big believer in using diaphragm first stages. There are several reasons why a diver would want a diaphragm first stage instead of one that uses a piston.First, all diaphragm regulators are balanced. That means they’ll deliver the same easy breath of air whether there’s 3000 psi (206 bar) in your tank or 300 psi (20 bar). Diaphragm regulators also tend to require less maintenance since they’re sealed off from the environment. It also means that these regulators are less likely to freeze up in cold water. The design of the Apeks DS4 makes it a reliable first stage that will perform well for years to come. Apeks DS4 Features
As I mentioned earlier, the Apeks DS4 is a diaphragm regulator.It’s really the perfect choice for an inexpensive first stage because it gives you the luxury of a balanced regulator without the high cost that usually accompanies a balanced piston regulator. The Apeks DS4 takes balancing a step further by offering their over-balancing feature. Over-balancing means that the Apeks DS4 increases the intermediate pressure to the second stage as the diver goes deeper to make breathing even easier at depth. This first stage has 4 medium pressure ports for your primary second stage, your alternate second stage, your buoyancy compensator inflator hose and an optional accessory. Since the Apeks DS4 is a lower cost option, it only has one high pressure port for your pressure gauge or air integrated computer. Fortunately that’s all most divers will ever need. If you make the kind of dives that requires a redundant air gauge or dive computer, you’re better off investing more money in a higher end first stage. The Apeks DS4 is also “dry sealed” so it won’t freeze up in reasonably cold water. The Apeks DS4 Who Should Buy It?The Apeks DS4 is a great regulator for any diver.The average warm water sports divers can get top-notch performance at a reasonable price and they’ll have a regulator that’ll allow them to take more advanced classes without needing to purchase another regulator set. While the average sports diver can benefit from the DS4, this first stage is ideally suited for to the entry level technical diver. This first stage can withstand the extreme conditions divers face on deeper dives and in colder waters and the over-balance feature means divers will be able to breath just as easy at 130 feet (40m) as they do at 30 (10m). More advance divers, however, might want to upgrade to a first stage that offers more ports for added redundancy. Read other Apeks Regulator Reviews
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