Apeks Wtx Wing System ?

duartesss · August 4th, 2006, 10:58 AM

Hello,

I want to buy a new wing system. I intend to buy this one from Apeks:

With this wing for recreational dives (I use a 12lt-300 bar tank + 3lt-200bar ponny): http://www.apeks.co.uk/products/prod...ancy%20Control

and this wing for tech dives ( Two 15 lt - 200 bar tank):
http://www.apeks.co.uk/products/prod...ancy%20Control

With the following accessories:

http://www.apeks.co.uk/products/product_cats_results.asp?Product=WTX%20Webbed%20Ha rness&Category=Buoyancy%20Control

http://www.apeks.co.uk/products/product_cats_results.asp?Product=WTX%20Stainless%2 0Steel%20Back%20Plate&Category=Buoyancy%20Control

http://www.apeks.co.uk/products/product_cats_results.asp?Product=WTX%20SureLock%20 System&Category=Buoyancy%20Control

(SureLock™ Weight System + SureLock™ Attachments)

What do you think? Is a good choice? You know this system?

Thanks
Duartesss

Chris B · August 4th, 2006, 11:47 AM

Quote: (Originally Posted by duartesss)

What do you think? Is a good choice? You know this system?

Thanks
Duartesss

Just my opinion of course, but.........

At first glance, it simply looks like the Apeks version of DIR, which is almost close enough to be fully creditable.

The single tank wing looks good apart from the D ring on the wing itself, I'd cut this off (actually I wouldn't buy the wing but thats just me) and have the D-ring on the crotch strap harness, then it is attached to a piece of webbing made to be tugged/snagged.

A D-ring on the wing is not good practice, I wouldn't want to snag anything that then in turn yanks on my wing stitching; I just can't see any benefit over putting the D-ring where it already is, on the harness webbing.

Apart from that, the toggles seem nicely deigned (with edges) to snag, so I would take those off and just have a knot.

On the doubles wing, it almost makes it as a standard DIR wing (bar the toggles again) but looses it due to the blanking cap on the right side bottom for the old quick inflate or whatever.

This is an extra failure point/hole in the wing that just isn't needed, APEK's GET OVER IT AND MOVE ON this is from the Fenze era.

Apart from those points, one of them admittedly fairly major/fundamental, it looks OK.

The harness looks fine apart from the shoulder strap padding which doesn't seem to do any harm, it just again, isn't necessary and I suppose at a stretch, it could be seen to hinder cutting someone loose.

The harness itself looks well configured apart from the right hip D-ring which is just superfluous in DIR diving and would get in the way of the light can.

the plate looks fine

the QR harness weights look fine if you use that sort of thing.

All in all, pretty good stab by a company who has no background in DIR (quite the opposite) but is recognizing a growing niche they aren't servicing.

Their only fault is adding bits in that don't really need to be there, pressumably to create their own identiy over other brands but apart from the quick inflate blank (so an extra hole in the wing on the right bottom) everything is retro fixable easily enough.

Is it cheaper than the recognized DIR stuff availible........or are you just doing some market research for someone?.............

Chris B

Joe Hesketh · August 4th, 2006, 12:19 PM

Quote: (Originally Posted by Chris B)

[...]the blanking cap on the right side bottom for the old quick inflate or whatever.

[...]

APEK's GET OVER IT AND MOVE ON this is from the Fenze era.

[...]

a company who has no background in DIR (quite the opposite)

I don't disagree with your analysis but are you confusing Apeks with AP Valves...?

The other thing seems to be the rather large size - their smallest doubles wing is 60lb! Smacks of a design that tried really hard to make some concessions against the old guard of barrage balloon wings but then chickened out on certain details when it came to the final product... (again only my view)

Joe

MonkSeal · August 4th, 2006, 12:48 PM

Quote: (Originally Posted by Joe Hesketh)

their smallest doubles wing is 60lb!

Definitely too much lift for the average application. I can't imagine why would I need 80lbs of lift. Regarding the price I believe that it's comparable to Halcyon, Agir and others. I would go for a proven wing but that's me.

Tricky · August 4th, 2006, 01:35 PM

I believe Apeks are planning on releasing a smaller doubles wing in the near future.

Little Pete · August 7th, 2006, 01:08 PM

I'd also be inclined to get a Halcyon/Agir/Dirzone wing for single and another wing for doubles so I knew it was right for me from the start.

Spectre · August 8th, 2006, 04:54 PM

From my experience, some wings work better with some tanks then others. I've tried an Apeks wing with 104s, and, IMHO, there are better options for those tanks; in both the Halcyon and the Agir wings. The Apeks wing is a bit longer, and would be better suited for longer tanks such as HP 120s. I found it difficult to stay in decent trim, and I felt as though there was quite a bit of drag. The two others I let try the wing all had similiar comments [of course we all tried the wing with 104s/130s].

I'm not sure how those tanks compare to the size of tanks you guys have.

QBU · August 9th, 2006, 01:06 AM

The one thing I've seen people run into problems with, is the fact that all advertisements show only the Apeks Deluxe One-Piece Harness (except the Aqualung catalog) and there's actually a WTX Harness that some dive shops (ours unfortunately) carry which is completely different.

The WTX Harness has fastec buckles, a non-adjustable harness (it takes close inspection to see it really isn't adjustable), miniature d-rings galore, and a soft pad for the diver's comfort (which is buoyant as heck). The back plate unless being used with a single tank adapter or doubles with standard metal bands is only held in by a fairly lightweight velcro flap (which we've had fall out in the store display).

So my point being, if you're looking for a WTX system, make sure to specify the Deluxe One Piece Webbed Harness or you may be extremely upset. Especially if you order one sight unseen or on-line. My boss ordered the WTX harnesses thinking that it was as good as the deluxe harness, just with fastec buckles and now that we've had hands on, we know that we are stuck with 3 very expensive systems that will be difficult to sell.

Oh and the waist buckle is monstrous and very "home made"

What's the saying? Buyer beware?

duartesss · September 23rd, 2006, 01:07 AM

Thanks for you help.

I received this from Apeks:

"You will pleased to know we are currently waiting for a new 45lb bladder to be delivered and also a redundant 60lb bladder, these should be with us at the beginning of October."

JS1scuba · September 23rd, 2006, 07:49 AM

Quote: (Originally Posted by Tricky)

I believe Apeks are planning on releasing a smaller doubles wing in the near future.

The 45 LBS wing is finished, and dealers are ordering them this month and will be delivered by October 1st. The wing is well balanced and will work well with the smaller twinsets.

Please not that the little plastic pulls on the dump valves are required for CE testing and certification. If you care to take them off then so be it. It has no impact on the performance of the product.

Regards,

August 4th, 2006, 10:58 AM	#1 (permalink)
duartesss(Offline) Banned for abusing sales posts Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Portugal Posts: 26	Apeks Wtx Wing System ? Hello, I want to buy a new wing system. I intend to buy this one from Apeks: With this wing for recreational dives (I use a 12lt-300 bar tank + 3lt-200bar ponny): http://www.apeks.co.uk/products/prod...ancy%20Control and this wing for tech dives ( Two 15 lt - 200 bar tank): http://www.apeks.co.uk/products/prod...ancy%20Control With the following accessories: http://www.apeks.co.uk/products/product_cats_results.asp?Product=WTX%20Webbed%20Ha rness&Category=Buoyancy%20Control http://www.apeks.co.uk/products/product_cats_results.asp?Product=WTX%20Stainless%2 0Steel%20Back%20Plate&Category=Buoyancy%20Control http://www.apeks.co.uk/products/product_cats_results.asp?Product=WTX%20SureLock%20 System&Category=Buoyancy%20Control (SureLock™ Weight System + SureLock™ Attachments) What do you think? Is a good choice? You know this system? Thanks Duartesss Last edited by duartesss; August 4th, 2006 at 11:06 AM.

August 4th, 2006, 11:47 AM	#2 (permalink)
Chris B (Online) Chris B Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: NW UK Posts: 230	Quote: (Originally Posted by duartesss) What do you think? Is a good choice? You know this system? Thanks Duartesss Just my opinion of course, but......... At first glance, it simply looks like the Apeks version of DIR, which is almost close enough to be fully creditable. The single tank wing looks good apart from the D ring on the wing itself, I'd cut this off (actually I wouldn't buy the wing but thats just me) and have the D-ring on the crotch strap harness, then it is attached to a piece of webbing made to be tugged/snagged. A D-ring on the wing is not good practice, I wouldn't want to snag anything that then in turn yanks on my wing stitching; I just can't see any benefit over putting the D-ring where it already is, on the harness webbing. Apart from that, the toggles seem nicely deigned (with edges) to snag, so I would take those off and just have a knot. On the doubles wing, it almost makes it as a standard DIR wing (bar the toggles again) but looses it due to the blanking cap on the right side bottom for the old quick inflate or whatever. This is an extra failure point/hole in the wing that just isn't needed, APEK's GET OVER IT AND MOVE ON this is from the Fenze era. Apart from those points, one of them admittedly fairly major/fundamental, it looks OK. The harness looks fine apart from the shoulder strap padding which doesn't seem to do any harm, it just again, isn't necessary and I suppose at a stretch, it could be seen to hinder cutting someone loose. The harness itself looks well configured apart from the right hip D-ring which is just superfluous in DIR diving and would get in the way of the light can. the plate looks fine the QR harness weights look fine if you use that sort of thing. All in all, pretty good stab by a company who has no background in DIR (quite the opposite) but is recognizing a growing niche they aren't servicing. Their only fault is adding bits in that don't really need to be there, pressumably to create their own identiy over other brands but apart from the quick inflate blank (so an extra hole in the wing on the right bottom) everything is retro fixable easily enough. Is it cheaper than the recognized DIR stuff availible........or are you just doing some market research for someone?............. Chris B __________________ www.merseydivers.com www.boardmanbikes.com

August 4th, 2006, 01:35 PM	#5 (permalink)
Tricky(Offline) New Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Reading, Berkshire Posts: 555	I believe Apeks are planning on releasing a smaller doubles wing in the near future. __________________ "I know that you believe that you understand what you think I said, but I am not sure you realise that what you heard is not what I meant." "Make me one with everything" said the Mystic to the Hamburger vendor. Sigmastorm RPG - Play online now free! UK Diving Forum Sryth: A Free Online Text RPG Join the Adventure! Fallen Sword: Free online RPG

August 7th, 2006, 01:08 PM	#6 (permalink)
Little Pete(Offline) New Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: UK Posts: 509	I'd also be inclined to get a Halcyon/Agir/Dirzone wing for single and another wing for doubles so I knew it was right for me from the start. __________________ The shortesk pink mask wearing str#ke on DIRx apparently

August 8th, 2006, 04:54 PM	#7 (permalink)
Spectre(Offline) New Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Florida Panhandle Posts: 38	From my experience, some wings work better with some tanks then others. I've tried an Apeks wing with 104s, and, IMHO, there are better options for those tanks; in both the Halcyon and the Agir wings. The Apeks wing is a bit longer, and would be better suited for longer tanks such as HP 120s. I found it difficult to stay in decent trim, and I felt as though there was quite a bit of drag. The two others I let try the wing all had similiar comments [of course we all tried the wing with 104s/130s]. I'm not sure how those tanks compare to the size of tanks you guys have. __________________ -Jeff "This is your life, are you who you want to be?"

August 4th, 2006, 12:19 PM	#3 (permalink)
Joe Hesketh(Offline) New Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: London, UK Posts: 658	Quote: (Originally Posted by Chris B) [...]the blanking cap on the right side bottom for the old quick inflate or whatever. [...] APEK's GET OVER IT AND MOVE ON this is from the Fenze era. [...] a company who has no background in DIR (quite the opposite) I don't disagree with your analysis but are you confusing Apeks with AP Valves...? The other thing seems to be the rather large size - their smallest doubles wing is 60lb! Smacks of a design that tried really hard to make some concessions against the old guard of barrage balloon wings but then chickened out on certain details when it came to the final product... (again only my view) Joe

August 4th, 2006, 12:48 PM	#4 (permalink)
MonkSeal (Online) Old Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Zagreb, Croatia Posts: 479	Quote: (Originally Posted by Joe Hesketh) their smallest doubles wing is 60lb! Definitely too much lift for the average application. I can't imagine why would I need 80lbs of lift. Regarding the price I believe that it's comparable to Halcyon, Agir and others. I would go for a proven wing but that's me.

August 9th, 2006, 01:06 AM	#8 (permalink)
QBU(Offline) New Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Okinawa Posts: 121	The one thing I've seen people run into problems with, is the fact that all advertisements show only the Apeks Deluxe One-Piece Harness (except the Aqualung catalog) and there's actually a WTX Harness that some dive shops (ours unfortunately) carry which is completely different. The WTX Harness has fastec buckles, a non-adjustable harness (it takes close inspection to see it really isn't adjustable), miniature d-rings galore, and a soft pad for the diver's comfort (which is buoyant as heck). The back plate unless being used with a single tank adapter or doubles with standard metal bands is only held in by a fairly lightweight velcro flap (which we've had fall out in the store display). So my point being, if you're looking for a WTX system, make sure to specify the Deluxe One Piece Webbed Harness or you may be extremely upset. Especially if you order one sight unseen or on-line. My boss ordered the WTX harnesses thinking that it was as good as the deluxe harness, just with fastec buckles and now that we've had hands on, we know that we are stuck with 3 very expensive systems that will be difficult to sell. Oh and the waist buckle is monstrous and very "home made" What's the saying? Buyer beware? __________________ "C"

September 23rd, 2006, 01:07 AM	#9 (permalink)
duartesss(Offline) Banned for abusing sales posts Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Portugal Posts: 26	Thanks for you help. I received this from Apeks: "You will pleased to know we are currently waiting for a new 45lb bladder to be delivered and also a redundant 60lb bladder, these should be with us at the beginning of October."

September 23rd, 2006, 07:49 AM	#10 (permalink)
JS1scuba(Offline) New Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Arizona, USA Posts: 82	Quote: (Originally Posted by Tricky) I believe Apeks are planning on releasing a smaller doubles wing in the near future. The 45 LBS wing is finished, and dealers are ordering them this month and will be delivered by October 1st. The wing is well balanced and will work well with the smaller twinsets. Please not that the little plastic pulls on the dump valves are required for CE testing and certification. If you care to take them off then so be it. It has no impact on the performance of the product. Regards, __________________ Joel Silverstein, VP, COO www.techdivinglimited.com a division of Scuba Training and Technology Inc. NAUTILUS DIVE PLANNER CYLINDER SPEC CHART