Reviewed by Nish - Mikes Dive Store
As someone who enjoys diving in a range of conditions—from warm, lazy tropical currents to the cold, demanding waters of deep wreck sites—I need a regulator that can handle anything I throw at it. The Apeks MTX-RC is exactly that: a rugged, dependable, and surprisingly customisable piece of kit that has quickly become my go-to choice for serious dives.
First Impressions: Built Like a Tank, Yet Surprisingly Sleek
Straight out of the box, the MTX-RC feels like it means business. It has that signature Apeks over-engineering, with a first stage that looks like it could survive an underwater battle. It’s built for extreme environments, featuring a military-grade look and a fully environmentally sealed first stage, which means no ice build-up in cold water and no gunk getting inside in murky conditions.
But what surprised me is how refined the second stage feels in contrast to its rugged exterior. Unlike the MTX-R, which was all about set-it-and-forget-it performance, the MTX-RC gives you full control over your breathing effort.
In the Water: A Breathing Experience Tailored to You
Diving with the MTX-RC is like having two regulators in one. When I’m doing deep dives in cold water or working in challenging conditions, I tighten up the cracking resistance so the reg won’t free-flow if I turn my head quickly. But if I’m drifting effortlessly in warm water, I can dial it down for the easiest, smoothest breath imaginable.
Breathing Performance:
Even at depth, I get a steady, effortless airflow. I’ve taken this reg below 40m in cold water, and it still breathes smoothly, without any hint of strain. The venturi lever is a nice touch too—helpful when I’m on the surface or scootering to prevent unnecessary free-flow.
Comfort & Mouthpiece:
Apeks always does a great job with ergonomics. The mouthpiece feels natural, and the second stage isn't overly heavy in my mouth, even on long dives. Hose routing is easy thanks to the swivel turret, which means I can set up my rig exactly how I want it, whether diving back mount, side mount, or even twinsets.
Cold Water & Tech Diving: Can It Handle Extreme Conditions?
Absolutely. This regulator was originally developed for military and extreme cold-water use, so it’s no surprise that it performs exceptionally well in freezing conditions. I’ve used it in water temps below 5°C, and not once did I feel it struggling. The heat exchanger around the second stage does a great job of preventing freezing issues, something I can’t say for all regulators I’ve used in the past.
Final Thoughts: Who Is This Reg For?
If you want a regulator that is:
✔ Built like a tank but breathes like a dream
✔ Capable of handling any dive environment, from recreational to technical diving
✔ Adjustable to your exact breathing preference
✔ Trustworthy in extreme cold, deep, and challenging conditions
Then the MTX-RC is an excellent choice.
It’s got the bulletproof reliability of the MTX-R but with added breathing adjustments for more control. Personally, I love that flexibility—I get the best of both worlds without sacrificing performance.
Would I recommend it? Without hesitation. If you need a reg that will keep up with you, no matter where you dive, this is it.
Available at Mikes Dive Store – Get yours today and experience the Apeks MTX-RC for yourself!
