Apeks have just launched their new regulator, the MTX-RC onto the market place. Here’s all the info about this exciting new product:
The Name
Apeks’ MTX range is born from a military brief to create a regulator that wouldn’t free flow and could pass the incredibly stringent NEDU regulator test. MTX stands for ‘Military eXtreme Technical’. The first regulator in the range was the MTX-R (‘R’ standing for recreational) which was launched as a hardcore cold-water regulator for serious divers. The new MTX-RC range still retains that cold-water performance but now has a control allowing the breathe to be adjusted so that the reg is now suitable for anything from the deepest, coldest water all the way to the house reef at a Maldives resort.
The Looks
The original MTX-R is quite a striking looking reg with a white second stage and bold graphics on the faceplate. The MTX-RC is more subtle, the graphics have been removed and the white is now a very stylish looking gunmetal grey. The satin finish on the first stage and the metal detailing of the second looks great too.
The First stage
The MTX-RC first stage is the same as the original MTX-R but with the dark grey detailing as per the second stage. The over-moulded end cap prevents ice building up over the hydrostatic diaphragm (very techie sounding stuff but actually a simple way to reduce the chance of free-flow). There are four medium pressure ports on a swivel turret with a fifth MP port at the bottom of the reg protected by a bump cap. The swivel helps with hose routing and along with the fifth port make the reg ideal for other applications like sidemount and twinset. There are two high pressure ports that are also angled so that the hoses come off in a very streamlined way. Overall it’s quite big but it’s the size and the finning across the body that all enable the regulator to perform in such extreme environments.
The Second Stage
The MTX-RC second stage has a recessed purge button as well as the new control. The knob on the control is large and textured so it’s easy to use even when using thick gloves. When the control is dialled all the way in and the venturi switch is in place the regulator effectively has the same performance and cold water rating as the standard MTX-R, however when it’s dialled all the way out the regulator is as smooth and easy to breathe from as any of the other well regarded regulators in the Apeks range. There are also double swivels on the regulator hose at each end all of which help with routing and jaw fatigue.
Who’s it aimed at?
This is Apeks’ premium regulator with the tagline ‘Go warm, go cold, go deep, go anywhere’ which pretty much sums it up. If you have the budget then this is the last regulator you’ll ever need to buy. Any passionate diver who wants a reg that will go with them wherever their diving takes them will never regret purchasing this product.
As always if you have any questions about the MTX-RC regulator then don’t hesitate to contact the shop and our expert, friendly staff will be happy to assist!
